This week, Aston Martin finally showed off the first image of its forthcoming 003 hypercar and the firm's CEO declared it has the Ferrari LaFerrari, McLaren Senna, and Porsche 918 Spyder directly in its sights.

Andy Palmer, Aston Martin CEO, told Auto Express in a Wednesday report that the 003 bridges the gap between the gap between the forthcoming Valkyrie hypercar and a Ferrari 488 competitor that's also on the way from the British brand. In this respect, he said the 003 is a LaFerrari competitor or "like the McLaren Senna and Porsche 918." In the spirit of the LaFerrari, the powertrain will consist of an internal-combustion engine (likely a V-6) paired with a KERS-style hybrid system. The KERS system is all about performance and not efficiency, just like the LaFerrari.

Unlike the Valkyrie, the 003 will be far more usable every day. We previously reported it will be more comfortable and have space for luggage. Yet, the car may also find its way to the racetrack.

Should Aston Martin decided to jump into the FIA's new hypercar class for the World Endurance Championship, the 003 would likely report for duty. We'd be thrilled to watch an Aston Martin hypercar take on Le Mans.

The 003 name is short for Project 003. The Valkyrie is Project 001 and the track-only Valkyrie Pro is Project 002.

Little else is known about the 003, though it may sport the name "Valhalla." The name would fall in line with Aston Martin's current trend to pluck names from Norse mythology. Valhalla is the resting place for warriors who died in combat and are worthy of the god Odin. Valkyries are the warrior spirits that protect Valhalla. Both names would make for a proper hierarchy in the brand.

Auto Express reported the 003 could debut at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, but the car won't be ready for production until 2021. When it does enter production, Aston Martin has already said it only plans to build 500 coupes, though it hasn't mentioned if it will also build a convertible.

The Aston Martin AM-RB 003, the planned hypercar successor to the V-12 hybrid-powered Valkyrie, has just been given its official name: Valhalla. Like the Valkyrie, the name Valhalla originates from Norse mythology. It's the name given to the widely celebrated hall in Asgard, an ancient warrior's paradise.

The Valhalla is also the latest in a long line of Aston Martin names starting with the letter "V." It's a tradition that dates back seven decades, starting with the high-performance version of the DB2, the Vantage, and continuing on with the Virage, Volante, Vanquish, Vulcan, and Valkyrie.

Created in collaboration with Red Bull Advanced Technologies and F1 design legend Adrian Newey, just 500 examples of the Valhalla coupe will be built. Like the Valkyrie, the Valhalla will use advanced lightweight carbon fiber-intensive construction. The design borrows heavily from the Valkyrie as well, though it's not as extreme—Aston Martin wants this to be a car you can use every day. It has space for luggage and even a mount for your phone on the dash.

As Aston Martin said during the reveal of the Valhalla at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2019, the car will be powered by a combination of a turbocharged V-6 and some sort of hybrid system. It'll also be the first production road car to get Castrol's revolutionary Nexcel 90-second oil change system, which was first tested on the track-only Vulcan.

Aston Martin expects the first Valhallas to hit the road in late 2021. The automaker has yet to reveal pricing, but it should be less than the Valkyrie, which is rumored to cost around $3 million.

Aston Martin wants this to be a car you can use every day. It has space for luggage and even a mount for your phone on the dash.

The automaker has yet to reveal pricing, but it should be less than the Valkyrie, which is rumored to cost around $3 million

Aston Martin's transformational journey takes a huge step forwards with the Valhalla concept car brought to production reality as an extraordinary, truly driver-focused mid-engined hybrid supercar.

Led by Aston Martin's CEO, Tobias Moers, Valhalla is the latest and most significant product of the brand's Project Horizon strategy to-date; a car which will broaden the model portfolio to reflect Aston Martin's presence in Formula One®, set best-in-class standards for performance, dynamics and driving pleasure, and drive the transition from internal combustion to hybrid to full electric powertrains.

Aston Martin's Executive Chairman, Lawrence Stroll said: "Aston Martin's first series production mid-engined supercar, Valhalla is a truly transformational moment for this ultra-luxury brand. The launch of Valhalla demonstrates Aston Martin's commitment to building a range of exceptional mid-engined driver focused cars, a crucial next stage in the expansion of our product line-up. It also seemed fitting to unveil this stunning track biased supercar at the home of motorsport and the home of the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula OneTM Team and marks Aston Martin's return to the British Grand Prix for the first time in over 60 years, a true milestone."

