GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Aston Valkyrie AMR Pro matches F1 cars for speed

Aston Martin's forthcoming track-focused Valkyrie AMR Pro is so fast it is capable of matching the pace of a mid-field Formula 1, says the British car-maker's CEO, Andy Palmer.

According to Palmer, the Valkyrie AMR Pro, co-developed with Red Bull Racing's Adrian Newey, will offer levels of performance that by far surpasses all its rivals and, when it's launched, will be the fastest car ever around a race circuit.

The Valkyrie AMR Pro is so quick, says Aston's boss, that it is having to recruit its Le Mans-winning drivers to help develop it, as normal drivers would struggle to scratch the surface of its abilities.

Key to its track performance is its wider bodywork, much larger front wing and complex rear wing elements as well as revised active aero.

Thanks to the updated high-downforce kit, the AMR Pro aero package ensures the Valykrie can produce more than its own weigh in downforce and corner at an incredible 3G – far beyond that of any homologated road car.

To reach the sub-1000kg kerb weight, the AMR Pro is built using an even lighter version of the carbon-fibre reinforced plastics from the road-going Valkyrie, as well as lighter bodywork. Both the heater and infotainment system have been junked, and polycarbonate front screen and windows replace the road car's glass glazing.

Finally, the suspension wishbones are made out of carbon-fibre, a pair of ultra-light moulded chairs further reduce the car's weight, and a lightweight sports exhaust is specified.

Under the rear boot lid is the standard Valkyrie's naturally-aspirated 6.5-litre V12, but with has a revised energy-recovery system to help it produce more than 810kW.

Just 25 Valkyrie AMR Pros will be made and all have been reportedly been spoken for, despite its rumoured multi-million-dollar price tag.

According to Palmer, around four Valkyries are heading Down Under, thanks to the availability of right-hand drive.

During an interview with motoring.com.au, Palmer admitted that the real reason for the Valkyrie hypercar program was to help pave the way for its forthcoming mid-engined Ferrari 488-rival.

According to Aston's CEO, manufacturing the 'world's fastest car' will build demand and anticipation for a more affordable supercar. The mid-engine supercar in question will once again be developed in partnership with Red Bull Racing.

According to Palmer, the lower-cost supercar will likely be built around a carbon-fibre tub and come with an electrified powertrain.