The Aston Martin Valhalla is a supercar of extraordinary scope, fusing the performance-driven methodologies and technologies of Formula One with spectacular design and scintillating driving dynamics.
As befits the ultimate driver’s supercar, Valhalla is a car of firsts: Aston Martin’s first series production mid-engined supercar and first plug-in hybrid, delivering the marque’s first production vehicle with dedicated EV range capability.
It is also the first model to use the bespoke 4.0-litre, twin-turbo, flat-plane crank V8 engine – the highest performing V8 engine ever fitted to an Aston Martin – and is the first to use the brand’s all-new eights-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which incorporates an e-Motor and electronic rear differential (E-diff).
Valhalla also debuts a fresh design language. Extreme supercar performance expressed with fresh form and proportion, it bears the unmistakable Aston Martin hallmarks of flawless, uncorrupted lines and combines them with innovative high-downforce active aerodynamics.
Close collaboration with Aston Martin Performance Technologies (AMPT) – the consulting arm of the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team – on dynamics, aerodynamics and materials have brought an extra dimension of knowledge and skills to the Valhalla’s design and development. This vital contribution has aided Aston Martin to push the boundaries of supercar engineering and performance to deliver a car which shines on the road and thrives on the track.
For Aston Martin CEO, Adrian Hallmark, Valhalla expresses the future vision for the ultra-luxury performance brand.
“Four years ago we set out on a journey to transform the Aston Martin brand by taking its historic and unmatched luxury credential’s and adding cutting-edge F1-inspired technology and class-leading performance, with the aim of taking on the most successful brands in the world,” he explained.
“With the next generation of sportscars launched to critical acclaim, we are now adding the first ever mid-engine series production Aston Martin to our portfolio, the ultimate driver’s supercar.
“On paper and on track, Valhalla delivers the most driver-focused, technologically advanced supercar, with true hypercar performance and yet on the road it is as useable and enjoyable as any Aston Martin. A unique proposition, designed to be the most elegant and exciting product in the market.
“We learned to think differently from developing the ultimate hypercar, Aston Martin Valkyrie and working with Adrian Newey. This knowledge and new methodology have allowed us to build on the strengths of our past successes and position Aston Martin as a class-leading company in technology, performance and experience for our customers who will be the custodians of this new piece of Aston Martin history: Valhalla.”
Technical Overview
This relentless pursuit of excellence has seen Valhalla’s specification evolve significantly from the original concept with significant gains achieved in power output, downforce and dynamic capability. Central to this is Valhalla’s best-in-class 1079PS and 1100Nm of torque hybrid powertrain comprising an 828PS 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine and three electric motors (two of which drive the front axle) contributing a further 251PS. Performance targets include 0-100km/h (62mph) acceleration in 2.5 seconds and an electronically limited 350km/h (217mph) maximum speed.
Sophisticated Integrated Vehicle Dynamics Control (IVC) electronics monitor suspension, braking, steering, active aerodynamics and powertrain systems to achieve optimal performance and driver connection in every situation. Working in harmony with Valhalla’s four driver selectable drive modes, IVC continually shapes Valhalla’s dynamic character by monitoring vehicle behaviour and driver demands.
On start-up, Valhalla selects Sport mode as default, with the driver able to manually select Pure EV, Sport+ and Race as alternative drive modes. Each mode has its own combination of settings for powertrain (including Torque Vectoring and hybrid system integration), plus suspension stiffness, active aero, and steering calibration for distinct driving characters. In pure EV mode, drive is from the front-axle motors only with a range of 14km and a top speed limited to 140km/h (80mph).
With the four defined drive modes, drivers can select their chosen mode via the rotary in the centre stack. Each drive mode is purposefully calibrated to give the driver a distinct and differentiated experience. In pure EV, silent on start-up, as the battery depletes its state of charge, Valhalla will automatically switch from EV to Sport.
Sport engages the 4.0-litre Twin-Turbo V8 engine and drives Valhalla as a hybrid supercar, combining the instantaneous torque of the electrified front axle with the exhilarating power of the V8. Dialing up the theatre into Sport +, Valhalla is maximised for dynamic thrill on the open road. Race mode is all about ultimate performance, focused for the racetrack, and engaging the active aerodynamics.
In pure EV, Sport and Sport+ modes, the active rear wing remains stowed to maintain Valhalla’s elegant silhouette. In Race mode, the rear T-Wing raises by 255mm on powerful hydraulic rams for maximum downforce.
In conjunction with the distinctive and active rear wing, Valhalla employs a concealed active front wing, just ahead of the front axle, a component that is essential to how Valhalla controls the air in Race mode. A technical triumph, developed with a single mechanism to control and manage airflow across multiple surfaces, the active front wing is set to minimise drag in its default position.
