Aston Martin Valkyrie: road testing begins ahead of deliveries

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.”

Aston vice-president David King said: “Making the Valkyrie presents huge challenges. It’s a real test of everyone involved, but that’s as it should be, because we’re genuinely raising the bar with this car. That’s what makes the project so special and why having the right technical partners is so critical.

“Some of those names we’re working with are long-standing suppliers of Aston Martin, but there are some new names in there, too. Whether forging fresh partnerships or building on existing relationships, this project is a shared engineering adventure that we’re all relishing.”

The Valkyrie name stems from Norse mythology and translates to ‘chooser of the slain’. Aston chose the name to signify the car’s role as its most potent product yet.

Chief creative officer Marek Reichman said: “The Valkyrie is an incredibly special car that demands an equally remarkable name – an uncompromising car that leaves nothing in reserve. The connotations of power and honour, of being chosen by the Gods, are so evocative and so pertinent to a car that only a fortunate few will ever experience.”  

Q&A with Bruce Wood, managing director, Cosworth: 

Why natural aspiration? Wouldn't a turbo engine be lighter?

"We had that debate, but our view - and Adrian Newey's view - was that if your sole objective is the driving experience, you can't beat a naturally aspirated V12. There are some great turbo applications these days, but there is inevitably a fraction of lag, a diminution of the noise. Cooling is another challenge; look at the frontal area of the Valkyrie and tell me where we would put all the intercoolers!"

Did it have to be 1000hp?

"That's what we promised we'd deliver. The original plan was for a 6.0-litre engine, but that only took us to 950hp. An increase to 6.5 litres meant we could hit the target." 

The Mercedes Project One is being developed just down the road; do you feel a rivalry? 

"The market for extraordinary vehicles is expanding and being in "motorsport valley" means many of us were poised to do it. I think that the Valkyrie is a very personal expression of Adrian Newey's vision of a car, whereas I'd say the Project One - which I'm sure will be a magnificent vehicle - is less an individual's view and more corporate."