Comparing the British hybrid super sports car “McLaren Artura” and “Aston Martin Valhalla”

McLaren ARTURA COUPE

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Aston Martin Valhalla

Valhalla with a low and wide stance

In the early 2020s, the world turned to electrification. McLaren developed a dedicated platform, the McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA), to add hybrid models to its lineup. In 2021, it announced the Artura, its first mass-produced hybrid super sports car based on the MCLA.

Aston Martin has announced the Valhalla, the second model in its joint project with Red Bull Racing following the Valkyrie, equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Revealed in 2019, the Valhalla has undergone extensive development and testing, and production finally began in 2025. Deliveries will begin soon.

The Valhalla is slightly larger than the Artura in terms of body size, with a total length of approximately 190 mm, a total width of approximately 100 mm, and a wheelbase that is 120 mm longer. Conversely, its height is 32 mm lower, and its wide and low form is reminiscent of racing prototypes competing in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). Both cars make extensive use of carbon fiber in their chassis and components, but the compact Artura is 155 kg lighter.

McLaren Artura

Body size = Length 4539 x Width 1913 x Height 1193 mm

Wheelbase = 2640 mm

Vehicle weight = 1395 kg (Dry)

Tire size = 235/35R19 (front), 295/35R20 (rear)

Aston Martin Valhalla

Body size = Length 4727 x Width 2014 x Height 1161 mm

Wheelbase = 2760 mm

Vehicle weight = 1550 kg (Dry)

Tire size = 285/30ZR20 (front), 335/30ZR21 (rear)

Valhalla PHEV powertrain with over 1000 PS

The high-performance hybrid installed in the Artura combines a 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine with an axial motor to drive the rear, achieving a maximum system output of 700 PS. The Valhalla is an AWD vehicle equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine and three electric motors. The engine alone has an output of over 800 PS, and with the addition of the motors, the maximum system output is 1079 PS. This powerful hybrid powertrain beats the Artura in 0-100 km/h acceleration by 0.5 seconds.

McLaren Artura

Engine type = V6 turbo + hybrid

Displacement = 2993cc

System maximum output = 700PS / 7500rpm

System maximum torque = 720Nm / 2250-7000rpm

Transmission = 8-speed DCT

Drive system = RWD

Top speed = 330km/h

0-100km/h acceleration = 3.0 seconds

Aston Martin Valhalla

Engine type = V8 twin turbo + 3 motors

Displacement = 3982cc

Engine maximum output = 828PS

System maximum output = 1079PS

System maximum torque = 1100Nm

Transmission = 8-speed DCT

Drive system = AWD

Top speed = 350km/h

0-100km/h acceleration = 2.5 seconds

The price for Red Bull Racing’s technology

The Valhalla’s cockpit is a combination of a 10.25-inch fully digital driver display and a 10.25-inch center touchscreen infotainment display. Although comfort is more important than in the preceding Valkyrie, the interior may feel simpler compared to the Artura’s cockpit, which combines functionality and comfort.

The Artura is equipped with a 7.4kWh lithium-ion battery located low behind the cabin. In “E mode,” which runs on electric power alone, it has a range of 33km, which is sufficient for travel in urban areas. The Valhalla, which has a total of three motors on the front and rear axles, has a battery capacity of 6.1kWh. In EV mode, it has a range of 15km and a top speed of 130km/h.

Both cars incorporate the electrification technology honed in F1, but while the Artura is a catalog model, the Valhalla is a limited project with only 999 units. In terms of driving performance, the Artura already has more than enough specs, but the Valhalla is a road-legal racing car that incorporates all of Red Bull Racing’s know-how. Considering its performance, the price difference of nearly four times is understandable.