When Race mode is selected the front wing shifts to maximum downforce mode with full range of movement including, an automated DRS function when the vehicle determines it needs to bleed of downforce. Under braking, when in Race mode, the rear wing will dominantly deploy as an air brake, working in tandem with the active front wing to shift the balance of pressure and ensure optimal stability when delivering incredible braking performance.
For Aston Martin’s Director of Vehicle Performance, Simon Newton, developing Valhalla has been a unique and rewarding journey.
“The challenge for the engineering and vehicle dynamics teams has been to harness, for the first time, the immense power of Valhalla’s hybrid powertrain through a combination of active aerodynamics and integrated dynamic control systems,” he said.
“With 1079PS and 1100Nm, extraordinary performance is a given. The challenge is achieving next-level speed, precision and exhilaration on track while retaining the characteristics of an enjoyable and highly emotional supercar when driving on the road. It’s this unprecedented dynamic bandwidth that separates Valhalla from its class rivals”.
Powertrain
Valhalla’s hybrid powertrain combines a new 828PS 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine with three electric motors contributing a further 251PS; two E-motors are mounted on the front axle and a third E-motor built-in to the new 8-speed DCT transmission, which sends dedicated drive to the rear axle.
The trio of E-motors are powered by an advanced High-Performance Battery (HPB) system designed specifically for use in a performance focused PHEV powertrain. Featuring an ultra-effective dielectric cooling system the battery combines the capability to deploy its state of charge to satisfy frequent and successive power demands with fast energy absorption and high-power density. This means that on a spirited drive, the full power potential can be called up immediately, while recuperation is strong when decelerating.
Chassis and Brakes
At Valhalla’s core is a bespoke carbon fibre tub for maximum stiffness with minimum weight penalty, with the lower section weighing only 74.2kg. Designed and engineered by AMPT, which applies their highly specialised F1 expertise and technical capabilities beyond the pinnacle of motorsport, Valhalla’s structure is the product of cutting-edge composite technology. The Carbon Monocoque at the core of Valhalla helps achieve a dry lightweight mass of 1655kg giving a power to weight ratio of 652PS per 1000kg.
Valhalla’s carbon structure has been created using proprietary technology developed for Aston Martin. The upper and lower sections of the structure are moulded from carbon fibre using a combination of Resin-Transfer-Moulding process (RTM) and F1-derived autoclave technology. The result is a singular, immensely stiff, strong and light passenger cell which delivers best-in-class dynamic structural attributes and outstanding safety, without compromising driver and passenger ergonomics.
Valhalla’s braking system has also been honed to truly deliver progressive stopping power during road use with ample reserves of outright retardation for on-limit track driving. These characteristics have been achieved through careful tuning of a new Integrated Power Brake system, which allows fine tuning of pedal feel across the full range of deceleration. This ensures precise, instinctive modulation thanks to a firm, confidence-inspiring pedal feel whether making modest braking inputs or demanding maximum stopping power from elevated speeds.
Regenerative Braking is a major feature of the Aston Martin Valhalla, increasing the usable range of the electric drivetrain and making otherwise wasted energy usable again by employing the front axle E-machine to convert braking energy and store it in the HV battery.
Valhalla utilises two forms of regeneration; CAT B, via the front E-motor where the driver applies the brakes and CAT A where regeneration is done via the rear E-motor as the driver lifts off the throttle.
Vehicle Dynamics
Valhalla excels on both the road and track, focusing on driver engagement, agility and dynamic excellence with a unique combination of active aerodynamics and torque vectoring.
Central to Valhalla’s remarkable handling and dynamic behaviour is a sophisticated Torque Vectoring system. Using the two electric motors located on the front axle to independently feed varying amounts of torque to each wheel, Torque Vectoring is used to enhance the agility and stability of the car.
Torque Vectoring (E-TV) is an extension of Aston Martin’s advanced and Integrated Vehicle Dynamics Control (IVC) system. First introduced in DB12, the IVC system has been developed even further for Valhalla, seamlessly adding Torque Vectoring, Electric All-Wheel-Drive Distribution (E-AWDD) and regenerative braking work in harmony with the E-diff, Powertrain and the IPB braking system.
ESP-On
The main objective of ESP-On is to make the car as accessible as possible for the driver, with E-TV used to make the limit of the car more approachable. This is achieved by ESP acting early to mitigate over- and understeer before it develops to a level where corrective steering inputs are required. By maintaining stability without the need for sharp ESP intervention drivers of all abilities are enabled to gradually work towards the limit of the car without ever breaching it.
ESP-Race
ESP-Race increases the feeling of agility and steering response, using Torque Vectoring to attack corners at the limit of maximum lateral performance. The ESP’s intervention threshold is also increased, allowing skilled drivers to drive at and even drift slightly beyond the limits of traction and lateral grip.
Though tuned for more extreme driving, ESP-Race still provides less experienced drivers with the background support to confidently explore Valhalla’s elevated capabilities with the reassurance ESP will intervene beyond a certain slip angle.
