Aston Martin Valhalla completes final testing ahead of launch
The ultimate supercar
Aston Martin has revealed images of its ‘ultimate supercar’, the Valhalla, undergoing final testing before being signed off for production in Q2 of this year where only 999 will be made.
Two Valhalla models - one in Podium Green and Lime Green, the other in Verdant Jade and Valkyrie Gold - were put through their paces at the IDIADA proving ground in Spain by Aston Martin engineers, along with development driver and three-time Le Mans class winner Darren Turner.
The rigorous tests included high speeds, wet and dry handling, as well as steering, active aerodynamics and thermal braking system performance. The Valhalla is also currently being tested on UK roads, where it is undergoing final damper calibration.
“Extreme performance is a given”
Simon Newton, Director of Vehicle Performance and Attributes said, “For the engineering and dynamics teams, the unprecedented dynamic bandwidth that distinguishes Valhalla from its rivals has presented many new opportunities during development. With a combination of 1079PS and 1100Nm via the hybrid powertrain, extreme performance is a given. To harness and refine the power to deliver an exceptional supercar experience on both road and track has meant tireless work has gone into the integration of active aerodynamics and integrated control systems.”
Aston Martin Valhalla engine
The Valhalla is breaking new ground for the British brand, becoming Aston Martin’s first production mid-engined supercar and first plug-in hybrid while also offering electric range capability (around 8.6 miles at speeds up to 80 mph). Aston Martin’s Formula 1 team have contributed to the car, helping implement their methods and technology to improve performance.
Powering the Valhalla is the highest performance V8 ever fitted to an Aston Martin, namely a bespoke 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 producing 816bhp. It uses the marque’s new 8-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) incorporating an e-motor and electronic rear differential to push the overall output to 1064bhp. All of this power means the Valhalla can accelerate from 0-62mph in 2.5 seconds and has a top speed of 217mph. There is also the first use of new front axle twin motors, which pushes torque vectoring as part of the all-wheel drive system.
Price
The Aston Martin Valhalla will start from £850,000, which compared to the F80 (£3.1 million) and W1 (£2 million) looks like a relative bargain.
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Aston Martin