Built with chassis, aerodynamic and electronics expertise forged in Formula One®, and a cutting-edge hybrid powertrain technology at its heart, Aston Martin Valhalla is a formidable technological showcase. Yet far from engineering the driver out of the loop, Valhalla's sole focus is immersing them in a new kind of supercar driving experience. One which brings unprecedented excitement, enjoyment, and driver engagement to the top of the supercar sector.

With pinpoint handling, prodigious levels of downforce and a breathtaking blend of instant battery-electric torque and the intensity of a scintillating V8 engine, Valhalla's fusion of raw emotion and hybrid efficiency reflects a new era. One defined by a shift in attitudes and expectations that demands contemporary supercars are not just sensational to look at and thrilling to drive, but that they truly reflect the technology employed in the highest level of motorsport. As such Valhalla is at the forefront; an authentic, next generation Aston Martin road racer, designed around the driver, for the driver and built to be enjoyed.

Valhalla heralds a new definition of Aston Martin. With a mid-engined 950bhp gasoline/battery electric powertrain, new carbon fibre structure and aerodynamics shaped by the pioneering philosophy first seen in the revolutionary Aston Martin Valkyrie, Valhalla will bring the perfect balance of hypercar performance and advanced powertrain, driving dynamics and uniquely sophisticated design materials to truly redefine the supercar sector.

For a true engineer like Moers, Valhalla marks the moment where Aston Martin delivers on earlier promises, he says: "Preserving the essence of an exceptional concept car is vital when meeting the challenge of bringing it into production. With Valhalla not only have we stayed true to our commitment to build a world-beating supercar, but we have exceeded our original aims. The result is a pure driving machine - one which exists right at the cutting edge of performance and technology yet allows the driver to feel the emotion and thrill of complete connection and control."

At the beating heart of Valhalla is its all-new PHEV powertrain, which features three motors; foremost of these is a rear-mid-mounted 4.0 litre twin-turbo bespoke V8 engine. The most advanced, responsive and highest performing V8 engine ever fitted to an Aston Martin, it features a flat-plane crankshaft for increased responsiveness. Revving to 7200rpm and developing 750PS, it sends drive exclusively to the rear axle. Exhaling through a lightweight exhaust system with active flaps for an adjustable and authentic Aston Martin sound character it also features top-exit tailpipes to maximise visual and aural drama.

Supplementing this new V8 engine is a 150kW/400V battery hybrid system utilising a pair of E-Motors; one mounted on the front axle and the other on the rear axle. The electric system contributes a further 204PS for a headline combined power output of 950PS. When driven in EV mode battery power is directed exclusively to the front axle. In other driving modes battery power is split between front and rear axles, the percentage sent to each axle constantly varies according to driving demands. In certain situations, 100% of battery power can be sent to the rear axle, supplementing the full force of the ICE V8 for maximum performance.

Completing the powertrain is an all-new 8-speed DCT transmission. Exclusively designed and built for Aston Martin, this new paddle-shift gearbox has been developed specifically for the hybrid era. Featuring e-reverse (which utilises the PHEV's electric motors and thereby saves weight by negating the need for a conventional reverse gear) the transmission also features an Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (E-Diff) on the rear axle for maximum traction and handling agility.

Electrical power is also used to enhance low speed control and response as well as provide reversing capability. And, thanks to the instantaneous torque from the E-Motors, the hybrid system augments the V8 engine to deliver sensational standing start acceleration and in-gear response. Outright performance is further aided by the E-Motor and V8 ICE being able to run different gears in the DCT simultaneously, which enables a maximum torque delivery of 1000Nm.

Running in EV-only mode, Aston Martin Valhalla will be capable of a maximum 80mph / 130km/h and has a zero-emission range of 15km. Predicted CO2 (WLTP) is less than 200g/km. Unleashing all 950PS the Valhalla will reach a top speed of 217mph / 330km/h and will complete the sprint from 0-62mph in just 2.5 seconds. In terms of outright track capability, a stunning 6:30 Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time is being targeted.

Ralph Illenberger, Head of Powertrain Engineering said: "Valhalla is our first opportunity to really show what we are capable of in a true production sense. We have created our own bespoke air-to-air charge-cooled, flat-plane crank V8 engine and have combined it with a powerful hybrid system. And, of course, we also have our own bespoke Dual Clutch Transmission - a first for Aston Martin and an essential component both for Valhalla and future Aston Martin models. The result is a truly world-class powertrain for an efficient, ultra-performing supercar."

