Aston Martin are in the midst of a revival at the moment. They have a full-electric four-door RapideE along with the DBX SUV in the works for 2019, and they've just launched the all-new V8-powered Vantage.
Yet arguably the most interesting vehicle Aston Martin is working on isn't fit for the road, it's built to explore the seven seas, and now the British-based company has announced it's ready for action.
Dubbed Project Neptune, Aston Martin has collaborated with Miami-based Triton Submarines to build a luxurious under water craft. The design phase is now over and production has commenced ahead of the sub's public unveiling later this year.
Since announcing the collaboration in 2017, Aston Martin and Triton have worked to refine the design of the submersible’s hydrodynamics, body styling and luxurious interior packaging.
For a vehicle to wear Aston Martin's iconic wings, Project Neptune had to be equipped with all the performance and beauty we've come to expect from the British marque. Triton ensured the submersible was safe, reliable and offer its passengers near 360º visibility. And it appears all those boxes have now been ticked.
The craft can dive to a depth of 500 metres and carry two passengers and a pilot. Improved the hydrodynamic efficiency, reducing frontal area, and increasing the power over previos Triton subs means Project Trioton can top 5 knots. That equates to around 9km/h, and despite sounding far too slow for any Aston-badged vehicle, Project Neptune can accelerate four times faster than Triton's flagship model.
Project Neptune will be available in 'Three Designer Specifications' created by Aston Martin’s in-house design team, with further customisation options available from Aston Martin’s bespoke service, Q by Aston Martin.
Marek Reichman, Aston Martin EVP and Chief Creative Officer commented: “The exterior design of Project Neptune owes a lot to the pursuit of performance. As with the Aston Martin Valkyrie, the hyper-car we are developing with Red Bull Advanced Technologies, we have afforded as much attention to the hydrodynamics of the underside as we have the visible surfaces. Some of that detail may never be seen, but its effect will certainly be felt.
“Project Neptune’s interior was a great challenge. Unlike a sports car where the interiors are installed into an open-sided cabin before the doors are fitted, everything you see inside will be lowered through the upper-hatch and assembled within the completed sphere of the pressure hull. We have been able to present a congruous aesthetic that defies its multi-part complex installation.”
John Ramsay, Chief Technical Officer at Triton Submarines, commented: “The work we have done together on the exterior of the submersible pleases me most. I’m particularly proud of our joint development of the acrylic canopy and iridium coating. The prototypes look incredible, being simultaneously functional and beautiful.
John added: “The interior is quintessentially Aston Martin – a luxurious mix of hand-stitched leather and high-performance carbon fibre, assembled without obstructing the panoramic sight-lines that Triton submersibles are famous for.”
There's no word on price yet, but those wanting their own Aston sub can secure one through their local Aston Martin dealer.
