LONDON: The Aston Martin Valhalla has turned from concept into a series production car.
The driver-focused mid-engined hybrid supercar is the latest and most significant product of the brand’s Project Horizon strategy to-date.
Only 500 units of the coupe would be produced with each priced at £600,000 (RM3.5mil). First deliveries will start in late 2023.
According to Aston, it's a car which will broaden the model portfolio to reflect Aston Martin’s presence in Formula One, set best-in-class standards for performance, dynamics and driving pleasure, and drive the transition from internal combustion to hybrid to full electric powertrains.
Aston Martin’s first series production mid-engined supercar uses an all-new PHEV powertrain, which features an engine and two electric motors.
Foremost of these is a rear-mid-mounted 4.0 litre twin-turbo bespoke V8 engine sourced from Mercedes-AMG. The most advanced, responsive and highest performing V8 engine ever fitted to an Aston Martin, it features a flat-plane crankshaft for increased responsiveness.
Revving to 7,200rpm and developing 740hp, it sends drive exclusively to the rear axle. Exhaling through a lightweight exhaust system with active flaps for an adjustable and authentic Aston Martin sound character it also features top-exit tailpipes to maximise visual and aural drama.
Supplementing this new V8 engine is a 150kW/400V battery hybrid system using a pair of electric motors; one mounted on the front axle and the other on the rear axle.
The electric system contributes a further 201hp for a headline combined power output of 937hp. When driven in EV mode battery power is directed exclusively to the front axle.
In other driving modes battery power is split between front and rear axles, the percentage sent to each axle constantly varies according to driving demands. In certain situations, 100% of battery power can be sent to the rear axle, supplementing the full force of the ICE V8 for maximum performance.
Completing the powertrain is an all-new 8-speed DCT transmission. Exclusively designed and built for Aston Martin, this new paddle-shift gearbox has been developed specifically for the hybrid era.
Featuring e-reverse (which uses the PHEV’s electric motors and thereby saves weight by negating the need for a conventional reverse gear) the transmission also features an Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (E-Diff) on the rear axle for maximum traction and handling agility.
Electrical power is also used to enhance low speed control and response as well as provide reversing capability. And, thanks to the instantaneous torque from the E-Motors, the hybrid system augments the V8 engine to deliver sensational standing start acceleration and in-gear response.
Outright performance is further aided by the E-Motor and V8 ICE being able to run different gears in the DCT simultaneously, which enables a maximum torque delivery of 1,000Nm.
Running in EV-only mode, Valhalla will be capable of a maximum 130kph and has a zero-emission range of 15km. Predicted CO2 (WLTP) is less than 200g/km.
Unleashing all 937hp the Valhalla will reach a top speed of 330kph and will complete the sprint from 0-100kph in just 2.5 seconds. In terms of outright track capability, a stunning 6:30 Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time is being targeted.
Valhalla is built around a new carbon fibre tub for maximum stiffness with minimum weight penalty. Featuring Formula One style push rod front suspension complete with inboard mounted springs and dampers reducing unsprung mass and provides a brilliant packaging solution.
Together with the rear-end’s multilink design, Valhalla uses Multimatic Variable Spring rate and Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) Damper units providing adjustable ride frequency for exceptional performance on road and track.
In addition to stiffer suspension, Track mode sees ride height dramatically reduced in order to maximise downforce. At the other end of the speed scale, a front axle lift system raises the nose for improved approach angle on awkward inclines.
High performance Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes (complete with brake-by-wire technology) guarantee exceptional stopping power, and bespoke Michelin tyres (20 in front, 21 in rear) developed specifically for Valhalla provide a final and all-important layer of excellence.
With a target dry weight of less than 1550kg Valhalla will have an unrivalled power-to-weight ratio compared to its class rivals.
Weight of a different kind - that generated by aerodynamic downforce - also plays its part in Valhalla’s unmatched dynamic capabilities. Benefitting from a flow-down of the Valkyrie hypercar’s Formula One inspired aerodynamic philosophy, Valhalla employs a combination of active aerodynamic surfaces - specifically the front surfaces and rear wing - and management of underbody airflow through dramatic venturi tunnels.
At 240kph Valhalla’s sculpted aerodynamic surfaces generate an impressive 600kg of downforce, enough for mighty high-speed cornering ability and unshakable stability.
Forward-hinged dihedral doors bring drama to the beginning and end of every journey, while cut-outs in the roof ease ingress and egress. A distinctive roof scoop feeds air directly into the V8 engine’s intakes, with additional side and rear intakes and vents integrated smoothly into the overall body design.
Full LED Matrix headlights with adaptive functionality and high-beam assist deliver excellent forward vision in the dark, and Dual Zone Air Conditioning provides high level of occupant comfort.
In order to comply with the latest regulatory requirements, Valhalla also incorporates the latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. These include Auto Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Active Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear View Parking Camera (with Surround View option).
