ASTON Martin Valhalla concept car has been brought to production reality as an extraordinary, truly driver- focused mid-engined hybrid supercar.
It is the latest and most significant product of the brand’s Project Horizon strategy to-date; a car which will broaden the model portfolio to reflect Aston Martin’s presence in Formula One, set best-in-class standards for performance, dynamics and driving pleasure and drive the transition from internal combustion to hybrid to full electric powertrains.
Built with chassis, aerodynamic and electronics expertise forged in Formula One and a cutting-edge hybrid powertrain technology at its heart, Valhalla is a formidable technological showcase.
The mid-engined, 941hp petrol/battery electric supercar has is powered by an all-new PHEV powertrain, which features three motors; foremost of these is a rear-mid-mounted 4.0 litre twin-turbo bespoke V8 engine.
The most advanced, responsive and highest performing V8 engine ever fitted to an Aston Martin, it features a flat-plane crankshaft for increased responsiveness. Revving to 7,200rpm and developing 740hp, it sends drive exclusively to the rear axle. Exhaling through a lightweight exhaust system with active flaps for an adjustable and authentic Aston Martin sound character it also features top-exit tailpipes to maximise visual and aural drama.
Supplementing the new V8 engine is a 150kW/400V battery hybrid system utilising a pair of E- Motors; one mounted on the front axle and the other on the rear axle. The electric system contributes a further 201hp for a headline combined power output of 941hp.
When driven in EV mode battery power is directed exclusively to the front axle. In other driving modes battery power is split between front and rear axles, the percentage sent to each axle constantly varies according to driving demands. In certain situations, 100% of battery power can be sent to the rear axle, supplementing the full force of the ICE V8 for maximum performance.
Completing the powertrain is an all-new paddle-shifted eight-speed dual-clutched transmission (DCT) exclusively designed and built for Aston Martin.
Featuring e-reverse (which utilises the PHEV’s electric motors and thereby saves weight by negating the need for a conventional reverse gear) the transmission also features an electronic limited-slip differential on the rear axle for maximum traction and handling agility.
Electrical power is also used to enhance low speed control and response as well as provide reversing capability. And, thanks to the instantaneous torque from the E-Motors, the hybrid system augments the V8 engine to deliver sensational standing start acceleration and in-gear response.
Outright performance is further aided by the E-Motor and V8 ICE being able to run different gears in the DCT simultaneously, which enables a maximum torque delivery of 1,000Nm.
Running in EV-only mode, Valhalla will be capable of a maximum 130km/h and has a zero- emission range of 15km. Unleashing all 941hp the Valhalla will reach a top speed of 330km/h and will complete the sprint from 0-62mph in just 2.5 seconds. In terms of outright track capability, a stunning 6:30 Nurburgring Nordschleife lap time is being targeted.
The carbon fibre-tubbed supercar runs on bespoke Michelin tyres (20in front, 21in rear) developed specifically for it and is stopped by high performance carbon ceramic matrix brakes (complete with brake-by-wire technology).
With a target dry weight of less than 1,550kg Valhalla will have an unrivalled power-to-weight ratio compared to its class rivals. Weight of a different kind – generated by aerodynamic downforce – also plays its part in Valhalla’s unmatched dynamic capabilities.
Benefitting from a flow-down of the Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar’s Formula One inspired aerodynamic philosophy, Valhalla employs a combination of active aerodynamic surfaces – specifically the front surfaces and rear wing – and masterful management of underbody airflow through dramatic venturi tunnels.
At 240km/h, the Valhalla’s meticulously sculpted aerodynamic surfaces generate an impressive 600kg of downforce, enough for mighty high-speed cornering ability and unshakable stability.
The pursuit of downforce demands uncompromising functionality, but expertly working the airflow beneath the car has left Aston Martin’s design team with a clean upper body surface with which they have created a memorable mid-engined shape that is original yet unmistakably Aston Martin.
Uncorrupted by the need for aggressive wings that jut into the airstream, the Valhalla’s predominantly carbon fibre body blends function and beauty in a manner that befits a new generation of mid-engined supercar.
Spectacular forward-hinged dihedral doors bring drama to the beginning and end of every journey, while cut-outs in the roof ease ingress and egress.
A distinctive roof scoop feeds air directly into the V8 engine’s intakes, with additional side and rear intakes and vents integrated smoothly into the overall body design.
Valhalla, the luxury brands first series production mid-engined supercar will be available in both left- hand and right-hand drive, expanding its appeal across international markets.
Cockpit room has been increased compared to the Aston Martin Valkyrie, though many Formula One inspired hallmarks remain, such as a pared back cockpit design with clear, simple ergonomics unashamedly focussed around the driver.
An innovative new Aston Martin HMI system features a central touchscreen display and incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Adjustable pedals and steering column enable the seat bases to be fixed to the chassis structure. The footwells are also raised for a low hip-to-heel seating position redolent of a Formula One car.
Full LED Matrix headlights with adaptive functionality and high-beam assist deliver excellent forward vision in the dark, and Dual Zone Air Conditioning provides high level of occupant comfort.
In order to comply with the latest regulatory requirements, Valhalla also incorporates the latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. These include Auto Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Active Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear View Parking Camera (with Surround View option).
