Aston Martin Valkyrie

 

The Valkyrie is Aston Martin's first-ever hypercar. Although Aston Martin is best known for luxury grand touring coupes and convertibles, the British automaker joined the hypercar trend and produced one of its own for the 2022 model year in partnership with Red Bull Racing. Powering the Valkyrie is a naturally-aspirated 6.5-liter V12 mated to an electric motor producing a combined 1139 horsepower and 682 pound-feet of torque, sending power to the rear wheels through a seven-speed automatic gearbox. It launches from zero to 60 mph in around 2.5 seconds and can reach a top speed electronically limited to 220 mph. The Valkyrie contains a body composed entirely of carbon fiber and features no rear window and rear-view cameras instead of mirrors for optimized aerodynamics. Its cockpit is practically race car-like, with not a lot of space and a seating position similar to that of Formula 1 cars. All of the Valkyrie's switchgear is located on its steering wheel along with an OLED screen displaying the most important data and signals for the driver. It also offers four-point harnesses, a center infotainment screen, and the ability for the steering wheel to detach to make it easier for the driver to get in and out of the vehicle. Those who have driven the Valkyrie have stated that the engine is so loud when riding in the vehicle that ear protection is needed when taking it for a spin.

Aston Martin will only produce roughly 150 Valkyries, with each one priced at around $3-3.5 million and already sold out. It is homologated for street use in other countries, but can be sold in the U.S. exclusively through NHTSA's Show and Display exemption, which limits vehicles under this restriction to 2500 miles a year. A more extreme Valkyrie is also offered from Aston Martin known as the Valkyrie AMR Pro, which gains a boost of power and additional weight-saving measures over the standard Valkyrie. In addition, the Valkyrie AMR Pro is limited to 40 units and only legal for track use. As may be the case with many folks in attendance there, this year's Exotics on Broadway in Monterey marked the first time I ever saw an Aston Martin Valkyrie in person. The Valkyrie was also one of a few limited-production Aston Martins on display at this year's Exotics on Broadway show that I saw up close for the first time; the others will be featured on this site soon. Overall, the Valkyrie is a Le Mans Prototype race car for the road and one of the absolute coolest and craziest Aston Martin models ever made. It is also in the top tier of cars that cement Exotics on Broadway as one of the greatest car shows on the planet.

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