Aston Martin Valhalla: 950 CV for the new hybrid supercar from Aston Martin

When it comes to a supercar, it is not just a matter of power; it is about the driving experience that the car is capable of delivering. And at Aston Martin they have evolved the concept of the Valhalla to turn it into a production vehicle that earns its place on merit among the high-performance supercars, capable of delivering a driving experience reserved for very few.

As an example, consider the target lap time that Aston Martin has set for the Valhalla around the Nürburgring: very few cars today, even race cars, can aspire to stop the clock at 6 minutes and 30 seconds on a lap of the Nordschleife.

Aston Martin Valhalla: drawing from the roots of Formula 1

The presentation of the new car at the headquarters of the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula OneTM team is no coincidence: Aston Martin returns to the British Grand Prix in F1 after more than 60 years, and its new supercar carries a lot of technology inherited from racing single-seaters.

Its plug-in hybrid propulsion system produces 950 CV, with a twin-turbo V8 engine in the rear mid-engine position and two electric motors, and the carbon fibre structure and aerodynamic concept are based on those of the Aston Martin Valkyrie. Focusing on the mechanical side, the V8 with a double turbocharger and 4 litres of displacement produces 750 CV at 7,200 rpm, which is sent to the rear wheels. The two electric motors of the hybrid system add 204 CV, which allows a combined output of almost 1,000 CV and 1,000 Nm of maximum torque.

The Valhalla can travel using only electricity and powered by the front electric motor when the “EV” driving mode is selected, while in the other modes the front and rear electric motors can distribute the power they generate between each axle, in a constantly variable way, depending on the driving situation.

The 8-speed DCT gearbox has been designed specifically for the Valhalla. For the first time at Aston Martin it is a dual-clutch unit and includes an “e-reverse” function that uses the electric motors of the plug-in hybrid system. This makes it possible to eliminate the conventional reverse gear, with the resulting weight saving.

The official performance figures announce a top speed of 330 km/h, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds. In electric mode the estimated maximum range is about 15 km, with a top speed of 130 km/h.

Designed for a superior driving experience

More than ever, the Valhalla can be described with the well-known saying that it is a true F1 car with bodywork built to be driven on the street.

The front axle suspension is of the “push-rod” type, as on a Formula 1 car, while the rear axle uses a multi-link layout. The damping is adaptive, and the car features a “Track” mode in which the ride height is lowered and aerodynamic downforce is maximised.

The rear axle uses an electronic limited-slip differential, and braking performance is guaranteed by Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes, with carbon discs and “brake-by-wire” technology, which transmits electrical signals from the pedal, with no mechanical connection between the pedal and the brake circuit. For the tyres the car relies on Michelin, with 20-inch wheels on the front axle and 21-inch wheels on the rear axle. The announced dry weight is 1,550 kg.

The active aerodynamics can generate up to 600 kg of downforce (at 240 km/h) that “press” the car onto the asphalt. Best of all, the designers have achieved this effect without compromising the design and body lines of the Valhalla, which is made of carbon fibre.

The supercar uses dihedral-style doors, hinged at the front, with cut-outs in the roof that make it easier to get in and out of the cabin. The roof intake supplies air to the V8 engine. Inside, with a control position clearly centred on the driver, there is room for a multimedia system with a touchscreen that includes connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both the pedals and the steering column are adjustable, which allows the seats to be anchored to the chassis structure.

Among the Valhalla’s “road” equipment, highlights include Matrix LED headlights, and driver assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, active cruise control and a rear parking camera.

Aston Martin Valhalla image gallery