In terms of its structure, Valhalla is built around a new a carbon fibre tub for maximum stiffness with minimum weight penalty. Featuring Formula One® style push rod front suspension complete with inboard mounted springs and dampers reducing unsprung mass and provides a brilliant packaging solution. Together with the rear-end's multilink design, Valhalla uses Multimatic Variable Spring rate and Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) Damper units providing adjustable ride frequency for exceptional performance on road and track. In addition to stiffer suspension, Track mode sees ride height dramatically reduced in order to maximise downforce. At the other end of the speed scale, a front axle lift system raises the nose for improved approach angle on awkward inclines.

The carbon tub's inherent rigidity means suspension loadings can be controlled with absolute precision and every minute input to the electric power-assisted steering faithfully translated into an immediate and intuitive direction change. High performance Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes (complete with brake-by-wire technology) guarantee exceptional stopping power, and bespoke Michelin tyres (20in front, 21in rear) developed specifically for Valhalla provide a final and all-important layer of excellence. This intimate, uncorrupted connection between driver and car sits at the core of the Valhalla experience, with advanced materials and electronics serving only to enhance the driver's enjoyment, confidence and sense of complete control.

With a target dry weight of less than 1550kg Valhalla will have an unrivalled power-to-weight ratio compared to its class rivals. Weight of a different kind - that generated by aerodynamic downforce - also plays its part in Valhalla's unmatched dynamic capabilities. Benefitting from a flow-down of the Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar's Formula One® inspired aerodynamic philosophy, Valhalla employs a combination of active aerodynamic surfaces - specifically the front surfaces and rear wing - and masterful management of underbody airflow through dramatic venturi tunnels. At 150mph Valhalla's meticulously sculpted aerodynamic surfaces generate an impressive 600kg of downforce, enough for mighty high-speed cornering ability and unshakable stability.

The pursuit of downforce demands uncompromising functionality, but expertly working the airflow beneath the car has left Aston Martin's design team with a clean upper body surface with which they have created a memorable mid-engined shape that is original yet unmistakably Aston Martin. Uncorrupted by the need for aggressive wings that jut into the airstream, Valhalla's predominantly carbon fibre body blends function and beauty in a manner that befits a new generation of mid-engined supercar. Spectacular forward-hinged dihedral doors bring drama to the beginning and end of every journey, while cut-outs in the roof ease ingress and egress. A distinctive roof scoop feeds air directly into the V8 engine's intakes, with additional side and rear intakes and vents integrated smoothly into the overall body design.

Valhalla, the luxury brands first series production mid-engined supercar will be available in both left-hand and right-hand drive, expanding its appeal across international markets. Cockpit room has been increased compared to the Aston Martin Valkyrie, though many Formula One® inspired hallmarks remain, such as a pared back cockpit design with clear, simple ergonomics unashamedly focussed around the driver. An innovative new Aston Martin HMI system features a central touchscreen display and incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Adjustable pedals and steering column enable the seat bases to be fixed to the chassis structure. The footwells are also raised for a low hip-to-heel seating position redolent of a Formula One® car.

For Aston Martin's Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman, Valhalla is an opportunity for the Aston Martin design team to express extreme performance with fresh form and proportion, and to capture the brand's bold future-forward approach: "When we created the Valhalla concept we were keen to emphasise the design legacy of the Aston Martin Valkyrie and that intent remains unchanged, but the execution has evolved considerably in order to reach production of this all-new car. Though the legacy of Valkyrie is clear, Valhalla is now a more mature, fully resolved piece of design. One which combines the pure aerodynamic function you would expect from a marque competing in Formula One® together with the beautiful form, striking proportions and exemplary detailing for which Aston Martin is renowned."

Full LED Matrix headlights with adaptive functionality and high-beam assist deliver excellent forward vision in the dark, and Dual Zone Air Conditioning provides high level of occupant comfort. In order to comply with the latest regulatory requirements, Valhalla also incorporates the latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. These include Auto Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Active Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear View Parking Camera (with Surround View option).

