August 2, 2021: Spearheaded by CEO Tobias Moers, and noted as one of the most significant products of the brand’s Project Horizon strategy till date, Valhalla is projected to expand the model portfolio to reiterate the presence of Aston Martin in Formula One and set best-in-class standards for driving, performance and driving pleasure, while also leading the transition from internal combustion to hybrid to full electric powertrains.
Lawrence Stroll, the Executive Chairman of Aston Martin had optimistic words for this transformational moment for the ultra-luxury brand, saying that this launch demonstrates the brand’s commitment to building a range of extraordinary mid-engined driver focused cars, which is a pivotal stage in the expansion of the brand’s product line-up. He further spoke about the aptness of the unveiling of the stunning track biased supercar at the home of motorsport and the home of the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One and it marks true milestone of the brand’s return to the British grand Prix for the first time in 60 years.
The Valhalla is a daunting technological display, with an advanced hybrid powertrain technology at its heart and built with chassis, aerodynamic and electronics expertise forged in Formula One. The sole focus of the Valhalla is to immerse the driver in a new kind of supercar experience, instead of engineering the driver out of the loop; and this experience brings with itself unparalleled enjoyment, excitement and driver engagement to the top of the supercar sector.
The all-new PHEV powertrain fuels the Valhalla, featuring three motors; the foremost of these being a rear-mid-mounted 4.0 litre twin-turbo bespoke V8 engine. It also features a flat-plane crankshaft for augmented responsiveness, which is the most advanced, responsive and highest performing V8 engine ever fitted to an Aston Martin. Sending drive exclusively to the rear axle, it revs to 7200 rpm and develops 750PS, while exhaling through a lightweight exhaust system with active flaps which gives it the authentic Aston Martin sound character.
A 150kW/400V battery hybrid system supplementing the V8 engine, it utilises a pair of E-Motors-one mounted on the front axle and the other on the rear axle; and the electric system also contributes a further 204PS for a headline combined power output of 905PS. The battery power is directed exclusively to the front axle when driven in EV mode, while in the other driving modes, the battery power is split between the front and rear axles with the percentage sent to each axle constantly varies according to driving demands. 100% of the battery power can be sent to the rear axle in certain situations, which supplements the full force of the ICE V8 for maximum performance.
The brand new 9-speed DCT transmission completes this powertrain. This new paddle-shift gearbox has been exclusively designed and built for Aston Martin, and has been specifically developed for the hybrid era. The transmission features e-reverse, which uses the PHEV’s electric motors and hence saves weight by negating the need for a conventional reverse gear; and it also features an Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (E-Diff) on the rear axle for maximum traction and handling agility.
Providing reverse capability, electrical power is also used to enhance low speed control and response. The hybrid system enhances the V8 engine to deliver exceptional standing start acceleration and in gear response, thanks to the instantaneous torque from the E-Motors. This outright performance is further assisted by the V8 ICE and E-Motor being able to run different gears in the DCT simultaneously, enabling a maximum torque delivery of 1000Nm.
The Valhalla will be capable of a maximum 80mph/130km/h running in EV-only mode, and has a zero-emission range of 15km. The predicted CO2 (WLTP) is less than 200g/km. Reaching a top speed of 217 mph/330km/hr, the Valhalla unleashes all 950PS and completes the sprint from 0 to 62mph in just 2.5 seconds; targeting the stunning 6:30 Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time in terms of outright track capability.
As compared to its class rivals, the Valhalla will have an unrivalled power-to-weight ratio with a target dry weight of less than 1550kg. The weight degenerated by aerodynamic downforce also plays a part in Valhalla’s unmatched dynamic capabilities. It not only benefits from a flow-down of the Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar’s Formula One inspired aerodynamic philosophy, but employs a combination of active aerodynamic surfaces, specifically the front surfaces and rear wing, and expert management of underbody airflow through dramatic Venturi tunnels. These meticulously sculpted aerodynamic surfaces are what allows the Valhalla to generate an impressive 600kg of downforce at 150mph, which is enough for mighty high-speed cornering ability and unshakable stability.
Untainted by the need for aggressive wings that jut into the airstream, the carbon fibre body of the Valhalla combines function and beauty in such a manner that fit a new generation of mid-engined supercars. Forward-hinged dihedral doors bring drama to the start and end of every journey, while cut-outs in the roof ease ingress and egress; while a distinctive roof scoop feeds air directly into the intakes of the V8 engines, with additional side and rear intakes and vents integrated smoothly into the overall body design.
The Valhalla will be available in both left-hand and right-hand drive, which helps expand its appeal across international markets. As compared to the Aston Martin Valkyrie, the cockpit room has been increased however, many Formula One inspired hallmarks still remain, such as a pared back cockpit design with simple, clear ergonomics focused around the driver.
This dynamic development of the Valhalla will be the Aston Martin’s award-winning dynamics team’s task and would be supplemented with an enviable pool of talent which also includes the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team drivers Lance Stroll, Nico Hulkenburg and Sebastian Vettel. They will bring their invaluable perspective to the project and also added authenticity to a car which speaks of a clear connection to Aston Martin’s Grand Prix machines.