Remember the AM-RB 003? Aston Martin’s mid-engined supercar concept debuted at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, promising to bring a new level of performance and innovation to the British marque’s lineup. Initially slated for a 2021 production debut, the car—now known as the Valhalla—has faced several delays. Fast forward to the second half of 2024, and while customer deliveries are yet to commence, the Valhalla is inching closer to reality, with prototypes recently spotted testing at the Nürburgring.
The test vehicle showcases a familiar design, dominated by a striking rear wing that’s both functional and aesthetically refined compared to the original concept. This aerodynamic feature contributes to a staggering 1,322 pounds of downforce at 149 mph. The prototype’s camouflaged livery indicates that Aston Martin is still keeping the final design under wraps. Notably, the lightweight side windows suggest that this could be a hardcore AMR variant, possibly a more extreme version of the standard Valhalla.
Under the hood, the Valhalla has undergone significant changes since its conception. Originally intended to feature an in-house twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6, Aston Martin pivoted to a 4.0-liter V-8 engine sourced from AMG. This flat-plane crank V-8, equipped with twin turbochargers, revs to 7,200 rpm and powers the rear wheels, delivering a robust 800 horsepower. The sound may be somewhat muted on this prototype, possibly due to Euro-spec noise regulations, but enthusiasts hope for a more visceral exhaust note in the final production version.
However, the Valhalla is not purely a gasoline-powered machine. It boasts a hybrid powertrain that incorporates three electric motors, bringing the combined output to an impressive 998 horsepower. This all-wheel-drive system features no conventional reverse gear; instead, the front electric motors handle reversing duties, a design choice that reduces weight. A third e-motor, integrated within the transmission, powers the rear axle and doubles as a starter/generator for the V-8.
Performance figures, as previously disclosed, are nothing short of spectacular. The Valhalla is expected to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 217 mph. In electric-only mode, it will have a top speed of 80 mph and a limited range of about nine miles. Aston Martin is targeting a dry weight of 3,417 pounds, underscoring its commitment to lightweight engineering.
Production of the Valhalla is slated to begin this year, with a total of 999 units planned. The car is positioned to compete with the likes of the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, McLaren Artura, and Lamborghini’s new Temerario. While pricing details remain undisclosed, it’s expected to be significantly more affordable than Aston Martin’s hypercar flagship, the Valkyrie.
Interestingly, the Valhalla was supposed to be part of a trio of mid-engined supercars, along with a production version of the 2019 Vanquish Vision concept. However, plans for the latter were scrapped last year. Instead, Aston Martin is preparing to launch a new front-engined Vanquish, which will feature a twin-turbo V-12 engine producing 824 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque.
As the Valhalla prepares to enter production, it marks a significant milestone for Aston Martin as the brand continues to expand its portfolio and compete in the upper echelons of the supercar market.
