Meet the Valhalla, a new generation Aston Martin, that defines a new driver and driving experience described by the brand as ‘the Mastery of Driving’. It’s a true ultra-luxury, exclusive, British-made sports car that highlights the transformational journey from concept car brought to production reality with new electric technology. This truly is an extraordinary, driver-focused, mid-engined, hybrid supercar.
The Valhalla is the latest and most significant product of the brand’s ‘Project Horizon’ strategy; a car which will broaden the model portfolio to reflect Aston Martin’s best-in-class standards for performance, dynamics and driving pleasure, and drive the transition from internal combustion via hybrid to full electric power-trains.
999 of these fabulous cars will be built and to be perfectly candid the price will be high, but then again, any Aston Martin is a dream car that can be found at more reasonable prices. MHH International can source current model cars from this famous brand for export to Kenya, New Zealand, Ireland and elsewhere. Exports are VAT-free too, which is a bonus.
The Build
Built with chassis, aerodynamic and electronics expertise forged in the white hot heat of the Formula One racetrack, the Valhalla has a cutting-edge hybrid power-train technology at its heart, of which more below. Furthermore, thanks again to that F1 experience, Valhalla is a formidable technological showcase. Quite rightly though, far from engineering the driver out of the loop, Valhalla’s sole focus to immerse the driver in a new kind of supercar driving experience on the road. An experience which brings unprecedented excitement, enjoyment, and driver engagement to the top of the supercar sector, the company assure us.
In terms of its structure, Valhalla is built around a new a carbon fibre tub for maximum stiffness with minimum weight penalty. Featuring F1 style push-rod front suspension complete with inboard mounted springs and dampers that reduce unsprung mass and provides a brilliant packaging solution. Together with the rear-end’s multi-link design, Valhalla uses ‘Multimatic’ Variable Spring rate and Adaptive Spool Valve Damper units that provide an adjustable ride frequency for exceptional performance on road and track. In addition to stiffer suspension, Track mode sees ride height dramatically reduced in order to maximise downforce. At the other end of the speed scale, a front axle lift system raises the nose for improved approach angle on awkward inclines, like traffic calming humps.
Full LED Matrix headlights with adaptive functionality and high-beam assist deliver excellent forward vision in the dark, and Dual Zone Air Conditioning provides high level of occupant comfort. In order to comply with the latest regulatory requirements, Valhalla also incorporates the latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. These include Auto Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Active Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear View Parking Camera (with Surround View option), the latter being very suitable for this low-slung beast.
The Interior
The Valhalla, the prestige brand’s first series production mid-engined supercar will be available in both left-hand and right-hand drive, expanding its appeal across international markets. Cockpit room has been increased compared to the older Valkyrie, though many F1 inspired hallmarks remain, such as a pared back cockpit design with clear, simple ergonomics unashamedly focussed around the driver.
An innovative new Aston Martin HMI system features a central touchscreen display and incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Adjustable pedals and steering column enable the seat bases to be fixed to the chassis structure. The footwells are also raised for a low hip-to-heel seating position redolent of a race car.
The Drive
With pinpoint handling, prodigious levels of downforce and a breathtaking blend of instant battery-electric torque and the intensity of a scintillating V8 engine, Valhalla’s fusion of raw emotion and hybrid efficiency reflects a new era for supercars.
With a mid-engined 950bhp (963PS) gasoline/battery electric power-train, new carbon fibre structure and aerodynamics shaped by the pioneering philosophy first seen in the revolutionary Aston Martin Valkyrie, Valhalla will bring the perfect balance of hyper-car performance, driving dynamics and uniquely sophisticated design materials to truly redefine the supercar sector.
At the beating heart of Valhalla, like Thor’s hammer, is an all-new PHEV power-train, which features three motors; foremost of these is a rear-mid-mounted 4.0 litre twin-turbo bespoke V8 engine. The most advanced, responsive and highest performing V8 engine ever fitted to an Aston Martin, it features a flat-plane crankshaft for increased responsiveness. Revving to 7200rpm and developing 739bhp (750PS), it sends drive exclusively to the rear axle. Exhaling through a lightweight exhaust system with active flaps for an adjustable and authentic Aston Martin sound character it also features top-exit tailpipes to maximise visual and aural drama.
Supplementing this new V8 engine is a 150kW/400V battery hybrid system utilising a pair of electric motors; one mounted on the front axle and the other on the rear axle. The electric system contributes further power. When driven in EV mode battery power is directed exclusively to the front axle. In other driving modes battery power is split between front and rear axles, the percentage sent to each axle constantly varies according to driving demands. In certain situations, 100% of battery power can be sent to the rear axle, supplementing the full force of the ICE V8 for maximum performance.
All this monster power drives through an all-new 8-speed DCT transmission. Exclusively designed and built for Aston Martin, this new paddle-shift gearbox has been developed specifically for the hybrid era. Interestingly, this gearbox features ‘e-reverse’ which utilises the PHEV’s electric motors and thereby saves weight by negating the need for a conventional reverse gear. The transmission also features an Electronic Limited-Slip Differential on the rear axle for maximum traction and handling agility.
Electrical power is also used to enhance low speed control and response as well as provide reversing capability. And, thanks to the instantaneous torque from the electric motors, the hybrid system augments the V8 engine to deliver sensational standing start acceleration and in-gear response. Unleashing full power, the Valhalla will reach a top speed of 217mph / 350km/h and will complete the sprint from 0-62mph in just 2.5 seconds.
The pursuit of downforce demands uncompromising functionality, but expertly working the airflow beneath the car has left Aston Martin’s design team with a clean upper body surface with which they have created a memorable mid-engined shape that is original yet unmistakably Aston Martin. A road car for expert drivers that, as Shakespeare might have said given the opportunity, is the stuff that dreams are made on.
