Aston Martin Aston Martin Valhalla (2021)
24.03.2020
A ston Martin restructures. This not only affects the new ownership structure, but also the model range. The new vehicles were launched years ago and will gradually come onto the market in the near future.
The SUV DBX is expected to drive up the number of units this year. In addition, Aston Martin has the four-door Rapide AMR as well as Vantage, DB11 and DBS on offer. All with a motor in front of the driver's cab. The prestige project is the Valkyrie. With a V12 naturally aspirated engine between the passenger cell and the rear axle. Its offshoot is the Valhalla. Or as Aston Martin puts it: the son of Valkyrie.
Valhalla engine with a hot V
In 2021, the new, rumored more than 1,000 hp, mid-engine sports car should delight customers. The Valhalla should do that with half create as many cylinders as the Valkyrie, but with turbocharging. Such a layout does not arouse the big emotions like a free-sucking high-speed engine. In return, however, and with the support of a hybrid system, the ever more stringent emission regulations can be complied with. The Valhalla will meet the EU emissions standard Euro 7, which is expected to take effect from 2021.
Now to the emotions: Aston Martin promises that the Valhalla will be the most powerful vehicle in the portfolio. How does that fit together, given the 1,176 hp Valkyrie? Quite simply: the British see it as a special edition. The Valhalla, on the other hand, is part of the core product range and will lead this in the future with its four-digit performance.
For the first time since 1968, i.e. for more than 50 years, the British manufacturer has designed an engine in its own four walls. Aston Martin does this under the internal code TM01. This stands for the Polish Aston Martin engineer Tadek Marek, who worked for the company in the 1950s and 1960s.
The new engine for the Valhalla is based on six cylinders with a displacement of three liters. The engineers put the two turbochargers between the V. Although this 'hot' design requires more effort in heat management, it saves installation space. The compact engine weighs less than 200 kilograms, says Aston Martin. The V12 vacuum cleaner for the Valkyrie, which Cosworth provides, weighs 206 kilograms.
A dry sump lubrication is set. In a Valhalla like this, you also want to pretzel quickly through corners and exhaust the lateral dynamics on the racetrack. The oil always has to get safely to the various lubrication points of the V6 turbo.
Six cylinders, three liters, turbocharging: that alone does not raise the output to over 1,000 hp. That's why Aston Martin is working on a range of hybrid systems. There is also talk of a plug-in hybrid for charging at the socket. The exact power and torque, depending on the expansion stage, Aston Martin does not want to reveal until the presentation. The fans have to be patient with further details.
Aston Martin
The driver's tool: a steering wheel that is heavily flattened at the top and bottom.
More Place in the Valhalla
In addition to the small-series hypersport model Valkyrie, the Valhalla is also to become a small-series model. Aston Martin is planning only 500 copies of the coupé with lightweight chassis - including right-hand and left-hand drive vehicles. The original 003 designation for the Valhalla follows the Valkyrie and Valkyrie AMR Pro models, which were developed under the codes 001 and 002.
The Aston Martin Valhalla borrows heavily from Valkyrie - both visually and technically. When it comes to downforce, the model also relies on extreme airflow and dispenses with visible spoilers. Nevertheless, there are active air control elements and changing body surfaces that theShould optimize aerodynamics depending on the driving condition. But because the Valhalla is designed for more everyday use, it will be far less extreme than the Valkyrie. It also differs significantly from the Valkyrie in terms of the lamp design at the front and rear.
In the interior, the Valhalla should offer noticeably more space for the two passengers. A wider center console creates more distance between the driver and co-pilot. There is space for luggage behind the seats. The cockpit itself is extremely reduced, with almost all of the controls clustered on the steering wheel, which is flattened at the top and bottom. The digital instrument cluster sits on the steering column and a second, smaller screen is in the steering wheel. The smartphone can be clipped into a holder in front of the passenger and integrated into the on-board system. On the airy center console are switches for the hazard lights and the parking brake. A small touch field controls the seats, the exterior mirrors and the air conditioning. Access to the interior is provided by doors that open to the front and extend far into the roof.
Aston Martin
1,000 hp and 1 million euros expensive.
Valhalla in 2.5 seconds to 100
The heart of the matter is the engine. Aston Martin wants to equip the V6 with an innovative cartridge-based oil change system, as has already been seen on the Vulcan. The discussion is obviously whether the vehicle should be able to drive backwards purely electrically like the Valkyrie. It is also possible that the Valhalla will have all-wheel drive - with a performance-oriented design, of course. The electric motor could be on the front axle.
At least that's how a dealer brochure describes it that appeared in 2019. 'We buy the corresponding components from suppliers. We are currently developing a suitable gearbox with a partner,' reveals David King, who is responsible for small series models and motorsport vehicles at Aston Martin. Additional requirements include an active chassis and extensive electronic control systems.
According to the brochure, an eight-speed dual clutch transmission transmits the power to the wheels. An unspecified limited slip differential supports the flow of power. The electric motor drives the front axle, theThe combustion engine acts on the rear axle.
The Valhalla should complete the sprint from zero to 100 km /h in 2.5 seconds, the top speed according to the document is 354 km /h. Thanks to its carbon body, the mid-engine sports car weighs just 1,350 kilograms. There is also a hint in terms of price: The model will not cost less than one million euros.
