Aston Martin Valhalla Explained

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Aston Martin Valhalla
Manufacturer:Aston Martin Lagonda plc
Aka:Aston Martin AM-RB 003 (developmental name)
Production:2019 (AM-RB 003 prototype)
2024 (planned)
Model Years:2025-
Assembly:England: Gaydon, Warwickshire
Designer:Miles Nurnberger
Adrian Newey
Class:Sports car (S)
Body Style:2-door coupé
Layout:Rear mid-engine, all-wheel drive
Engine:4.0 L Mercedes-AMG M178 LS2 twin-turbocharged V8 (production model)[1] [2]
3.0 L Aston Martin TM01 twin-turbocharged V6 (concept model)[3]
Motor:2x permanent magnet synchronous electric motors (1 Rear and 1 Front)
Powerout:1000abbr=onNaNabbr=on (concept model)
1012abbr=onNaNabbr=on (production model)
Transmission:8-speed Graziano dual clutch
Battery:150kW/400V hybrid battery system
Drivetrain:PHEV
Weight:Less than 1550abbr=onNaNabbr=on
Doors:Dihedral
Related:Aston Martin Valkyrie

The Aston Martin Valhalla is a sports car developed by British manufacturer Aston Martin in collaboration with Red Bull Racing.The mid-engined car has a plug-in hybrid powertrain and is meant to sit below the flagship Valkyrie track-focused sports car and is intended to be more usable as an everyday car.

Overview

The car is a result of the collaboration between Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing. Initially called AM-RB 003, the project name for the car was revealed to be the "Son of Valkyrie" at the car's public introduction as it uses many technologies first implemented in the Valkyrie. The final name of the car was revealed to be Valhalla. Namewise, the Valhalla follows numerous previous Aston Martin models tradition of starting with the letter "V".[4] Like the Valkyrie, the name "Valhalla" also has its origin in Norse mythology.

The concept's aero design was a unique FlexFoil rear wing. The wing could change the car's downforce without changing its angle of attack; it is integrated into the bodywork and is claimed to generate no drag or aerodynamic turbulence.

The concept's interior has space for storing luggage behind the seats, a centre console and a phone mount for the driver. The car shares the race-inspired steering wheel from the Valkyrie and features unique wing shaped paddle shifters on the steering column. The car also has dihedral doors for easy entry and exit. As of July 2021, the production vehicle's interior had not been publicly revealed.[5]

The chassis is a variation of the carbon fibre monocoque chassis of the Valkyrie with the body panels being produced from the same material. The chassis will be produced by Aston Martin while the aerodynamic body panels will be produced at Red Bull Racing. The car is planned to weigh less than .[6] [7]

When initially announced, the car was planned to use a 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 engine as opposed to the V12 on the Valkyrie but would share the KERS system from the flagship sports car. A combined output of those two would be around . The engine was intended to be designed and developed in-house by the company and will use the Castrol Nexcel 90-second oil change system first used in the track-only Vulcan. The car is the first road car to use such a system. The exhaust system uses dual outlets which are placed on top of the car, similar to the Porsche 918 Spyder.[8] [9] However, in July 2021, the Valhalla's production form debuted and featured an extensive redesign from the concept form, including switching engines from the in-house V6 to the Mercedes-AMG M178 LS2 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 in conjunction with two electric motors, among many other changes. The new powertrain will develop .[10]

Production

The car entered in production in 2023. It was originally slated for a limited production run of 500 examples starting at $1,000,000. However, as of August 2021, the Valhalla will be limited to 999 examples with an estimated price of US$800,000 (GB£580,000).[10] [11]

Appearances in media

The Valhalla appears briefly, sitting in a wind tunnel at Q-Branch in the James Bond film No Time to Die, though the vehicle itself is not used.[12]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Aston Martin Valhalla Production Model Gets Hybrid V8 With 937 HP . 15 July 2021 . Motor1 .
  2. Web site: New Aston Martin Valhalla is mid-engined 937bhp super-hybrid . 15 July 2021 . Autocar .
  3. Web site: The Aston Martin Valhalla will get a very special V6. 24 March 2020. Stephen. Dobie. Top Gear. 18 July 2020.
  4. Web site: James Bond will drive this $1.2 million Aston Martin hypercar in the next film — take a look . 28 June 2019 . Jimmy . Im . . 1 July 2019.
  5. Web site: Sean . Carson . New Aston Martin Valhalla supercar revealed with 937bhp hybrid power . 15 July 2021 . Auto Express . 15 July 2021.
  6. Web site: Aston Valhalla: specs of production version revealed . 15 July 2021 . Car Magazine . 15 July 2021.
  7. Web site: 2024 Aston Martin Valhalla Full Details . EvLegacy. 14 March 2023 .
  8. Web site: Aston Martin AM-RB 003 Is Valkyrie Refined . 5 March 2019 . Brandon . Turkus . . 15 March 2019.
  9. This Is the AM-RB 003, Aston Martin's Mid-Engine Hypercar . 5 March 2019 . Brian . Silvestro . . 10 January 2021.
  10. Web site: 937-HP Aston Martin Valhalla Has an AMG Engine and a Bargain $800,000 Price . 15 July 2021 . Car and Driver . Mike . Duff . 15 July 2021.
  11. Web site: Aston Martin Valhalla makes debut at Monterey Car Week . 15 July 2021 . Evo Magazine . 15 July 2021.
  12. Web site: Aston Martin confirms the next three Bond cars for 25th 007 film . Thompson . Chris . 26 June 2019 . Which Car . 7 October 2019.