Few luxury automakers have had as tempestuous a history as Aston Martin, which has seemingly been at death’s door financially more than once, yet somehow pulls through and continues its legacy of exclusive high-performance automobiles. After last year’s restructuring that saw Dr Andy Palmer replaced as CEO by Mercedes-AMG’s Tobias Moers, the marque has been quick to get the word out on latest developments with its model line, particularly testing of the Valkyrie hypercar, which ran in public for the first time at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Drafting off that success, Aston Martin has announced today that another of its collaborations with Red Bull Racing is ready for production, a car whose name fittingly denotes rebirth and reward in Norse mythology, the Valhalla. No longer solely a concept car, the 937 hp hybrid will sit just below the Valkyrie in flagship status, presenting a more approachable version of its 1,160 hp sibling.
“Aston Martin’s first series production mid-engined supercar, Valhalla is a truly transformational moment for this ultra-luxury brand,” mentioned Aston Martin’s executive chairman Lawrence Stroll in the official statement, adding that “the launch of Valhalla demonstrates Aston Martin’s commitment to building a range of exceptional mid-engined driver-focused cars, a crucial next stage in the expansion of our product lineup.”
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With Moers now at the helm, and input from Mercedes, Aston Martin notes that the production version of the Valhalla has been substantially modified and fine-tuned compared to the original concept. Unlike the hybrid Valkyrie, which incorporates a naturally aspirated Cosworth 6.5-litre V-12 for its internal combustion engine (ICE), the rear-wheel-drive Valhalla relies on a 740 hp, 4.0-litre twin-turbo V-8 with a flat-plane crankshaft to bolster response. In fact, the marque claims the engine is the “most advanced” V-8 it’s ever put in one of its vehicles. And the dual exhaust ports that exit toward the top of the car underlie the uniqueness of the ICE portion of the power train.
Working in concert with the custom-made power plant, which is serviced by a roof scoop and several intakes along the body for induction, are two electric motors—located at the front and rear axle—that are responsible for another 201 hp. The PHEV system also comprises a 150 kW/400 v battery which allows for a range of nine miles and a top speed of 80 mph using electricity alone.
Managing the total output, including 738 ft lbs of torque, is a new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission which relies on the e-motors for engaging reverse, and integrates an electronic limited-slip differential on the rear axle for more nimble behavior. The Valhalla’s athletic prowess is also aided by electric-power-assisted steering and Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes that precisely translate driver input to the Michelin tires developed specifically for the car.
Targeted performance specs include the ability to jump from zero to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds and reach 217 mph, all facilitated by the car’s carbon-fibre-tub construction, which will contribute to a dry weight goal that’s under 3,417 pounds. In addition, the Valhalla is on track to be one of the most efficient airfoils ever to come from the automaker. Active aero considerations, including venturi tunnels underneath and a rear wing, will purportedly combine for a staggering 1,322 pounds of downforce at 150 mph.
With first deliveries expected in 2023, the dihedral-doored Valhalla is planned to also include a suite of driver assists such as active cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning and parking cameras. But it’s still a race car at heart, and is referred to by Tobias Moers in the announcement as “a pure driving machine—one which exists at the cutting-edge of performance and technology yet allows the driver to feel the emotion and thrill of complete connection and control.”
Prepared to back up those words, Moers and his team have their sights set on the model completing a lap at Germany’s famed Nürburgring circuit in less than 6 minutes 30 seconds. Considering the current production-car lap record there is 6 minutes 43.3 seconds, achieving that goal may be just as mythical as the Valhalla’s namesake itself.
The Valhalla is estimated at £600,000, excluding taxes. Only five units are allocated for Malaysia.
Previously published on Robb Report.