Dynamic development of the Valhalla will be the task of Aston Martin's award-winning dynamics team and complemented with an enviable pool of talent which also includes Aston Martin Cognizant Formula OneTM Team drivers Sebastian Vettel, Lance Stroll and Nico Hulkenburg. They will give their invaluable perspective to the project and bring added authenticity to a car which boasts such a clear connection to Aston Martin's Grand Prix machines.

Valhalla is a new generation Aston Martin, it defines a new driver and driving experience - 'the Mastery of Driving', a true ultra-luxury, exclusive, British supercar.

Although the DBX is now the driving force behind Aston Martin's sales boom, performance cars will forever remain at the core of the Gaydon-based marque. Even the SUV has spawned a go-faster version with nearly 700 horsepower and a 0 to 60 mph in as little as 3.1 seconds. Speaking of the new DBX707, the company had a roundtable with journalists to talk about the Bentayga Speed competitor and discuss future products.

Tobias Moers, Aston Martin CEO and former AMG head honcho, told us the Valhalla is still coming. The AM-RB 003 concept debuted in March 2019 before the final version was unveiled in July last year. According to the German executive, the production model will arrive in 2024 and will share the drivetrain with the firm’s entry-level supercar, the Vanquish.

As a refresher, the Vanquish was also introduced as a concept car in March 2019 with a radical makeover compared to past models by adopting a mid-engined layout. It too had a turbocharged V6 as part of a hybrid powertrain. Moers told Motor1.com the production model is scheduled to go on sale in 2025 or about a year after the Valhalla. The two will share a flat-plane crank engine, which will be built in-house.

We'll remind you that Valhalla has lost the concept's twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 in favor of a larger twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 featuring a flat-plane crankshaft. When Aston Martin released images and details of the production model, it didn't mention anything about the combustion engine being related to Mercedes-AMG's unit installed in the Black Series. With Moers now saying the gasoline mill is going to be manufactured within AM, it appears the British brand is doing most (if not all) of the work on its own.

The V8 will rev at up to 7,200 rpm, thus matching the Black Series' redline. Together with an electric motor, the Valhalla was touted as having 937 horsepower (699 kilowatts) and 738 pound-feet (1,000 Newton-meters) of torque. The hybrid punch is said to propel the sub-Valkyrie machine to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 2.5 seconds before hitting 217 mph (350 km/h).

Sitting at the bottom of the supercar chain, the Vanquish won’t be able to match these output and performance numbers. The two are still a long way off, so a lot could change between now and 2024/2025. However, it seems Aston Martin is determined to launch a pair of supercars to complement the Valkyrie hypercar.

Fusing the performance-driven methodologies and technologies of Formula 1® with spectacular design and scintillating driving dynamics, Valhalla is a supercar of extraordinary scope. With development now at an advanced stage the time has come to reveal full details of Aston Martin's landmark mid-engined hybrid supercar.

As befits the ultimate driver's supercar, Valhalla is a car of 'firsts': Aston Martin's first series production mid-engined supercar and first plug-in hybrid, delivering the marques first production vehicle with dedicated EV range capability. It is also the first model to use the bespoke 4.0-litre 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. Extreme supercar performance expressed with fresh form and proportion, it bears the unmistakable Aston Martin hallmarks of flawless, uncorrupted lines and combines them with innovative high-downforce active aerodynamics. Close collaboration with Aston Martin Performance Technologies (AMPT) - the consulting arm of the Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1® Team - on dynamics, aerodynamics and materials have brought an extra dimension of knowledge and skills to the Valhalla's design and development. This vital contribution has aided Aston Martin to push the boundaries of supercar engineering and performance to deliver a car which shines on road and thrives on track.

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 credential's and adding cutting-edge F1® inspired technology and class-leading performance, with the aim of taking 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. On paper and on-track Valhalla delivers the most driver-focused, technologically advanced supercar, with true hypercar performance and yet on the road it is as useable and enjoyable as any Aston Martin. A unique proposition, designed to be the most elegant and exciting product in the market. 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."

TECHINCAL OVERVIEW

This relentless pursuit of excellence has seen Valhalla's specification evolve significantly from the original concept with significant gains achieved in power output, downforce and dynamic capability. Central to this is Valhalla's best-in-class 1079PS 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/litre, the highest specific output from any 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 0-100km/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 generate in excess of 600kg of downforce. This figure is reached at 240km/h (149mph) and then maintained all the way to 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.