ESP-Off
In ESP-Off, the full scope of Valhalla’s dynamic capability is unleashed. Developed for the enjoyment of expert drivers in a track environment, ESP-Off allows the limits of traction and lateral acceleration to be freely exceeded, placing the driver in full control.
To aid their enjoyment, E-TV is tuned to achieve the highest levels of lateral acceleration and used to adapt the balance of the car, sharpening steering response and intensifying the feeling of agility in low-speed corners and focusing on stability and calmer responses at higher speeds.
Active Aerodynamics
The aerodynamic approach to Valhalla starts in a similar way to an F1 car, by using all elements of the body shape to generate downforce and minimise drag. However, Valhalla is not restricted by F1regulations so it can benefit from fully active aerodynamic systems at both the front and rear of which will generate in excess of 600kg of downforce at 240km/h (149mph).
Valhalla employs an integrated system of Active Aerodynamics which combines moveable aerodynamic surfaces with precise management of underbody airflow. This enables Valhalla to adapt front and rear downforce to maximise grip, balance and consistency, or reduce drag depending on the situation and the driving mode selected. This enables drivers to extract the very best from Valhalla’s chassis and tyres, across the full performance range of the car.
Design: Exterior
Freed from the necessity for a fixed wing, Valhalla’s predominantly carbon fibre body evolves the ethos of form following function to embody a new era of efficient performance and true beauty.
Dramatic forward-hinged dihedral doors add supercar theatre but thoughtful design and engineering of the monocoque and doors – specifically lowered sills, roof cut-outs in the roof and a forward A-pillar position – significantly eases ingress and egress. Creating a class leading opening, the dihedral hinge takes the door up and away from the driver and passenger, allowing the user to easily drop into the bespoke carbon fibre seats and swing their legs into the cabin effortlessly.
The doors also incorporate one of Valhalla’s most innovative aerodynamic features. Called the door turning vane, airflow exiting the front wheel arch is directed down Valhalla’s flanks and into ducts which improve performance of the V8 engine and transmission oil coolers by 50 per cent.
The inner surface of the door outer is sculpted to serve as a duct, allowing air to flow inside the door, passing along the sides of the car and into the cooling ducts for engine and transmission. This keeps the outer surface clean and free from visible scoops and intakes.
Rising from the sleek roof is an F1-inspired roof snorkel, directing air to multiple places including two engine intake paths, air to air intercoolers and an engine bay cooing duct. The roof scoop is flanked by wing-like opening panels giving access to fuel, oil and coolant fillers for the engine and charging ports for the plug-in hybrid battery. Far from compromising its immaculate surfacing these functional features are amongst Valhalla’s many intelligent details.
Aston Martin’s Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman, Valhalla said Aston Martin’s much admired design language has taken a bold step forward.
“As Aston Martin’s first mid-engined supercar, Valhalla presented a rare opportunity to create something fresh,” he explained.
“Knowledge gained during the Valkyrie hypercar programme was invaluable, as that meticulous mindset drove us to continually evolve and refine Valhalla’s design until finding a perfect balance of beauty and purpose.
“This striking new aesthetic reflects the unique synergies between Aston Martin’s exemplary approach to design and Aston Martin Performance Technologies’ mastery of materials and aerodynamics. The result is a supercar of unparalleled purity; a design that celebrates the inspiring challenge of seamlessly uniting form and function in this new age of efficient ultra-performance.”
Design: Interior
Formula One influences found in the extreme Valkyrie hypercar also inform Valhalla’s cockpit, with clean, reductive design creating an environment to immerse both driver and passenger in an intense and unforgettable supercar experience. Foremost amongst them are raised footwells for a low hip-to-heel seating position and lightweight, one-piece carbon fibre seats for maximum support. The seating position amplifies the driver’s sense of connection without compromising comfort. The steering wheel shape has too been inspired by F1 and features a one-piece carbon fibre armature.
The Amphitheatre line is a key feature of Aston Martin’s new interior design language, wrapping around the cabin, cosseting the driver and passenger with a cockpit feel. A carbon brace runs the width of the cabin, on top of which floats the Instrument Panel. Each component is designed to enhance the driving experience of Valhalla, while maintaining the high levels of craftsmanship and excellence that customers are familiar with from Aston Martin’s core GT products.
The innovative Aston Martin HMI system provides an ultra-clear, column mounted driver centric display of information essential to road and track use. Features include a Race mode layout with a large linear tachometer and shift lights informed by Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team drivers at their Silverstone Headquarters. During road driving the display also features an expanded view function, such as full-screen navigation map, for added ease of use.
Like all Aston Martin models, Valhalla customers can explore endless bespoke and customisation possibilities via the luxury brands personalisation service, Q by Aston Martin. Enlisting the skills of Q’s designers and crafts people, customers can embark on an unforgettable design journey that can encompass everything from a single small distinguishing detail to full-scale engineering and production of entirely bespoke components to create a true one-off.
For more information, please visit www.astonmartin.com.