How fast?!

Ah, you've heard about this one, have you? It's the AMR Pro version of Aston Martin's already-quite-rapid Valkyrie hypercar, designed in conjunction with none other than Adrian Newey and Red Bull Advanced Technologies. The AMR Pro variant, however, is only for track work and, according to its maker, will have the ability to lap a race circuit at about the same pace as 'recent' LMP1 and Formula One racers. That's astounding, we think you'll agree.

How?

Well, unconstrained by motorsport regulations or road car legislation, Newey's imagination was allowed run wild, so the AMR Pro Valkyrie gets significantly more downforce thanks to a more extreme-looking aerodynamics package and full-on LMP1-specification Michelin race tyres with all-carbon brakes behind them. On top of all that, there are weight reduction measures (polycarbonate glass, a lighter exhaust, no infotainment, fixed racing seats, lighter body panels, etc.) and even more power and torque from the engine. By way of reminder, that's a Cosworth-designed 6.5-litre V12, gloriously using natural aspiration. The new exhaust and a recalibration that doesn't have to worry about such things as emissions regulations are credited with the increases, though Aston isn't quoting figures as yet.

Any numbers at all?

Aston Martin reckons it'll top 250mph, though presumably its cornering and braking abilities are as important to circuit times, so it can generate 3.3g in the turns and 3.5g under deceleration. No surprise then that buyers of the Valkyrie AMR Pro will be subjected to a tailored driver development programme including fitness and professional on-track and simulator tuition. Another key figure here: 25; that's the number that will be produced for sale - and all are sold.

Any choice quotes?

Red Bull Technology's Chief Technical Officer, Adrian Newey, said: "While it is endowed with extraordinary performance, it has always been vitally important to me that the Valkyrie functions well as a true road car, and that naturally comes with some constraints. However, with the track-only Valkyrie AMR Pro we have the freedom to create an extreme evolution that makes no such concessions. While the core elements of the road and track versions are shared, every aspect of the AMR Pro - aerodynamics, chassis, powertrain and weight - has been optimised to significantly extend the performance envelope. It offers a level of track performance significantly beyond any previous two seat closed roof car."

While Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin President and Chief Executive Officer, adds: "Valkyrie has always been about pushing the limits and redefining the possible. The road car will set new benchmarks for performance, engineering and technology - a hypercar in the truest sense - and with the track-only Valkyrie AMR Pro those limits will be pushed further still. It's a remarkable project. One that's propelling Aston Martin and 25 of our most passionate customers into a new and extraordinary realm".

Shane O' Donoghue - 16 Nov 2017