Sophisticated Integrated Vehicle Dynamics Control (IVC) electronics monitor suspension, braking, steering, active aerodynamics and powertrain systems to achieve optimal performance and driver connection in every situation. Working in harmony with Valhalla's four driver selectable drive modes, IVC continually shapes Valhalla's dynamic character by monitoring vehicle behaviour and driver demands. Through precise calibration this immensely complex and sophisticated system delivers an organic, natural feeling driving experience. One which effortlessly and seamlessly ups its game to achieve new heights of performance and driver engagement.

On start-up, Valhalla selects Sport mode as default, with the driver able to manually select Pure EV, Sport+ and Race as alternative drive modes. Each mode has its own combination of settings for powertrain (including Torque Vectoring and hybrid system integration), plus suspension stiffness, active aero, and steering calibration for distinct driving characters. In pure EV mode, drive is from the front-axle motors only with a range of 14km and a top speed limited to 140km/h (80mph).

With the four defined drive modes, drivers can select their chosen mode via the rotary in the center stack. A tactile control, for maximum interaction between driver and machine. Each drive mode is purposefully calibrated to give the driver a distinct and differentiated experience. In pure EV, silent on start-up, and the mode we imagine customers to start and end their journey. As the battery depletes its state of charge, Valhalla will automatically switch from EV to Sport. Sport engages the 4.0-litre Twin-Turbo V8 engine and drives Valhalla as a hybrid supercar, combining the instantaneous torque of the electrified front axle with the exhilarating power of the V8. Dialing up the theatre into Sport +, Valhalla is maximised for dynamic thrill on the open road. Race mode is all about ultimate performance, focused for the racetrack, and engaging the active aerodynamics.

In pure EV, Sport and Sport+ modes, the active rear wing remains stowed to maintain Valhalla's elegant silhouette. In Race mode, the rear T-Wing raises by 255mm on powerful hydraulic rams for maximum downforce. In conjunction with the distinctive and active rear wing, Valhalla employs a concealed active front wing, just ahead of the front axle, a component that is essential to how Valhalla controls the air in Race mode. A technical triumph, developed with a single mechanism to control and manage airflow across multiple surfaces, the active front wing is set to minimise drag in its default position. When Race mode is selected the front wing shifts to maximum downforce mode with full range of movement including, an automated DRS function when the vehicle determines it needs to bleed of downforce. Under braking, when in Race mode, the rear wing will dominantly deploy as an air brake, working in tandem with the active front wing to shift the balance of pressure and ensure optimal stability when delivering incredible braking performance.

For Aston Martin's Director of Vehicle Performance, Simon Newton, developing Valhalla has been a unique and rewarding journey: "The challenge for the engineering and vehicle dynamics teams has been to harness, for the first time, the immense power of Valhalla's hybrid powertrain through a combination of active aerodynamics and integrated dynamic control systems. With 1079PS and 1100Nm, extraordinary performance is a given. The challenge is achieving next-level speed, precision and exhilaration on track while retaining the characteristics of an enjoyable and highly emotional supercar when driving on the road. It's this unprecedented dynamic bandwidth that separates Valhalla from its class rivals".

POWERTRAIN

Valhalla's hybrid powertrain combines a new 828PS 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine with three electric motors contributing a further 251PS; two E-motors are mounted on the front axle and a third E-motor built-in to the new 8-speed DCT transmission, which sends dedicated drive to the rear axle.

The trio of E-motors are powered by an advanced High-Performance Battery (HPB) system designed specifically for use in a performance focused PHEV powertrain. Featuring an ultra-effective dielectric cooling system the battery combines the capability to deploy its state of charge to satisfy frequent and successive power demands with fast energy absorption and high-power density. This means that on a spirited drive, the full power potential can be called up immediately, while recuperation is strong when decelerating.

The HPB's cooling system circulates a high-tech electrically non-conductive coolant fluid through the entire battery pack, ensuring each of its 560 individual cells are kept at their optimum temperature to ensure the consistent delivery of maximum performance.

The front axle is driven solely by a pair of innovative Radial Flux Interior Permanent E-motors designed solely for Valhalla, with each motor generating 18.1 PS/kg. When EV mode is selected, Valhalla takes drive exclusively from the front axle. Uniquely, these front E-motors are integrated within a custom-built P4 Front Electric Drive Unit to allow front wheel torque vectoring. To extract all possible torque and power, and achieve exceptionally compact package space requirements, the P4 unit employs market leading high strength Neodymium Iron Boron magnets within an asymmetric rotor. Aided by a newly developed cooling strategy, the E-motor features Active Stator and Rotor Oil cooling to reduce temperatures and consistently maintain maximum performance in the most demanding driving scenarios.

