After several months of speculation, Aston Martin and Red Bull presented in Geneva what promises to be the new benchmark in the world of supercars: the Aston Martin Valkyrie.
In addition to the divine name, which continues the tradition of cars starting with a “V” of the British brand, the Valkyrie uses technology from Formula 1 – Adrian Newey, technical director of Red Bull Racing, was one of those involved in the project.
Connections to the premiere of motorsports start right from the engine. At the heart of the Valkyrie lies a 6.5 liter atmospheric V12 block with around 1000 horsepower, developed in close collaboration with Cosworth. The combustion engine works together with an electrical unit developed by the Croatian company Rimac.
As in the Formula 1 single-seaters, instead of metal brake discs we find carbon fiber discs, a lighter material (they weigh about 1.5 kg), more resistant and heat sink – although the ideal temperature is 650º C, these discs can reach peaks above 1200º C. The entire braking system is the result of a partnership between Alcon and Surface Transforms.
Another particularity of the Aston Martin Valkyrie is the driving position, with the legs almost at shoulder level. Before receiving the car, future owners of the sports car will be required to make a three-dimensional scan of their body, in order to adapt the seat to the physical characteristics of each driver, as is done in Formula 1. It is prohibited to gain weight...
For the rest, weight was also one of the priorities – once again, just like in Formula 1. Aston Martin aims for a final weight of 1000 kg which, if realized, will mean a perfect weight-to-power ratio: with 1 cv for every kilogram of weight.
The Valkyrie is limited to 150 units, which are divided between road and competition models, and which will be available in 2019. All copies have already been sold.