With the Valhalla concept vehicle translated to production reality as an exceptional, fully driver-focused mid-engine hybrid supercar, Aston Martin’s transformative path takes a significant step ahead.
Valhalla is the most recent and important creation of the Aston Martin‘s Project Horizon strategy to date, a car that will expand the model portfolio to reflect the brand’s involvement in Formula 1, set best-in-class performance, dynamics, and driving pleasure, and accelerate the transition from internal combustion to hybrid to fully electric propulsion systems.
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Aston Martin is relying on its Formula 1 expertise for the development of the Valhalla
Valhalla is a formidable technical display, with chassis, aerodynamic, and electronics skills developed in Formula 1 and a cutting-edge hybrid powertrain technology at its core. Rather than removing the driver from the equation, Valhalla’s primary goal is to immerse them in a unique kind of supercar driving experience. One that delivers unrivaled thrill, pleasure, and driver involvement to the supercar sector’s pinnacle.
Valhalla’s combination of pure emotion and hybrid economy represents a new era, with precise handling, enormous amounts of downforce, and a stunning balance of immediate battery-electric torque and the intensity of a dazzling V8 engine.
One marked by a change in attitudes and expectations that requires modern supercars to be more than simply stunning to look at and exciting to drive, but also to accurately represent the technology used at the highest level of racing. As a result, Valhalla is in the forefront: a true, next-generation Aston Martin road racer, created for the driver and meant to be experienced.
Valhalla ushers in a new era for Aston Martin. Valhalla will bring the perfect balance of hypercar performance and advanced powertrain, driving dynamics, and uniquely sophisticated design materials to truly redefine the supercar sector, with a mid-engined 950HP gasoline/battery-electric powertrain, new carbon fiber structure, and aerodynamics shaped by the pioneering philosophy first seen in the revolutionary Aston Martin Valkyrie.
“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 1 Team and marks Aston Martin’s return to the British Grand Prix for the first time in over 60 years, a true milestone.” said Lawrence Stroll, Aston Martin’s Executive Chairman.
Propulsion and transmission technology offering a glimpse of future Aston Martin technologies
Valhalla’s all-new PHEV powertrain includes three motors, the most powerful of which is a 4.0 liter twin-turbo custom V8 engine placed in the rear mid-section. It has a flat-plane crankshaft for improved responsiveness, making it the most sophisticated, responsive, and highest-performing V8 engine ever installed to an Aston Martin. It delivers drive solely to the back axle, revving at 7200rpm and producing 750HP. It includes top-exit tailpipes to maximize visual and auditory drama, as well as a lightweight exhaust system with active flaps for an adjustable and genuine Aston Martin sound signature.
A 150kW/400V battery hybrid system with two E-Motors, one on the front axle and the other on the rear axle, complements the new V8 engine. For a total combined power output of over 950HP, the electric system adds another 204HP. When in EV mode, the battery power is only delivered to the front axle.
Other driving modes divide battery power across the front and back axles, with the proportion supplied to each axle varying depending on driving conditions. In certain circumstances, all of the battery power may be routed to the rear axle, complementing the ICE V8’s full power for optimum performance.
An all-new 8-speed DCT gearbox completes the powerplant. This innovative paddle-shift gearbox was created especially for the hybrid era and was designed and manufactured exclusively for Aston Martin. The gearbox has an e-reverse (which uses the PHEV’s electric motors to eliminate the need for a traditional reverse gear), as well as an Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (E-Diff) on the rear axle for ultimate traction and agility.
Electricity is also utilized to improve low-speed control and responsiveness, as well as to enable reversing. The hybrid system augments the V8 engine with spectacular standing start acceleration and in-gear responsiveness, owing to the E-Motors’ immediate torque. The E-Motor and V8 ICE may run separate gears in the DCT at the same time, allowing for a maximum torque delivery of 1,000Nm and improved overall performance.
True racing performance
Valhalla can reach speeds of up to 80 mph (130 km/h) in EV-only mode and has a zero-emission range of 15 kilometers. CO2 emissions are expected to be fewer than 200 grams per kilometer (WLTP). When full 950 horsepower is released, the Valhalla will achieve a maximum speed of 217 mph (350 km/h) and will sprint from 0 to 62 mph in only 2.5 seconds. A remarkable 6:30 Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time is being sought in terms of pure track capabilities.