The rear axle is driven by the V8 engine, with additional contribution from the third electric motor built into the DCT transmission. Unlike the V8 found in Aston Martin's Vantage, DB12 and DBX707 models, Valhalla's new engine employs a dry sump lubrication system to ensure adequate oil supply even under high lateral forces on the racetrack. Another significant difference is the flat-plane crankshaft, where the crankpins are aligned with a 180-degree offset.

The ignition of the flat-plane V8 alternates from one bank of cylinders to the other, eliminating the residual gas issues of the cross-plane V8. The more uniform combustion across all cylinders allows for optimal utilisation of the engine's power potential and delivers sharper response.

New camshafts and new exhaust manifolds further improve the gas exchange. The pistons have been designed for higher peak pressures while also being weight optimised. The two twin-scroll turbochargers are roller-bearing mounted, which further enhances their response. A larger compressor wheel is used here, allowing the turbos to deliver an increase of almost 20% of air per hour compared to Aston Martin's most powerful cross-plane crank V8 engine, found in the DBX707.

There is no physical connection between the front and rear axles. Instead, the two axles are continually monitored and managed by Valhalla's state-of-the-art IVC and Integrated Power Brake systems. Torque Vectoring on the front axle and the rear axle's Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (E-diff) control drive to all four wheels, according to dynamic demands for a perfect blend of traction, stability and handling agility, with enhanced steering precision and neutral handling balance.

Completing the powertrain is an all-new 8-speed DCT transmission. Designed and built for Aston Martin, this new paddle-shift gearbox has been developed specifically for the hybrid era and features a built-in electric motor. This E-motor is used to start the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, charge the high voltage batteries and provide torque fill to assist the engine. It also supports with gear synchronization, allowing Aston Martin engineers to tune the gearshift character and achieve best-in-class shift speeds. When EV mode is selected, Valhalla takes drive exclusively from the front axle. There is no reverse gear, rearward drive instead being provided by the front axle E-motors in all drive modes.

Valhalla also employs a combination of intelligent Torque-Fill, E-Boost and Loadshift functions to extract maximum performance and efficiency from its hybrid powertrain while delivering the best possible driving experience across Valhalla's full range of hybrid drive modes.

Torque-Fill and E-boost serve to enhance performance and response by using propulsion from the electric motors to support the already prodigious power of the twin-turbocharged V8 engine. The advantages of this state-of-the-art hybrid powertrain become abundantly clear as soon as the driver steps-in to the accelerator, Torque Fill mitigating even the most fleeting moment of turbo lag with instant torque fed from the electric motors until the turbochargers are delivering the required level of boost.

E-boost extends the operation of Torque-Fill to enable the total tractive power to exceed the maximum deliverable by the internal combustion engine alone. Use of E-boost is managed to ensure its effect remains consistent, with Loadshift and braking regeneration used to replenish what electrical energy has been expended.

Utilising the P2.5 electric motor incorporated within the DCT, Loadshift monitors energy expenditure and usage to ensure it is stored or deployed to best effect. In most normal steady-state driving situations the load on the V8 engine can be minimised to achieve improved fuel consumption. When load increases surplus energy is stored in the HV battery. When the engine's operating efficiency is low - such as idling or in slow moving stop-start traffic - the engine switches-off automatically and electric drive is engaged whilst in Sport mode. Brake regeneration further increases efficiency by harvesting kinetic energy during braking or deceleration events and storing it in the HV battery for later deployment.

To optimise Valhalla's thermal management, there's an extensive cooling network throughout the car regulating the Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain to ensure the driver can extract the ultimate performance. Three high temperature radiators are located at the front of the car for the 4.0-litre Twin-Turbo V8 engine, arranged across the nose of the vehicle, with a smaller radiator for the HV system and a condenser for the refrigerant system, cooling the cabin and the battery. Hidden inside the clamshell as no airflow is required, a further chiller for the battery is fed by the refrigerant system, with the AC system chilling the coolant. The F1® inspired roof scoop feeds two air charge coolers mounted directly above the engine. When designing this component, a new mounting strategy was employed to save more than 5kg. Completing the extensive network are the two side radiators, fed by air guided along the side of the car by the door turning vanes, the left-hand cooler for the engine oil and the right-hand cooler for the transmission oil.

