The hardcore variant of Aston Martin’s flagship hypercar, the Valkyrie AMR Pro, showcased its F1-rivaling performance during the Bahrain Grand Prix season opener last weekend. The track-only hypercar looked like it came straight out of a video game, flaunting its huge aerodynamic components all around the low and wide body. This was the global dynamic debut of the Valkyrie AMR Pro which premiered as a concept back in 2018, with the production vehicle following in 2021. Aston Martin published a short video of the hypercar in action, giving us a fine sound sample of its high-revving V12.
Dirk Müller, Aston Martin development
driver, sat behind the wheel of the track-only hypercar for both runs taking
place during the Grand Prix weekend – one on Saturday ahead of the qualifying
session, and another one on Sunday before the race. Describing his experience
with the Valkyrie AMR Pro he said: “That was unbelievable. I know everyone says
that about cars all the time but seriously, this car is something else. It’s
closer to an F1 car in terms of performance than anything else I have ever
driven. The power, the handling, the grip, everything is perfect.”
The Valkyrie AMR Pro, dubbed Aston
Martin’s most extreme car yet, is actually the result of the now-canceled
racing program for a Le Mans Hypercar. Thus, it has been extensively modified
compared to the already incredibly fast Valkyrie with a revised carbon-fiber
chassis, a new aero package producing double the downforce of the regular car,
and the removal of the hybrid system. That leaves Cosworth’s naturally
aspirated 6.5-liter V12 as the sole power source, revving up to 11,000 rpm and
producing 1,000 hp.
Aston Martin will build 40 units of the
Valkyrie AMR Pro, which is less than the 150 units of the regular Valkyrie and
the 85 examples of the Valkyrie Spider. The British automaker said that the
first deliveries of the hypercar have commenced, although don’t expect to see
any of them on the road since the AMR Pro is reserved for track use. Owners
will be able to participate in Aston Martin’s new track experience program that
will take place in autumn in FIA circuits including Yas Marina, Silverstone,
Nürburgring, Fuji, and the Circuit of Americas.