Aston Martin Valhalla revealed

More than two years after being shown as a concept that was identified only by its AM-RB 003 codename, the Aston Martin Valhalla hypercar has been revealed in full production guise on the eve of the British Formula 1 Grand Prix and ahead of first deliveries expected later in 2022.

As we’ve reported, the ‘Son of Valkyrie’ hypercar has been toned down since that opening concept, not only in its design but its all-important powertrain, which under new Aston CEO (and former Mercedes-AMG boss) Tobias Moers saw the previous in-house-developed TM01 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 hybrid scrapped at the last minute for an AMG-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid electric unit dubbed P3.

At first glance, the 2022 Aston Martin Valhalla still looks glorious, and its PHEV powertrain, which combines the rear-mid-mounted ‘M177’ biturbo bent-eight with twin electric motors for a combined output of 699kW, packs a massive punch.

Maximum torque is 1000Nm.

According to Aston, the Valhalla not only reflects the British sports-luxury car-maker’s presence in Formula 1 but will set “best-in-class standards for performance, dynamics and driving pleasure, and drive the transition from internal combustion to hybrid to full-electric powertrains” under its Project Horizon strategy.

Revving to 7200rpm, the V8 produces 552kW (750PS) and sends drive to the rear axle, while a pair of electric motors – one mounted at the front axle and the other at the rear – contributes a further 150kW (204PS) for the combined 699kW (950PS).

In pure-EV mode – which is available up to 130km/h for a maximum range of 15km – power is sent directly to the front wheels, while in other driving modes the battery power is split between the front and rear axles.

Aston says that in certain situations 100 per cent of battery power can be sent to the rear axle, “supplementing the full force of the ICE V8 for maximum performance”.

The transmission is an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox controlled by paddle shifts and including e-reverse (which removes the need for a conventional reverse gear) and an electronic limited-slip diff on the rear axle.

The benchmark performance figures are impressive, to say the least. Tipping the scales at 1550kg (dry), the Valhalla can devour the 0-100km/h sprint in a claimed 2.5 seconds, on its way to a 330km/h top speed.

Aston is also gunning for a sub-6:30 lap of the Nurburgring, which would make the Valhalla quicker around the 20.8km northern loop than the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series and Lamborghini Aventador SVJ.

CO2 emissions are expected to be less than 200g/km.

The Valhalla is built around a new carbon-fibre monocoque and the suspension comprises an F1-style push rod design up front (with in-board mounted springs and dampers to reduce unsprung mass) and a multi-link configuration at the rear.

It also has ‘multimatic’ variable spring rate and adaptive spool valve (ASV) damper units that allow the driver to make adjustments, whether on road or track.

Speaking of which, there’s a Track mode that sees ride height “dramatically reduced in order to maximise downforce”, though by how much isn’t specified. A front axle lift system also raises the nose to avoid unwanted scrapes on driveways and the like.

Stopping power comes from high-performance Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes (with brake-by-wire tech), while the Valhalla rides on staggered 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels, wrapped in sticky Michelin rubber.

As you’d expect, Aston engineers have ensured “mighty high-speed cornering ability and unshakeable stability” thanks to a range of active aero features that are said to generate 600kg of downforce at speeds of 150mph (241km/h). 

The British marque says the Valhalla, which will be built in both left- and right-hand drive, has just one sole focus: to immerse the driver in a new kind of supercar driving experience, without “engineering them out of the loop”.

Other features on the hypercar include adaptive Matrix LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, a central touch-screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, lightweight exhaust system with active flaps, adjustable pedals and steering column, and a “pared-back” cockpit that’s said to offer more cabin space than the Valkyrie.

The seating position will be more like an F1 race car too, thanks to raised footwells that bring a “low hip-to-heel” seating position.

As for safety, driver assist tech on board the Valhalla include autonomous emergency braking (AEB), forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera.

Despite personally “redefining” the Valhalla when he joined Aston Martin a year ago, Moers insisted today that the new hypercar remains true to its original intent.

“Preserving the essence of an exceptional concept car is vital when meeting the challenge of bringing it into production,” he said.

“With Valhalla not only have we stayed true to our commitment to build a world-beating supercar, but we have exceeded our original aims,” he said.

“The result is a pure driving machine – one which exists right at the cutting edge of performance and technology yet allows the driver to feel the emotion and thrill of complete connection and control.”  

Aston Martin design chief Marek Reichman also explained some of the shifts made from concept to production.

“When we created the Valhalla concept we were keen to emphasise the design legacy of the Aston Martin Valkyrie and that intent remains unchanged, but the execution has evolved considerably in order to reach production of this all-new car,” he said.

“Though the legacy of Valkyrie is clear, 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 1 together with the beautiful form, striking proportions and exemplary detailing for which Aston Martin is renowned.”

Aston’s executive chairman Lawrence Stroll, who has been a key figure in both financial and redevelopment terms, added: “Aston Martin’s first series-production mid-engined supercar, Valhalla is a truly transformational moment for this ultra-luxury brand.

“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 line-up.

“It also seemed fitting to unveil this stunning track-biased supercar at the home of motorsport and the home of the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team and mark’s Aston Martin’s return to the British Grand Prix for the first time in over 60 years, a true milestone.”

Aston says several famous names will be on hand to help further develop the Valhalla hypercar’s dynamics, including Sebastian Vettel, Nico Hulkenburg and Lance Stroll.