Aston Martin, the century-old auto manufacturer that has long been a favorite of James Bond collaborated with Triton Submarines LLC, the acclaimed manufacturer of state–of-the-art submersibles on the project called Neptune.
Currently, the project is still in its conceptual stage, but the most current design looks like some kind of amazing cross between a spaceship and a catamaran. The platform is based on Triton’s 1650/3 LP (low-profile) sub, but Aston Martin says it will be a “strictly-limited edition vehicle.” The 1650/3 LP three-place vehicle is described as a “super-yacht” sub, which is apparently all the rage among the ultra-wealthy.
Project Neptun marries Triton’s diving and operational expertise with Aston Martin’s design, materials, and craftsmanship. Overseen by Aston Martin Consulting, the partnership has shaped a unique concept that will lead to an exclusive, strictly-limited edition vehicle.
Aston Martin Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman and his team have transformed Triton’s compact LP platform, creating a vehicle with inherently beautiful proportions. ‘Project Neptune is defined by its sleek, elegant exterior,’ says Reichman, ‘we have used forms and proportions that express the same devotion to design, engineering and beauty that shape our cars, such as the Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar project.’
Patrick Lahey, President of Triton Submarines LLC said: “We have always admired Aston Martin. The marque represents a deeply held passion for technology, engineering and timeless, elegant design. From our first interaction, it was apparent that Triton and Aston Martin were natural partners and our complimentary values will be realised in this truly exciting project.”
The marketing images show supermodels using the remote arm to grasp an underwater bottle of champagne. The price for that model starts at a cool $3,3 million, but expect a massive mark-up from Aston Martin for what is, admittedly, a much cooler design.