Aston Martin's new Valhalla supercar is a radical, mid-engined Ferrari SF90 Stradale rival with a hybridised V8, concept car looks and a chassis set-up inspired by Formula 1 cars.
As the Gaydon company's first plug-in hybrid model, the Valhalla "heralds a new definition of Aston Martin", according to the firm. It also forms an integral part of his bold 'Project Horizon' transformation plan for the brand. Under the plan, Aston will launch "more than 10 cars" by 2024, including the Valhalla, the closely related but less potent Vanquish supercar and the ultra-exclusive V12-engined Valkyrie hypercar.
One of the biggest influences in the Valhalla’s two-year transformation from the RB-003 Geneva concept to production has been Aston’s new factory-backed F1 team, learnings from which are said to have informed almost every aspect of the car.
Notably, the Valhalla – unlike the 2019 concept – is not powered by a bespoke, Aston Martin-developed V6 as was originally planned. Instead, the Valhalla follows Aston's Aston Martin Vantage and Aston Martin DB11 coupés in adopting a powertrain supplied by technical partner Mercedes-Benz; more specifically, the AMG performance division's twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, which revs to 7200rpm and drives the rear axle through an all-new bespoke eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, which will also be used on other future Aston Martin models.
Like AMG's new GT Black Series, the Valhalla's V8 features a flat-plane crank and is said to be "the most advanced, responsive and highest-performing V8 engine ever fitted to an Aston Martin". It also breathes through a lightweight exhaust system that exits through the top of the rear deck and contains adjustable flaps that give "an authentic Aston Martin sound character".
Where the Valhalla most obviously differs, technically, from Aston's current crop of sports cars is in the adoption of a pair of electric motors, one on the rear axle just behind the mid-mounted V8 and another at the front - combining to produce 201bhp and endowing the Valhalla with more than 1000bhp - making it well placed to take on the similarly conceived Ferrari SF90 Stradale, its closest rival. Aston reckons this is sufficient for a 0-62mph time of 2.5sec, a top speed of 217mph and, crucially, a targeted record-breaking Nürburgring lap time of 6min 30sec.
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That they have to say it will have "an authentic Aston Martin sound character" says it all. Because it doesn't have an Aston Martin engine. An Aston Martin MUST imo have an Aston Martin engine. This has a Mercedes engine, and that's beyond shameful, no matter how good the engine is. Does the SF90, or ANY Ferrari, have someone else's bought-in engine? OF COURSE NOT. The absurdity of such a notion is obvious. It's just as absurd for Aston Martin.
Did you say that when the DB9's engine was made in a factory in Germany, I wonder.
When motors are electric in a few years nobody will care who makes them. AM is ahead of the curve this time.
Am I the only one who thinks that from the front it looks (in an evolutionary sense) like the Tesla Model 3's ancient ancestor that first emerged from the water?