Heralding A New Definition For The Iconic British Wings, Aston Martin Awakens The Valhalla

Giving life to their concept car as an astonishing, driver-focused mid-engine hybrid production supercar, the iconic Wings of the luxury British sports car maker presents the Aston Martin Valhalla.

Valhalla is a formidable technological example built with chassis, aerodynamic and electronics expertise forged in Formula 1, and a cutting-edge hybrid powertrain technology at its heart.

Aston Martin’s executive chairman Lawrence Stroll remarked, “Aston Martin’s first series production mid-engine 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-engine 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.”

Led by Aston Martin’s chief executive officer, Tobias Moers, the British Wings’ new Valhalla broadens the model portfolio to reflect the brand’s presence in Formula 1.

Providing pinpoint handling, remarkable downforce levels and an ingenious blend of battery electric torque with a V8 engine, Valhalla’s fusion of raw power and hybrid efficiency reflects a new era.

Stylings of the Valhalla also redefines the supercar sector by sporting new carbon fibre structure and aerodynamics that pays homage to the revolutionary Aston Martin Valkyrie.

“Preserving the essence of an exceptional concept car is vital when meeting the challenge of bringing it into production. With Valhalla not only have we stayed true to our commitment to build a world-beating supercar, but we have exceeded our original aims. The result is a pure driving machine, one which exists right at the cutting edge of performance and technology yet allows the driver to feel the emotion and thrill of complete connection and control,” said Aston Martin’s chief executive officer Tobias Moers.

With the Valhalla, performance is the focus as it harbours an all-new PHEV powertrain that combines the output of three motors.

Most notably would be the rear-mid-mounted 4.0-litre twin-turbo bespoke V8 engine, which is the most advanced, responsive and highest performing V8 mill ever fitted to an Aston Martin.

Said mill features a flat-plane crankshaft for increased responsiveness, it revs up to 7,200 rpm and develops 750 PS of power that thrust exclusively to the rear axle.

Complementing the new V8 engine is a 150 kW (400 V) battery hybrid system. The cell system utilises a pair of E-Motors that get one mounted on the front axle and the other on the rear axle.

Its electric system generates a further 204 PS of influence to the Valhalla, in turn producing an incredible total combined power output of 954 PS.

Putting the Valhalla in EV mode, it sees all the battery power directed exclusively to the front axle. Whereas in other driving modes, battery power is split between front and rear axles.

Thrusts sent to each axle constantly vary according to driving demands. In certain situations, 100 percent of battery power is sent to the rear axle, supplementing the full force of the V8.

Married to the powertrain is an all-new 8-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) gearbox. Exclusively built for Aston Martin, this new paddle-shift trans was developed specifically for the hybrid era.

Thanks to the instantaneous torque from the E-Motors, the hybrid system augments the V8 engine to deliver a sensational standing start acceleration and in-gear response. 

Hence, the Valhalla can run different gears in the DCT simultaneously, which produces a neck snapping torque output of 1,000 Nm.

Featuring e-reverse technology that utilises the PHEV’s electric motors, it also saves weight by negating the need for a conventional reverse gear.

Moreover, the transmission is further equipped with an Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (E-Diff) on the rear axle to ensure maximum traction and handling agility.

As for the piping, the dual-natured beast exhales through a lightweight exhaust system with active flaps for an adjustable and authentic Aston Martin roar.

Adding to the finesse, the Valhalla’s tailpipes feature a top-exit design that further maximises the visual and auditory drama.

Performance figures wise, running in EV-only mode, the Valhalla is capable of a maximum distance of 130 km/h (80 mph) and a zero-emission range of 15 km, with CO2 less than 200 g/km (WLTP).

Unleashing the beast’s full potential, the 954 PS Valhalla can hit a top speed of 330 km/h (217 mph) and can surge from 0 – 100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds.

In terms of track capability, the Valhalla is claimed to set a stunning 6:30 Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time.

