Words: Jonathan Wells
We’ve had the Vantage. We’ve had the Vanquish. We’ve had the Volante, the Virage and the Valkyrie. Now, Aston Martin have fired up their twin-turbocharged V6 naming engine and cranked out another V-christened supercar: The Valhalla.
The Valhalla was initially given the less-catchy designation ‘AM-RB 003’, and was created as part of the ‘Son of Valkyrie’ project. It uses many of the technologies implemented in the Valkyrie — the Valhalla’s bolder, more futuristic brother — and similarly borrows its name from the annals of ancient Norse mythology.
But this new breed of Aston, road-mapped for release in 2021, is a cleaner, more refined beast than we’re used to from the British brand. It eschews the classic Aston Martin design, and doesn’t even clearly fit into the supercar manufacturer’s famous ‘golden ratio’ silhouette.
Instead, the car features a range of spectacular new aerodynamic fixtures, including a new technology called FlexFoil to generate more downforce — that Aston borrowed from NASA. There’s also a reappearance of that exposed, wide front bumper we first saw on the Valkyrie, and huge pronounced reach haunches and diffuser.
But, despite all this hulking Norse bulk, the Valhalla is predictably nippy. Thanks to the carbon fibre monocoque, carbon fibre cladding and aerodynamic panels supplied by Red Bull Racing, that twin-turbocharged V6 is expected to get you up to 220 mph, with 0-60 mph in just 2.5 seconds.
Only 500 of the coupes will be produced, however, with each costing a little over £1 million — so you’ll have to be quick off the mark and deep of pocket to win yourself a Valhalla.
But it’s worth the money. How often do you get to be privy to the exciting next steps of an automotive giant, after all? Just take a look inside. The car is simple, sweeping and considerably more accommodating than some of Aston’s more recent concepts, and even includes luggage space behind the seats and a phone mount for ease.
That striking steering wheel features unique wing-shaped paddle shifters, and dihedral doors will ensure your exit and entry is not only easier, but also unspeakably cool. It’s a good thing that 007 has already put his order in, then — the Valhalla will be Bond’s Aston of choice in the upcoming 25th film.
Until then, you’ll have to content yourself with these exclusive first-look images. And, although the car looks set to go tyre-to-tyre with McLaren’s new Senna, Aston Martin CEO Dr. Andy Palmer assures us that it’s in a league of its own.
“People will view Valkyrie in the same context as LaFerrari and Senna,” claims Palmer. “It’s not. It’s a different world altogether. I don’t think there has ever been a car like Valkyrie and I don’t think there will ever be again.”
You can dream of driving like Bond — but how about dressing like the superspy? We’ve rounded up 007’s best summer style moves here…
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