Aston Martin hasn’t had much good news lately, other than a white knight strolling to its rescue so they’ve released some images of the limited production Valkyrie prowling the streets near to the Silverstone circuit. The first hypercar from the firm will be limited to a production run of 150 units. All are already said to have prospective owners.

As a reminder, this midengined marvel was designed to be an F1 car for the road. That’s why Red Bull’s Adrian Newey was involved from the outset. It’s hybrid powerplant comprises a 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 by Cosworth, the unit good for around 750kW allegedly, aided by an 11,100rpm redline. The Nm count is said to be similar, arriving at 7000rpm.

A Rimac-built KERS-type system boosts the tally by 119kW and 280Nm, apparently offering 3.5G of longitudinal acceleration in both directions! The system is supposed to be good for 865kW and 900Nm all up. A top speed in excess of 400km/h is expected. Aston promises to have a crack at the Aventador SVJ’s outright Nurburgring Nordschleife record at some point (6.45).

The plan was for the car to have a 1:1 power to weight ratio, thanks to using no metal in the bodywork (all carbon) and to scale up at around 1000kg.

An exercise in aeros, big Venturi tunnels run either side of the cockpit floor, feeding an enormous rear diffuser, and generating supreme downforce (evidently around 1000kg at speed). That way the upper body surfaces are relatively free from garish aero aids.

The driving position is feet-up, like in a proper race car. A four-point harness comes as standard, while an optional six-point harness will be offered for the track addicted.

There’s evidently generous interior space for two adults.

Amongst the prospective owners is Highland Park and Hampton Downs owner, Tony Quinn, said to be the only one in the Southern Hemisphere to have placed an order.

Deliveries are evidently getting underway in Q3, unless the global Covid-19 pandemic throws a spanner in the works.

Source: https://www.autocar.co.nz/autocar-news-app/aston-martin-takes-valkyrie-for-road-spin-2020