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Wilder than Expected
Aston Martin Valkyrie

Aston Martin has released further details and images of the Valkyrie, the street-legal hypercar developed in partnership with the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Incredibly, this is said to be very close to the production version, with around 95% finalised on the exterior.

The focus of Valkyrie is clearly its aerodynamics. The hypercar now has openings in the body between the cockpit and front wheel arches for achieving considerable gains in frontal downforce, while the Venturi tunnels running either side of the cockpit floor remain. The headlights used are the most lightweight for a production Aston Martin model ever. Even the usual wing logo badge has been replaced by a chemical etched aluminium badge just 70 microns thick for keeping the car lightweight.

Interior space is maximised by mounting the seats directly to the tub and as explained by Interior Creative Director Matt Hill, “There is genuine space for two large adults.” The occupants will be in a reclined ‘feet-up’ position as inside a Formula 1 race car, and held in place by a four-point or optional six-point harness. The cockpit layout is minimalist with a OLED display and a detachable steering wheel. Traditional door mirrors are replaced by cameras with displays positioned at the base of A-pillars. As there is no rear window there is no need for rearview mirror.

Technical specifications of the car have not been release but rumours suggest that it will be fitted with a naturally-aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine and an electric motor, generating a combined output of approximately 1,130 hp. Combining that with the ultra lightweight body, the Valkyrie is expected to easily achieve a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio, if not beat it. While we await the next announcement of this GBP 2.5 million hypercar, it’s sobering to be reminded that all 150 examples have already been allocated.