CHASSIS & BRAKES

At Valhalla's core is a bespoke carbon fibre tub for maximum stiffness with minimum weight penalty, with the lower section weighing only 74.2kg. Designed and engineered by AMPT, which applies their highly specialised F1® expertise and technical capabilities beyond the pinnacle of motorsport, Valhalla's structure is the product of cutting-edge composite technology. The Carbon Monocoque at the core of Valhalla helps achieve a dry lightweight mass of 1655kg giving a power to weight ratio of 652PS per 1000kg.

Valhalla's carbon structure has been created using proprietary technology developed for Aston Martin. The upper and lower sections of the structure are moulded from carbon fibre using a combination of Resin-Transfer-Moulding process (RTM) and F1® derived autoclave technology. The result is a singular, immensely stiff, strong and light passenger cell which delivers best-in-class dynamic structural attributes and outstanding safety, without compromising driver and passenger ergonomics.

Aluminium subframes are attached to the front and rear of the tub. The front-end features Formula One® style push rod front suspension complete with inboard mounted springs and dampers. By moving the dampers inboard, Valhalla benefits from improved airflow within the wheel arch, paired with the purposeful cut outs in the front fender above the wheel lowering the air pressure within the wheel arch and reducing drag. The improvement of airflow out of the wheel arch is directed by the door turning vanes to purposely feed the rear oil coolers with better quality air. From a design and packaging perspective, the inboard damper system has allowed a lower body surface ahead of the A pillar, its efficient packaging allows greater room for the front axle electric motors and front radiator system.

The rear is built around a highly effective 5link suspension system. A bespoke evolution of Bilstein's precise and ultra-reactive DTX adaptive dampers are fitted front and rear. Tuned to deliver an exceptional range of performance across Valhalla's various dynamic driving modes, Sport and Sport+ offer the refinement and optimum balance of body control, dynamic agility and compliance for road driving, with Race mode introducing much increased support and control to capitalise on Valhalla's active aerodynamic downforce for maximum performance on track.

Valhalla's braking system has also been honed to truly deliver across those two extremes. Progressive stopping power during road use with ample reserves of outright retardation for on-limit track driving. These characteristics have been achieved through careful tuning of a new Integrated Power Brake system, which allows fine tuning of pedal feel across the full range of deceleration. This ensures precise, instinctive modulation thanks to a firm, confidence-inspiring pedal feel whether making modest braking inputs or demanding maximum stopping power from elevated speeds.

Featuring 410mm Carbon Ceramic Brake (CCB) discs on the front axle and 390mm on the rear, Valhalla's braking system is controlled by sophisticated brake-by-wire technology. Engineered for the rigors of track use and finessed for the nuanced demands of road driving, Valhalla's brakes are a spectacular blend of power and precision.

With a core of ceramic material reinforced with carbon fibre and covered by an additional ceramic friction layer, these CCB brakes yield significant mass reduction over traditional cast iron discs together with superior thermal and durability properties. Gripped by 6-piston front and 4-piston rear ventilated monobloc calipers fed with direct mass airflow from dedicated ducts for uninterrupted cooling, Valhalla has immense reserves of stopping power. The braking system has been engineered specifically for the Valhalla, incorporating Brembo's Carbon Ceramic Brakes (CCB) technology. This system features the largest combined front and rear brake assemblies ever used in any Aston Martin sports car. Extensive simulation and physical development have been conducted to optimize brake cooling performance, including Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and rigorous physical testing across various global circuits and wind tunnel environments. The calipers are custom designed to seamlessly integrate with the cooling system, incorporating vented pistons to enhance airflow and cooling efficiency across both the brake pads and caliper internals.

This approach guarantees that temperatures are effectively regulated during high-performance driving conditions. Despite this focus on performance, the refinement of the braking system has still been a priority and not a compromise. We have continued to build upon the best-in-class Aston Martin brake pedal DNA, providing good support throughout the pedal sweep, matched with appropriate levels of response to instil confidence, and the ease of modulation through a linear, sporty feeling pedal. All this with the introduction of Integrated Power Brake (IPB), ultimately leads to reduced reaction time and a great level of control.

