The anticipation has reached fever pitch, as the Aston Martin Valhalla finally revs its engines for launch, nearly five years after the initial concept was unveiled in 2019. Fresh images from its nail-biting tests at the Nurburgring reveal the latest styling enhancements previously spotted at Silverstone. Aston Martin has set its sights on a blistering Nurburgring lap time of approximately 6 minutes and 30 seconds, with the goal of surpassing the record held by the Mercedes-AMG One. This ambitious target would represent a monumental achievement for the legendary brand, marking the Valhalla as their very first series-production mid-engine road car in an impressive 108-year legacy. Production is slated to kick off in 2024, with an exclusive run of just 999 models. The prototype boasts an even more aggressive aerodynamic profile and cutting-edge technology derived from insights gained from Aston Martin’s F1 team. Among the standout modifications are a reshaped lip spoiler, a reimagined grille and headlights that draw inspiration from the iconic Aston Martin DBS. Furthermore, the wing mirrors have been artfully repositioned to enhance aerodynamic efficiency.
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Visual drama comes from the Valhalla’s striking vent positioned behind the front wheel. The side skirts undergo a sleeker refinement, along with a newly redesigned lower vent positioned ahead of the rear wheels. A subtle indentation in the roof cleverly directs air toward the overhead intake. While the latest prototype features lightweight plastic side windows with racecar-inspired sliders, the production vehicles are expected to incorporate high-tech electric windows. Aston Martin originally looked at utilizing underbody airflow for aerodynamic grip but has now opted for a robust diffuser coupled with a sizable rear spoiler. Expect to see active aerodynamics at play, including a movable rear spoiler, a detail showcased in these fresh images. At the rear, an intriguing exhaust configuration catches the eye, featuring top-exit and diffuser-mounted tips. Which exhaust layout will make the final cut remains to be seen. The Valhalla is heralding Aston Martin's transition from traditional internal combustion to hybrid power and eventually full electrification. The vehicle's V6 engine has evolved into a bespoke 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 equipped with a flat-plane crankshaft and capable of exhilarating 7,200rpm, drawing inspiration from the mighty Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series.
But the excitement doesn’t end there. The Valhalla is armed with two electric motors—one positioned on the front axle and another on the rear. Initially, it was promised that the hybrid system would yield a staggering output of 937bhp, but Aston Martin has kicked things up a notch, pushing it to an astonishing 1,003bhp, outclassing the 805bhp offered by the new plug-in hybrid Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance. This powerhouse is paired with an innovative eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, a first for Aston Martin, channeling power to the rear wheels via an electronically controlled limited-slip differential.
Excitingly, the Valhalla's rear electric motor and V8 can work independently within the transmission, summoning an impressive torque output of 1,000Nm as claimed by the marque. With the Valhalla's sophisticated four-wheel-drive system ensuring enhanced traction, this supercar catapults from 0-100 km/h in a dizzying 2.5 seconds and rockets to a top speed of 350 km/h.
When powered solely by electricity, the Valhalla utilizes its front electric motor, achieving a top speed of 129 km/h and an electric-only range of roughly 14.5 kilometers. Moreover, an e-reverse gear feature conserves weight in the transmission, allowing the car to reverse using electric power.
In various driving modes, the 400V electrical system in the Aston Martin Valhalla intelligently manages power distribution between the electric drive units according to driving conditions. Under certain conditions, up to 100 percent of electrical power can focus on the rear-mounted motor. While specific details about the battery used in the hybrid system remain under wraps, a smaller battery is likely to keep curb weight down. The Valhalla’s advanced carbon fiber chassis is designed for maximum rigidity while aiming for a target dry weight of under 1,550kg.
Aston Martin insists that the Valhalla has extensively benefited from the expertise of its Formula One team, although the full extent of their contributions remains a mystery. The Valhalla will showcase F1-inspired double wishbone pushrod suspension at the front with inboard springs and dampers, complemented by a multi-link arrangement at the rear. The sophisticated suspension system features “Multimatic Variable Spring Rates and Adaptive Spool Valve Damper units,” empowering it to balance ride comfort with high-octane performance on both road and track.
Also present are electrically assisted power steering and Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes featuring cutting-edge brake-by-wire technology akin to that of F1 vehicles. The striking supercar rolls on 20-inch alloy wheels at the front and impressive 21-inch wheels at the rear, equipped with customized Michelin tires. For those seeking maximum track performance, the chassis is equipped with a Track mode that tightens the dampers and dramatically reduces ride height, optimizing downforce and grip.
As the Valhalla zooms down the track, it generates a breathtaking 600kg of downforce at speeds of 242 km/h, showcasing active aerodynamic features inspired by the Valkyrie hypercar, complete with adjustable front surfaces and a deployable rear wing. The V8 engine breathes through an airbox fed by an ingeniously positioned central roof scoop located between the dihedral doors’ hinges.
Marek Reichman, Aston Martin's Chief Creative Officer, emphasizes that while the Valhalla stays true to the design heritage of the Valkyrie, it has dynamically evolved for the production phase. The Valhalla’s interior promises more spacious comfort than the race-oriented Valkyrie, although imagery of the cabin remains under wraps.
Inside the driver-focused cockpit of the Valhalla, expect a sleek new central touchscreen boasting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The seats will be fixed, but the wheels and pedals will cleverly adjust, ensuring every driver can find their ideal position. The footwells will be raised higher than traditional designs, reminiscent of the Valkyrie and F1 cars, to enhance aerodynamic efficiency.
Standard features in the Valhalla include adaptive matrix LED headlights and dual-zone air conditioning, alongside an array of driver assistance technologies, such as autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, active cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and an optional around-view rear camera system. Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll remarked on the Valhalla's launch in 2021, indicating that it represents a pivotal moment for Aston Martin as their first series-production mid-engine supercar. He underlined the brand’s unwavering commitment to delivering extraordinary mid-engine, driver-focused automobiles, noting the importance of debuting the Valhalla at the home of the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team during the British Grand Prix.
Pricing details for the Valhalla remain a mystery, but its remarkable performance places it squarely in competition with high-caliber hypercars like the 1,001bhp Lamborghini Revuelto plug-in hybrid. Buckle in, as the Valhalla is poised to redefine the supercar landscape.
