Aston Martin will hit the ground running with its transition to electrification later this year when it unveils the production-ready Valhalla supercar, which will serve as a halo model for a new range of hybrid versions of the firm’s current models, as well as all-new fully electric cars.
The Valhalla is due to enter production in 2023. Revealed in concept form at the 2019 Geneva motor show, it was set to be the first model to use Aston’s bespoke ‘TM01’ hybridised 3.0-litre V6, before the set-up was to be rolled out across the line-up. However, development of that powertrain has now been put on ice in light of Aston’s strengthened ties to 20% stakeholder Mercedes-Benz, which will supply components at a “reasonable cost” to the British brand.
The mid-engined two-seater is now being substantially revised ahead of its 2023 launch date and will be shown again in its new form in the coming months. Aston has not revealed how many orders it has taken, but it has confirmed that “a chunk” of its deposit balance at the end of 2020 came from Valhalla customers.
The new supercar will still be a hybrid, but with CEO Tobias Moers keen to leverage the accessibility of components and drivetrains supplied by partner firm Mercedes-Benz, the V6 is now set to make way for an AMG power unit.
The most likely candidate is the electrified 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 shortly to make its debut in the Mercedes-AMG GT73 4Matic 4-Door Coupé. It’s not yet clear whether the packaging constraints of the mid-engined two-seater’s bodywork will allow for the fitment of AMG’s 201bhp electric motor on the rear axle, as will be the case with the German marque’s performance hybrids, but the combustion element will remain mid-mounted. Outright power is expected to approach the 1000bhp mark, in line with the Valhalla’s billing as a rival to the Ferrari SF90 and McLaren Speedtail.
Electrification plans
By 2030, 90% of Aston Martin’s model line-up will be electrified, with limited production of pure-combustion engines continuing to serve the enthusiast sector and several overseas markets where such powertrains can still be sold.
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@Speedraser, which Aston do you own? Can't be a 21st century one as they haven't made their own engines for a long time now...
The Valhalla looks like one of those flimsy plastic remote control toy cars you see in TKMaxx. Beautiful? No! Elegant? No! Kit car appearance? Yes! And why that horrible colour scheme of white with black wheels?
A crying shame. We are witnessing the destruction of Aston Martin and its evolution into a Mercedes of some sort. The apparent demise of Aston's own V6 is abhorrent, especially so late in its development. An Aston with a Benz engine is NOT an Aston. Never will be, no matter how much "differentiation" or other BS they claim. I speak as an owner - I will never buy an "Aston" that has a Mercedes engine. Would anyone buy a Benz-engined Ferrari? Of course not. This is unforgivable.