A road test of the Aston Martin Valhalla supercar, boasting a powerful 793kW engine, for the first time in 2026.
The Aston Martin Valhalla, a two-seat, carbon fibre-tubbed coupe, is set to make its grand entrance next spring, promising an exhilarating driving experience for its lucky owners. With a price tag of £850,000 (A$1.77 million) and limited to 999 units, the Valhalla is poised to challenge the likes of the Ferrari SF90XX Stradale and the Lamborghini Revuelto.
At its heart, the Valhalla boasts a mid-mounted turbocharged vee engine, supplemented by an electric motor and two electric motors driving its front axle. This powertrain configuration, while not entirely novel, has its roots in the Porsche 918 Spyder, which pioneered the mid-mounted V8 engine complemented by electric motors and all-wheel drive.
The Valhalla's engine, specifically, is a flat-plane-crank V8 with larger compressors for the twin turbos, new cams, and new exhaust manifolds, producing up to 817bhp and 632lb ft of torque. This powerhouse propels the Valhalla to a top speed of 349km/h and enables it to accelerate from 0-100km/h in a staggering 2.5 seconds.
The Valhalla's dynamic capabilities are further enhanced by its three-stage stability control (on, track, and all off), eight-stage traction control, and an all-off mode. The steering is relatively light and quick but not hyper, allowing some body movement and compliance, while the braking feel is good, enabling trailed braking or off-throttle turns to upset the balance.
The Valhalla's adaptive dampers from Bilstein, electric power steering, brake-by-wire while slowing, and active aerodynamics that can produce up to 600kg of downforce from 240km/h all contribute to its impressive handling and stability. The engine is supplemented by a motor attached to the shaft of the even-numbered gears, which assists depending on load or throttle.
The Valhalla adopts an easygoing slide when on the power on the way out of a corner, with the systems working together seamlessly to manage the differential and traction. It offers three drive modes, including an EV mode, and firm damper settings.
The interior of the Valhalla is as impressive as its performance, featuring high-quality materials and a racy, squared steering wheel with paddles attached to the rim. Despite the high-speed development testing, the Valhalla is being developed with a focus on retaining its inherent character.
So, as the Valhalla prepares to hit the roads next spring, it carries with it the legacy of the Porsche 918 Spyder, which pioneered the hybrid mid-engine, all-wheel-drive layout that Aston Martin has adopted. While each brand uses different specific engines (V8 vs. V6 turbocharged) and powertrain tuning, the concept of a mid-engined hybrid supercar with electric supplement and AWD originated or was popularized by Porsche’s 918 Spyder. The Valhalla is poised to continue this legacy, offering an exciting blend of power, performance, and heritage.
[1] Porsche 918 Spyder: A Hybrid Supercar Pioneer [3] Porsche 918 Spyder: A Decade of Hybrid Supercar Innovation
Read also:
- Automobile manufacturer IM Motors reveals an extended-range powertrain akin to installing an internal combustion engine in a Tesla Model Y.
- Conflict Erupts Between Musk and Apple Over Apple Store's Neglect of Grok
- Partnership between MTN South Africa and SANTACO aims to advanced transportation systems and stimulate economic opportunities for the masses in South Africa.
- Rapid Construction of Rajasthan's 435 Megawatt Solar Power Plant in Eight Months Reduces Carbon Dioxide Emissions by Over 700,000 Tons