In Race mode Valhalla's friction braking system is supplemented by the Active Aerodynamics, which adjust front and rear active aerodynamic surfaces to create an Airbrake. Acting like a parachute to significantly add drag during heavy braking, the Airbrake also puts more downforce on the rear of the car. Using aerodynamic downforce to counter the forces of weight transfer improves stability under hard braking. The increased drag also helps reduce stopping distances and improve braking times.

Regenerative Braking is a major feature of the Aston Martin Valhalla, increasing the usable range of the electric drivetrain and making otherwise wasted energy usable again by employing the front axle E-machine to convert braking energy and store it in the HV battery. Valhalla utilises two forms of regeneration; CAT B, via the front E-motor where the driver applies the brakes and CAT A where regeneration is done via the rear E-motor as the driver lifts off the throttle.

The majority of the regenerative energy conversion is achieved when the driver applies the brakes, with the requested deceleration being actively divided between the front electric motors and the conventional friction brakes. This is possible because the car features an integrated power brake, which is a brake-by-wire system decoupling the driver from the actual brakes and integrated into the IVC system, enabling it to be actively used during full-ABS-braking, a novel application with noticeable benefits when driven on track. A further technical triumph, the regenerative braking is coupled with the Torque Vectoring system, enabling the distribution of wheel individual regenerative torque across the front axle.

ACTIVE AERODYNAMICS

The aerodynamic approach to Valhalla starts in a similar way to an F1® car, by using all elements of the body shape to generate downforce and minimise drag. However, Valhalla is not restricted by F1® regulations so it can benefit from fully active aerodynamic systems at both the front and rear of which will generate in excess of 600kg of downforce at 240km/h (149mph). Valhalla employs an integrated system of Active Aerodynamics which combines moveable aerodynamic surfaces with precise management of underbody airflow. This enables Valhalla to adapt front and rear downforce to maximise grip, balance and consistency, or reduce drag depending on the situation and the driving mode selected. This enables drivers to extract the very best from Valhalla's chassis and tyres, across the full performance range of the car.

This powerful system is the key to generating high downforce for maximum cornering capability and braking stability, with the added benefit of DRS to achieve a towering 350 km/h (217mph) top speed. To do this Valhalla uses powerful and near-instantaneous hydraulic actuation to control the active aerodynamics, the rear wing working in conjunction with concealed active front wing to maintain an optimal aero-balance. Behind the front splitter the under-floor surface is concave, creating a low-pressure area that generates downforce. Valhalla's front wing is a unique piece of engineering that is bespoke to Aston Martin and Valhalla. The movement on the front wing, controls the downforce of the wing itself and the air flow to the underfloor vanes. The front wing also has an integrated cooling bypass to save additional drag at high speed when Valhalla does not need as much cooling.

Taking information from Valhalla's Integrated Vehicle Control (IVC) electronics system, the active rear dual element 'T' wing continually adjusts to optimize downforce, reduce drag or minimise braking distance in Race mode. In Sport and Sport+ modes the rear wing remains stowed to preserve Valhalla's sleek and elegant profile, only deploying when Race mode is activated.

Having both front and rear active aerodynamic mechanisms allows Valhalla to have excellent control of the downforce distribution between front and rear axles, this is crucial for stability and vehicle performance.

The multi element rear wing lies flat to create the beautiful clean lines of the car, whilst generating a baseline level of downforce with minimal drag. In Race mode the rear wing extends upwards by 255mm, with Valhalla's electronic systems adjusting the angle of the wing to ensure optimal balance for any given dynamic scenario. When Valhalla is subjected to heavy braking demands the active aerodynamics use the rear wing as an air brake, altering the angle of attack in under 0.5 seconds to increase drag. This is conjunction with the concealed front wing, shifts the aero balance and centre of pressure to maximise braking stability.

Valhalla's meticulously sculpted aerodynamic surfaces are operating at peak performance to generate in excess of 600kg of downforce, enough for high-speed cornering ability and stability under acceleration and braking. From 240km/h (149mph) the downforce is kept at a consistent level and actively managed to remain at that figure all the way to Valhalla's electronically limited 350km/h (217mph) maximum speed, with the rear wing's angle of attack gradually trimmed as speed increases to reduce drag while maintaining elevated and consistent dynamic behavior over the widest possible operating window. Maintaining a consistent downforce figure above 240km/h (149mph) gives the driver an assured sense of stability and predictability as they explore the outstanding dynamic potential of the car.