“Valhalla is our first opportunity to really show what we are capable of in a true production sense. We have created our own bespoke air-to-air charge-cooled, flat-plane crank V8 engine and have combined it with a powerful hybrid system. And, of course, we also have our own bespoke Dual Clutch Transmission, a first for Aston Martin and an essential component both for Valhalla and future Aston Martin models. The result is a truly world-class powertrain for an efficient, ultra-performing supercar,” commented Aston Martin’s head of powertrain engineering Ralph Illenberger.

Detailing further, as aforementioned, the Valhalla is built around a new carbon fibre tub for maximum stiffness with minimum weight penalty.

This sees it with a Formula 1 style push rod front suspension complete with inboard mounted springs and dampers reducing unsprung weight and providing 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 the road and track. 

Then, in addition to stiffer suspension, Track mode sees the ride height dramatically reduced in order to maximise downforce. 

Conversely, at the other end of the speed scale, a front axle lift system raises the nose for improved approach angle on awkward inclines.

Furthermore, the carbon structure’s inherent rigidity means suspension loadings can be controlled with absolute precision.

Plus, the high-performance Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes that come complete with brake-by-wire technology guarantees exceptional stopping power.

Besides that, the Valhalla has a weight of less than 1,550 kg, which gives it an unrivalled power-to-weight ratio compared to its class rivals.

Downforce weight generated by its aerodynamic structure also plays its part in the Valhalla’s unmatched dynamic capabilities that employ a combination of active aerodynamic surfaces.

Specifically, this ingenuity applies on the front surfaces and the rear wing, complemented with its masterful management of undercarriage airflow through dramatic venturi tunnels. 

Thus, at 241 km/h (150 mph) the Valhalla’s sculpted aerodynamic surfaces generate an impressive 600 kg of downforce, enough for mighty high-speed cornering ability and unshakable stability.

Aesthetic wise, Aston Martin’s design team has created a clean upper body surface that results in an exterior silhouette with a mid-engine shape that is original yet unmistakably Aston Martin.

Hindering from the need for aggressive wings that jut into the airstream, Valhalla’s encompassing carbon fibre body combines function and beauty that befits a new gen of mid-engine supercar.

Spectacular forward-hinged dihedral-angled doors bring drama to the side contours while cut-outs in the roof ease the ingress and egress.

Also present is a roof scoop that feeds air directly into the V8’s intakes, which is further paired with additional side and rear intakes, and air vents integrated seamlessly into the overall body design.

Finishing the exterior and transferring all power to the blacktop is a set of bespoke Michelin tyres developed specifically for the Valhalla, 20-inch pair for the front and 21-inch pair for the rear.

Diving inside, the cockpit room has been increased compared to the Aston Martin Valkyrie, though many Formula 1 inspired hallmarks remain.

For instance, the interior layout features a trimmed back cockpit design with clear, simple ergonomics that’s boldly focussed around the driver.

Fitted is an innovative new Aston Martin Human Machine Interface (HMI) system, which features a central touchscreen display that incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Apart from that, adjustable pedals and steering column enable the seat bases to be fixed to the chassis structure.

Again, staying true to the design philosophy, the footwells are also raised for a low hip-to-heel seating position akin to a Formula 1 vehicle.

“When we created the Valhalla concept, we were keen to emphasise the design legacy of the Aston Martin Valkyrie and that intent remains unchanged, but the execution has evolved considerably in order to reach production of this all-new car. Though the legacy of Valkyrie is clear, Valhalla is now a more mature, fully resolved piece of design. One which combines the pure aerodynamic function you would expect from a marque competing in Formula 1 together with the beautiful form, striking proportions and exemplary detailing for which Aston Martin is renowned,” concluded Aston Martin’s chief creative officer Marek Reichman.

To sum up, Valhalla is the British Wings’ first series production mid-engine supercar and to expand its appeal across international markets, it is made available in both left- and right-hand drive.

Evidently, it is a new generation Aston Martin that defines a new driver and driving experience, ‘the Mastery of Driving’.