Aston Martin has revealed the Valhalla and it looks glorious. This mid-engine supercar is the latest and most important product from the brand’s Project Horizon strategy, which aims to double down on performance and start its transition to hybrid and battery-electric propulsion. The Aston Martin Valhalla promises to be a driver’s car and has been built using experience from Formula One racing while focusing on driving enjoyment and driver engagement as the key pillars of development.
“Aston Martin’s first series production mid-engine supercar, Valhalla, is a truly transformational moment for this ultraluxury brand,” said Lawrence Stroll, executive chairman at Aston Martin. “The launch of the Valhalla demonstrates Aston Martin’s commitment to building a range of exceptional mid-engine driver-focused cars, a crucial next stage in the expansion of our product lineup. The Aston Martin Valhalla is also the first vehicle launched under the leadership of former Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Moers, who is now CEO of Aston Martin.
The Valhalla represents the future for the Aston Martin brand because it promises exceptional driving dynamics in an electrified package. Power comes from a bespoke 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 coupled to a 150-kW/400-volt hybrid system, an electric motor in each axle, and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission specifically developed for use in hybrid powertrains. The result is 950 hp and 737 lb-ft combined, and a top speed of 217 mph. Aston Martin says it is targeting a 6:30 lap time at the Nürburgring Nordschleife with the Valhalla. An electronically-controlled limited-slip differential on the rear axle maximizes traction and handling. In EV mode, the Valhalla can travel up to 15 km or around 9 miles on a charge at speeds of up to 80 mph. The electric motor and V8 engine can also operate in different gears simultaneously. If you put the car in reverse, it will run strictly on the electric motors.
Underpinning the Valhalla is a new carbon fiber tub for maximum stiffness while keeping weight down. The pushrod style front suspension features inboard-mounted springs and dampers to reduce unsprung mass. The rear end uses Multimatic Variable Spring rate and Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) dampers to provide adjustable ride frequency for superior performance on and off the track. Track mode drops the ride height significantly to maximize downforce while a front axle lift system raises the nose to clear oddly angled driveways and roads. Carbon-ceramic brakes are standard as are Valhalla-specific Michelin performance tires on 20-inch front and 21-inch rear alloy wheels. Aston Martin is targeting a dry weight of 1,550 kg or 3,417 pounds for the Valhalla.
Aston Martin worked hard on aerodynamics to maximize downforce on the Valhalla. At 150 mph, it produces 600 kg or 1,322 pounds of downforce for optimum handling and stability. This was achieved by making sure air flows smoothly around the car without resulting in the use of massive wings and spoilers. A roof scoop plus side and rear intakes and vents integrated smoothly into the body feed air directly into the engine.
“When we created the Valhalla concept, we were keen to emphasize the design legacy of the Aston Martin Valkyrie and that intent remains unchanged, but the execution has evolved considerably to reach production of this all-new car,” said Marek Reichman, chief creative officer at Aston Martin. “Through the legacy of the Valkyrie, Valhalla is now a more mature, fully resolved piece of design. One which combines the pure aerodynamic function you would expect from a marque competing in Formula One together with the beautiful form, striking proportions, and exemplary detail for which Aston Martin is renowned.”
The Valhalla will be the first series-production mid-engine Aston Martin supercar that will be available in both left- and right-hand drive configurations across international markets. Versus the Valkyrie, interior space has increased while retaining the minimalist, driver-focused design. A new infotainment system with a touch screen will be standard along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Additional standard features include adaptive full LED Matrix headlights, automatic high beams, dual-zone climate control, and a full suite of driver assistance features.
Development of the Aston Martin Valhalla will be done by the brand’s dynamics team and supported by talent from the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One team. That includes drivers Sebastian Vettel, Lance Stroll, and Nico Hulkenburg who will give their feedback to the development team and create a link to Aston Martin’s racing heritage.
