autoevolution
 

Aston Marin Project Neptune Submersible is the Valkyrie for the Ocean

Back in the early 1990s, Rockne S. O'Bannon and NBC turned the world upside down with their seaQuest DSV. In a world filled with written and filmed fiction about outer worlds, space empires, and cyborgs, seeing the wonders that could lie beneath the waters of our planet was like a breath of fresh, salty air.
Aston Martin Project Neptune 4 photos
Photo: Aston Martin
Aston Martin Project NeptuneAston Martin Project NeptuneAston Martin Project Neptune
But whereas most us could imagine how humanity would conquer space for tourism, very few dared to dream or hope that the oceans would be equally as attractive for motorized sightseeing. Even now, most tech-companies find it easier to go up into the sky than down into the water.

With only about five percent of the world’s oceans properly explored, the world badly needs ways to see for itself what NBC showed it under the guidance of captain Nathan Bridger. Unfortunately, this realm is still out of reach for the average and even above-average Joes, due to the high cost of owning and operating a personal submersible.

Project Neptune, designed by carmaker Aston Martin and luxury submersible builder Triton is no exception from the rule.

Usually, Triton calls itself a company that builds submersibles for superyacht owners, researchers, and explorers. It does a decent job at it, but a quick look at its website shows only machines designed in utilitarian ways.

Having a company that specializes in sculpting fine lines on machines work on the new submersible makes all the difference in the world.

Aston Martin says it did its magic on the submersible the same way it worked on the Valkyrie. Only that this time the emphasis was placed on hydrodynamics, especially on the underside.

The interior received special attention too, and it looks a whole lot different than the wide variety of subs on display on Triton’s website.

Built as an ultra-luxurious means of transportation for the rich in search of new thrills, the Neptune will be able to dive to depths of 500 meters (1,640 feet) while carrying two passengers and a pilot. The anticipated sprint speed of the sub is rated at over 5 knots, making it four times niftier than the top of the range model currently in the lineup.

Aston Martin says production of the first sub already began, with the machine to be presented in full later this year. Project Neptune is classified as a strictly-limited edition, with no price tag visible yet.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Daniel Patrascu
Daniel Patrascu profile photo

Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories