What's all this about?
Although we've already had the truly astounding Valkyrie from Aston Martin, that was a limited-build special that - while road-legal - was primarily a track beast. But it heralded a new direction for the British company, so here's the 'son of Valkyrie': it's the mighty Valhalla. And it marks a series of firsts for its parent firm.
Such as?
Well, sidestepping that Valkyrie, this is the first mid-engined supercar that has gone into full series production for Aston Martin, although only 999 units will be built. It is also the first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that Aston has made, a car which is capable of running on electric power alone (although only for 8.7 miles, so don't get too excited...), and it's also the first to use Aston's new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. It also gets its own 4.0-litre biturbo V8, which is a flat-plane-cranked and dry-sumped affair, rather than simply being the engine from any of the Vantage, DB12 or DBX707 models.
Go on, then; can I have some of the numbers involved in this system?
You can indeed. On its own, the V8 develops a huge 828hp, with another 251hp coming from the three electric motors in its drivetrain; two of these power the front wheels of the Valhalla, while the other is integrated into the eight-speed DCT 'box (and yes, that does mean the Aston supercar is four-wheel drive). Anyway, the system outputs are the sum of those parts, which means 1,079hp is on tap, all backed up by a colossal 1,100Nm. In a car which has a (dry) weight of considerably less than 1.7 tonnes, performance is - as you might expect - ridiculous.
How ridiculous are we talking?
Well, 0-62mph takes just 2.5 seconds and the top speed is 217mph, which means the Vanquish's reign as the company's fastest official production car won't last beyond the end of next year.
OK, but presumably this isn't just about straight-line speed?
Oh no, it certainly isn't. Inspired by F1 technology, the Valhalla has a full suite of active aerodynamics, including a rear spoiler that raises by up to 255mm as required, which can generate up to 600kg of downforce from 149mph all the way up the Aston's V-max. It also has a carbon-fibre tub with twin aluminium subframes, underpinning an entirely carbon-fibre body, as well as inboard front suspension and a multilink rear operating Bilstein DTX dampers. The 20-inch front, 21-inch rear forged aluminium alloy wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tyres, although those wanting even more focus can save another 12kg of unsprung mass by opting for the magnesium rims with Michelin Cup 2 track-focused tyres. With torque vectoring, its all-wheel-drive system, integrated vehicle dynamics control systems and a set of massive brake-by-wire carbon-ceramic stoppers, the Valhalla is one serious piece of kit.
It looks good too. What's the cabin like?
Stripped back and focused around the driver, but there are a pair of single-piece, carbon-fibre bucket seats plus an F1-inspired steering wheel, loads of carbon-fibre detailing and structures, and a brace of digital screens for the human-machine interface, which Aston calls the 'Amphitheatre'. Every Valhalla can be subjected to the Q personalisation service for a full bespoke finish, while the bodywork can either be left as exposed carbon or painted, in the latter case in one of six liveries from Aston's various exploits in motorsports past.
And how much is all of this Valhalla goodness?
Well, the Aston supercar was originally slated for a £1 million ticket, but the belief is it will be more like £850,000; not cheap, but at least not seven figures, eh? Anyway, production is ramping up soon and first customer deliveries of the Valhalla are expected in the second half of 2025.
Matt Robinson - 11 Dec 2024
