Aston Martin Valkyrie: road testing begins ahead of deliveries

What does the @astonmartin Valkyrie's 1000bhp, 6.5-litre, naturally aspirated V12 engine sound like?Well, something like this:https://t.co/jr7Cfg6rB7 pic.twitter.com/oQAsEhBwf0

— Autocar (@autocar) 12 December 2018

The engine also uses port fuel injection rather than direct injection, allowing it to meet emissions standards without the need to use heavy gasoline particulate filters (GPFs). Wood says the fully dressed engine weighs just 204kg, but he is equally proud of the fact that it has been designed for a 100,000km (62,000-mile) lifespan based on no more than routine maintenance. 

The electric motor sits between the engine and a single-clutch automated gearbox designed by Ricardo, with a Formula 1-inspired energy recovery system harvesting kinetic energy under braking to recharge the battery pack. 

The Valkyrie's combined power figure of 1160bhp puts it well in excess of the 992bhp minimum that Mercedes-AMG claims for the Project One hypercar, as well as the less hardcore McLaren Senna. McLaren's Speedtail three-seater is  a near match for the Valkyrie's power output, at 1055bhp, although that car won't chase track performance but is pitched instead as an 'all-rounder' hypercar. 

Up to 1816kg (4000lb) of downforce is mooted by Aston sources to be generated at top speed, helping it to "lap Silverstone as fast as an F1 car", according to Palmer.

Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro 1100bhp track car lands

The road-going Valkyrie, which has been co-developed by Red Bull Advanced Technologies, will cost between £2 million and £3 million. The more hardcore Valkyrie AMR Pro arrives later in 2020. 

Click here for more technical information of the AM-RB 001

Previously referred to by its internal codename AM-RB 001, the V12 model will be built on a carbonfibre chassis provided by long-standing Aston partner Multimatic. The car's kerb weight is expected to be around one tonne, which Aston backs up with claims for a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio.

Braking will be handled by Alcon and Surface Transforms calipers and carbon-ceramic discs, while Bosch will supply the engine control unit, traction control unit and electronic stability control systems. The tyres are Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s wrapped around 20in and 21in wheels. Wipac, a British LED lighting manufacturer, has developed the car’s headlights and tail-lights.

Red Bull Racing chief technical officer Adrian Newey said of the partners: “Much like in Formula 1, designing, engineering and building a car like the Valkyrie is a massive team effort. To achieve great things, you need to surround yourself with the best people.

“Experience, creativity, energy, diligence and perfectionism are absolute must-have qualities in every area of the project. Having great technical partners such as those working with us is both reassuring and motivating. Together, we aim to produce an innovative piece of engineering art.”