Overview
Aston Martin is a British brand that’s synonymous with opulence, but this automaker has never had a hypercar to call its own. That changes with the launch of the Valkyrie, an aerodynamic, performance-themed speed demon that holds the distinction of being Aston Martin’s first entry in the hypercar war. Aston’s vehicles are typically marked by their elegant, somewhat restrained design, but the Valkyrie blazes a fresh path with its over-the-top styling. This is the type of car that looks like it would be right at home on a future-world racetrack or in the next Transformers movie. The Valkyrie’s hybrid powertrain produces a staggering 1160 horsepower. Pricing starts at $3 million, and production is extremely limited.
What’s New for 2022?
An entirely new vehicle, the Valkyrie joins the Aston Martin lineup for the 2022 model year. It takes its name from ancient Norse mythology, the valkyries being the spirits who decided the fates of men in battle. This hypercar is born from a partnership between Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The standard Valkyrie is street legal, but there’s also an AMR Pro variant built solely for track use. Only 150 models of the standard Valkyrie will be offered. As for the Valkyrie AMR Pro, production is limited to 25 cars. Loaded with one-of-a-kind touches, the base car offers more than enough to keep a hypercar buyer satisfied. To improve aerodynamics, the Valkyrie ditches exterior mirrors in favor of rear-facing cameras mounted to the car’s flanks. These cameras feed images to two cabin displays located on the car’s A-pillars, allowing the driver to monitor the blind spots. You may also notice that there’s no rearview mirror. That’s because there’s no rear window. This feature is precluded by the car’s bodywork and roof-mounted engine air intake. To optimize curb weight, the Valkyrie is composed entirely of carbon fiber. According to Aston Martin, there isn’t a single steel component in the vehicle’s structure. This hypercar is prohibitively expensive, but that hasn’t hurt its ability to attract serious interest. Aston Martin reports that both the standard Valkyrie and Valkyrie AMR Pro are already sold out.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Valkyrie’s hybrid powertrain consists of a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V-12 and an electric motor. A seven-speed automatic transmission directs power to the rear wheels. Alone, the V-12 delivers 1000 horsepower, while the battery-electric system—designed by Rimac and Integral Powertrain—contributes an additional 160 horsepower. Combined, the power sources produce a total output of 1160 horsepower and 663 lb-ft of torque. Aston Martin’s Valkyrie AMR Pro features the same powertrain, but the V-12’s calibration has been tweaked to boost output. The AMR Pro has a lighter curb weight than the road car, and Aston claims that it’s capable of generating more than its own weight in downforce.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Fuel-economy estimates for the 2022 Aston Martin Valkyrie haven’t been revealed.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Aston Martin Valkyrie provides seating for two. The cockpit is shaped like a teardrop, with passengers placed in a reclined feet-up position. It’s similar to the seating position in modern Formula 1 race cars. A four-point harness is standard, and a six-point harness is available for those who plan to log lots of time at the track. To reduce driver distraction and busyness, all of the car’s switchgear is placed on the steering wheel, with vital signs reflected on a single OLED display screen. The switches are offered in anodized silver, black, or red. Aston offers a wide range of colors, patterns, and finishes for the upholstery, and the seat harnesses come in a choice of six bold hues. To make vehicle entry and exit easier, the Valkyrie’s steering wheel is detachable.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The standard Valkyrie comes with a central infotainment screen. With the AMR Pro, this screen is deleted to reduce curb weight.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
For more information about the Valkyrie’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Aston Martin’s limited and powertrain warranty coverage is identical to the protection offered Lamborghini, a chief rival.
- Limited warranty covers three years or unlimited miles
- Powertrain warranty covers three years or unlimited miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
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