Valhalla’s construction is based on a revolutionary carbon-fiber tub that provides maximum stiffness with little weight. Pushrod front suspension with inboard mounted springs and dampers, decreasing unsprung bulk and providing a great packaging solution, as seen in Formula 1.
Valhalla utilizes Multimatic Variable Spring Rate and Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) Damper units in conjunction with the rear-multilink end’s architecture to provide changeable ride frequency for excellent performance on the road and track. In addition to stronger suspension, Track mode drastically lowers the ride height to maximize downforce. A front axle lift mechanism lifts the nose for a better approach angle on difficult inclines at the opposite end of the speed spectrum.
Because of the inherent stiffness of the carbon tub, suspension loadings can be precisely regulated, and every minute input to the electric power-assisted steering can be accurately translated into a quick and intuitive direction shift.
High-performance Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes (with brake-by-wire technology) provide excellent braking performance, while custom Michelin tires (20in front, 21in rear) designed exclusively for Valhalla add the last, crucial layer of refinement. The Valhalla experience is centered on the driver’s pleasure, confidence, and feeling of full control, with sophisticated materials and electronics working solely to enhance the driver’s happiness, confidence, and sense of perfect control.
Valhalla will have an unrivaled power-to-weight ratio when compared to its class competitors, with a projected dry weight of less than 1,550kg. A second type of weight, that produced by aerodynamic downforce, also contributes to Valhalla’s unrivaled dynamic capabilities.
Aerodynamics and design straight from the track
Valhalla uses a mix of active aerodynamic surfaces – particularly the front surfaces and rear wing – and superb control of underbody airflow via spectacular venturi tunnels, thanks to a flow-down of the Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar’s Formula 1 inspired aerodynamic philosophy. Valhalla’s carefully sculpted aerodynamic surfaces produce an astounding 600kg of downforce at 150mph, allowing for powerful high-speed cornering and unshakeable stability.
The quest of downforce necessitates rigorous practicality, but Aston Martin’s design team was left with a clean upper body surface with which they developed a distinctive mid-engined form that is both unique and undeniably Aston Martin. Valhalla’s mainly carbon fiber body combines utility and beauty in a way that befits a new generation of mid-engined supercars, free of the necessity for dramatic wings that protrude into the airstream.
Spectacular forward-hinged dihedral doors provide drama to the start and conclusion of every trip, while ceiling cut-outs make entry and exit easier. Additional side and rear intakes and vents are seamlessly incorporated into the general body design, with a unique roof scoop feeding air straight into the V8 engine’s intakes.
Valhalla, the premium brand’s first series production mid-engined supercar, will be offered in both left-hand and right-hand drive configurations, broadening its appeal to foreign markets. When compared to the Aston Martin Valkyrie, the cockpit space has been expanded, but many Formula 1 characteristics remain, such as a pared-back cockpit design with clear, straightforward ergonomics unapologetically centered around the driver.
Driver assistance and entertainment options in true Aston Martin luxury class
Aston Martin’s new HMI system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a central touchscreen display. The seat bases may be attached to the chassis construction thanks to adjustable pedals and steering columns. The footwells have also been elevated, resulting in a low hip-to-heel sitting posture reminiscent of a Formula 1 vehicle.
In the dark, Full LED Matrix headlights with adjustable capability and high-beam assist offer outstanding forward visibility, while Dual Zone Air Conditioning ensures passenger comfort. Valhalla also has the most up-to-date Advanced Driver Assistance Systems to meet the most recent regulatory standards.
Auto Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Active Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear View Parking Camera are some of the features available.
Aston Martin’s award-winning dynamics team will be in charge of developing the Valhalla, which will be aided by an exceptional pool of expertise that includes Aston Martin Cognizant Formula 1 Team drivers Sebastian Vettel, Lance Stroll, and Nico Hulkenberg. They will provide their essential insight into the project and offer authenticity to a vehicle that has such a strong resemblance to Aston Martin’s Grand Prix cars.
