The new Valhalla is an extraordinary machine that uses performance-driven Formula 1 methodology, spectacular design, and scintillating driving dynamics. Is Los Angeles ready for such a car?

For a selected few, since it will be limited to only 999 units, the Aston Martin Valhalla becomes a landmark for the British company. It is the first Aston Martin series production mid-engined supercar and the first plug-in hybrid. It is also the first model to use the special 4.0-liter 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 8-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which incorporates an e-Motor and electronic rear differential (E-diff).

Valhalla also debuts a fresh design language. The machine combines innovative high-downforce active aerodynamics and unique styling. Close collaboration with Aston Martin Performance Technologies (AMPT) – the consulting arm of the Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1® Team – on dynamics, aerodynamics, and lightweight materials has brought an extra dimension of knowledge and skills to Valhalla’s design and development. This Aston Martin pushes the boundaries of supercar engineering and performance and delivers a car that shines on the road and thrives on track.

DESIGN: EXTERIOR
The Valhalla is predominantly built in carbon fiber. The body evolves the ethos of form following function to embody a new era of efficient performance. But it also looks beautiful and exotic. The doors are of forward-hinged dihedral shape design and engineered as part of the monocoque. The doors also incorporate one of Valhalla’s most innovative aerodynamic features, a turning vane built into the door. This directs the airflow exiting the front wheel arch down Valhalla’s flanks and into ducts. This improves the performance of the V8 engine and transmission oil coolers by 50%. The car’s outer surface is 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 cooling 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. The quad exhaust system comprises a pair of top-exit tailpipes to maximize visual and aural drama, with an additional pair of low-mounted tailpipes flanking the underbody venturi tunnels.

The rear of the car is dominated by two large venturi tunnels, which accelerate the airflow under the car and generate downforce, delivering a perfect balance of dramatic form and aerodynamic function. A design signature of Aston Martin hypercars and special projects, the 3D-dimensional light blades protrude through a rear mesh panel, the pattern for which has been designed to allow hot airflow to be extracted from the back of the car.

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 credentials and adding cutting-edge F1® inspired technology and class-leading performance, to take on the most successful brands in the world.

“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. Valhalla delivers the most driver-focused, technologically advanced supercar with actual hypercar performance on paper and track. Yet, it is as useable and enjoyable as any Aston Martin on the road.

“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 in power output, downforce, and dynamic capability. Central to this is Valhalla’s best-in-class 1000 HP 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. The Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) produces 207PS/liter, the highest specific output from Aston Martin. An all-new 8-speed DCT transmission sends drive to the rear axle, delivering split-second shift times and a thrilling shift character. Performance targets include 0-100kp/h (62mph) acceleration in 2.5 seconds and an electronically limited 350km/h (217mph) maximum speed.

Active aerodynamics, informed by the revolutionary Aston Martin Valkyrie, generates 600kg of downforce. This figure is reached at 240km/h (149mph) and then maintained at Valhalla’s 350km/h (217mph) maximum speed by using active aerodynamics to gradually reduce the front and rear wings’ angle of attack to ‘bleed’ excess downforce as speed rises, thereby keeping the aerodynamic balance consistent across a broad performance envelope for maximum driver confidence. It’s this unprecedented dynamic bandwidth that separates Valhalla from its class rivals.

With Valhalla’s credentials and exclusivity, Aston Martin anticipates many orders going via Q by Aston Martin to make each car truly bespoke for their discerning customers. For a lucky few Angelinos, this could be the best car of 2025.