Aston Martin Valhalla

Limited to 999 units, this mid-engine PHEV supercar

The production version of the Aston Martin Valhalla, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) supercar that aims to deliver overwhelming driving performance on both public roads and circuits, was unveiled for the first time in Japan. The Valhalla was also unveiled in Japan in 2022, but at the time it was still a prototype mockup. This time it is the production version, and the engine is also installed mid-mounted. Development is currently in the final stages, with the production line in Gaydon, UK just starting to operate.

The Valhalla on display this time is a Lunar White with vivid orange accents, a demonstration vehicle. The first time it has been exhibited since leaving Gaydon is in Japan, which is a testament to how important a market it is. The mid-engine supercar “Valkyrie” that has already been released has been given the code number AM-001, and the “Valkyrie PRO” AM-002, but this Valhalla is AM-003, so the number “03” was displayed on the door of the exhibition vehicle.

The specially designed carbon fiber tub houses a newly developed 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine, which is combined with three electric motors to produce a maximum system output of 1079 PS and a maximum system torque of 1100 Nm. This mid-engine PHEV supercar will be limited to 999 units.

1079PS, exceeding the Valkyrie

This V8 engine, which boasts the highest level of performance in Aston Martin’s history, will be installed for the first time in the Valhalla. The AMG-made 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine, which is also installed in the DBX707, is based on the M178 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine from the previous Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, which features a flat-plane crankshaft and dry sump, but has been further bespoke to produce a maximum output of 828 PS.

Three electric motors, two in the front and one in the rear, produce a maximum output of 251 PS, combined with an 8-speed DCT, also being installed for the first time, to produce a maximum system output of 1079 PS and a maximum system torque of 1100 Nm. Thanks to the carbon fiber tub, the dry weight is only 1655 kg, making it light for a PHEV. The top speed is 350 km/h (electronically limited), and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is 2.5 seconds. As it is a PHEV, it is also possible to drive the front motor in EV mode, a first for Aston Martin. The cruising range is a modest 14 km.

When it first debuted, the system’s maximum output was targeted at 950 PS, but thanks to the increased power output of the V8 engine and motor, it has now reached 1079 PS, surpassing the Valkyrie (1014 PS). This is of course due to the remarkable technological innovations of recent years, but it is also said that while development was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in management structure, competing models with higher performance were born.

F1-inspired aerodynamics

The presentation was given by Sam Bennetts, Head of Q Special Projects Sales.

The front suspension is inboard, and can be seen through the gap in the front bonnet. Of course, this design is to improve the streamlining effect within the wheel arch, and you can get a glimpse of the aerodynamic technology derived from F1. The rear is an outboard five-link suspension.

The front and rear wings are adjustable, generating over 600 kg of downforce when traveling at speeds of 240 to 350 km/h. The active aerodynamics reduces excess downforce by gradually reducing the angle of attack of the front and rear wings as the speed increases. The two front motors are of course equipped with torque vectoring, and with the help of the rear electronically controlled differential (E-Diff), it is expected to achieve advanced cornering performance and high traction.

Production has already started in the second quarter, and half of the 999 units have already been delivered. The vehicle price (tax included) is 128.9 million yen.

PHOTO/GENROQ, Aston Martin Japan Limited

SPECIFICATIONS

Aston Martin Valhalla

Body size: Total length 4727, total width 2014, total height 1161mm

Wheelbase: 2760mm

Vehicle weight: 1655kg (Dry)

Engine: V8 DOHC twin turbo

Total displacement: 4.0 liters

Engine maximum output: 609kW (828PS)

Motor maximum output: 185kW (251PS)

System maximum output: 793kW (1079PS) / 6700rpm

System maximum torque: 1100Nm

Transmission: 8-speed DCT

Drive system: AWD

Suspension type: Front push rod inboard, rear 5-link

Brakes: Front and rear ventilated disc Tire

size: Front 285/30ZR20, rear 335/35ZR21

Top speed: 350km/h

0-100km/h: 2.5 seconds

Fuel tank: 65L