Yahoo Autos Aston Martin Valhalla Undergoes Final Track Testing at Nürburgring
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Aston Martin's upcoming Valhalla supercar has recently been spotted undergoing rigorous track testing at Germany's Nürburgring. This testing phase marks a crucial step for the plug-in hybrid supercar as it nears its release, scheduled for later this year.
The Valhalla, designed to be the new flagship of Aston Martin's lineup, will fill the high-performance void left by the Valkyrie, though it will be less extreme and more widely produced. Initially unveiled as the AM-RB 003 concept at the 2019 Geneva auto show, the Valhalla has since evolved significantly. The original concept, developed in partnership with Red Bull Racing, has transitioned to a project led by Aston Martin Performance Technologies after the end of the collaboration.
The latest prototype reveals several updates from the AM-RB 003, including revised headlights, a broader grille, larger side intakes, and a more prominent extendable rear wing. These changes accommodate the car's new powertrain configuration.
Under the hood, the Valhalla features a Mercedes-Benz AMG-sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8, replacing the initially planned in-house V-6. This engine, paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, generates a combined peak output of 998 horsepower. Two electric motors at the front wheels enhance performance, enabling the Valhalla to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 2.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 217 mph.
The Valhalla's design incorporates advanced features such as a carbon-fiber body, active aerodynamics, and Multimatic's Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve (DSSV) adjustable dampers. Aston Martin plans to produce 999 units, potentially increasing if an open-top variant is introduced. The pricing, originally estimated at around £1 million (approximately $1.3 million), may be adjusted as production numbers rise.
Alongside the Valhalla, Aston Martin is also working on a V-12 powered DBS successor, with prototypes of this model also seen testing.
