Aston Martin has finally revealed the production version of the Valhalla, a hybrid mid-engine supercar that pairs a 4.0-liter V8 with two electric motors to give it a combined output of 937 hp. The British brand calls the car a huge step forward for the company and a transformational moment. Joining the growing class of hybrid supercars, the Valhalla will look to turn Aston Martin’s fortunes.
The brand is quick to clarify that although the new car will be a technological marvel, putting the driver at the center of the experience between the various motors. Kicking things off is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo flat-plane crank V8 engine, sourced from Mercedes-AMG. On its own, it develops a pretty impressive 739 hp at 7,200 RPM and drives the rear axle. The engine is aided by a pair of electric motors at each axle. In all, the hybrid system adds 201 hp to the experience. The car can drive on electricity alone, in which case the power is all sent to the front wheels. In other scenarios, the electric power can be split between the axles.
That power is funneled through an 8-speed double-clutch gearbox developed exclusively for Aston Martin. Like the McLaren Artura, the transmission doesn’t have a reverse gear, opting to use the electric motor instead. The whole system incorporates an electronic limited-slip differential on the rear axle for improved handling. Aston Martin says that the engine and the motors can run in different gears at the same time for optimal power delivery. That allows the new British supercar to kick out 1000 Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h comes in 2.5 seconds and top speed is set at 330 km/h. In electric-only mode, the Valhalla can reach a top speed of 130 km/h, though you’ll have to do that within the 15 km range the batteries allow. Thanks to those figures, Aston Martin is aiming to run the Valhalla around the Nurburgring, targeting a sub-6:30 lap time.
Aston Martin is also aiming for a dry weight of less than 1,550 kg. To achieve that, it’s being built around a carbon-fiber tub for optimal stiffness and weight. The new Valhalla has been designed in a wind tunnel, featuring advanced active aerodynamics which generate 600 kg of downforce at 241 km/h. Helping the new Aston Martin through the corners will also be an F1-style pushrod front suspension with inboard mounted springs and dampers. Speaking of which, the Valhalla will make use of special Multimatic Variable Spring rate Adaptive Spool Valve dampers to provide adjustable ride stiffness and performance. It will also be able to lift its nose to get over speed bumps. Carbon-ceramic brakes with brake-by-wire technology will also be present. Tires designed specifically for the car by Michelin will bring the whole package together.
Despite being designed as a driver’s car, Aston Martin has remembered that it’s in part a luxury brand. The cockpit will be much larger than the Valkyrie’s, the brand says, and a focus on ergonomics help make this a comfortable cruiser. A new HMI system offers users a touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an adjustable steering column means that even though the seat is in a fixed position, drivers of different heights can be accommodated. Aston Martin will reveal the interior design at a later date.
Although the cockpit is driver-focused, there will be at least dual-zone climate control for your passenger and advanced driver assistance systems (including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, active cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and more). Although the production-spec Valhalla was unveiled today, there are still a few mysteries. A production date has not been set, nor a price. With the weight yet to be determined, it sounds like there are still one or two details to finalize, too. But with a production-ready design and performance figures, this should give potential buyers a pretty good idea of what they’re in for.
