| 11 Dec, 2024 |
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| Aston
Martin Valhalla |
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 First unveiled as AM-RB 003 prototype in 2019, when it was supposed to employ Aston Martin's inhouse-built twin-turbo 120-degree V6, then switched to AMG V8 and gained the Valhalla name 2 years later, the production Valhalla finally arrives. However, first customer delivery has to wait until the second half of next year, by then it will be almost 4 years late. The production Valhalla keeps most of the specifications intact from 2021, but its power is lifted slightly, from 950 to 1079 horsepower. That's the combined output of its hybrid powertrain, in which the V8 contributes to 828 hp and the 3 electric motors another 251 hp. However, performance numbers remain unchanged: 217 mph top speed and 0-62 mph in 2.5 seconds. The downforce generated by its active dynamics is also unchanged at 600 kg at 150 mph.  The AMG V8 is derived from the flat-plane crankshaft version last used in AMG GT Black series, but it gets even higher turbo boost (2.0 bars) and therefore nearly an extra 100 horsepower. Power is sent to the Graziano 8-speed DCT mounted behind. Like its key rivals Ferrari SF90 and Lamborghini Revuelto, the Aston supercar employs 2 electric motors at the front axle to provide all-wheel drive and torque vectoring, while another motor is added to the transmission. The 6.1 kWh battery is taken from Mercedes-AMG C63, giving little zero-emission range, when the car is driven by its front wheels only.  Although the Aston employs carbon-fiber tub with front and rear aluminum subframes, as well as all carbon body and push-rod front suspension (supported with Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers), it is not particularly lightweight at 1655 kg dry, blame to the complex hybrid system. Needless to say, it employs massive Cup 2 tires, carbon-ceramic brakes that are controlled by wires. Priced at around £850,000, it is even more expensive than Ferrari SF90 XX, or nearly the double the price of Lamborghini's V12 model, although still undercuts hypercars like F80 and W1.
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