RE: Aston Martin Valkyrie design secrets revealed
Saturday 15th July 2017
Aston Martin has been drip feeding us information about the Valkyrie for a while now. First it announced plans to build a hypercar in partnership with Red Bull, then some all important tech partners came on board in the shape of Alcon, Cosworth, Ricardo and Multimatic. Still the project had no name though, up until early March at least, when Aston followed tradition and stuck with its 'V' naming strategy to give us the Valkyrie.
Aerodynamics, downforce and lightness are the name of the game where this car is concerned, with Aston describing the Valkyrie as a "celebration of engineering." The tear-drop shaped cockpit allows for large quantities of air to funnel down the Venturi tunnels which feed the rear diffuser. So as not to upset that flow, an alternative to wing mirrors had to be found, meaning that classic concept car gimmick of rear facing cameras finally makes it to production, with feeds displayed at the base of each A-pillar. The rear view mirror is also conspicuous in its absence, due to the enveloping bodywork and roof-mounted engine air intake. This feeds the high-revving, 6.5-litre V12 built by Cosworth, giving the car its one-to-one power to weight ratio (one hp for every kg of weight).
Inside, it looks more like a race car than something to be driven on the road. With seats fitted directly to the carbon tub, owners have the option of four or six-point harnesses. Whichever they choose, the feet-up driving position will let them know they are in something special. Don't expect it to be an uncomfortable space though, Matt Hill, Aston Martin Creative Director of Interiors saying, "You really do have to sit in it to believe there is genuine space for two large adults." Carrying on the motorsport theme, all driver switchgear is on the detachable steering wheel whilst 'vital signs' are shown on the OLED screen.
Aston Martin Valkyrie design secrets revealed
The best look yet at that incredible £3m Aston Martin hypercar
The exterior design is said to be 95 per cent there, with the structure signed off. Although, according to Creative Director of Exterior Design, Miles Nurnberger, Adrian Newey may evolve the non-structural areas of the bodywork in his constant drive for more downforce.
When it comes to weight saving, Aston has pushed the boundary farther than ever before. Taking inspiration from the functionality of a Formula One car's components, the Valkyrie has the lightest production headlights available. The engineering celebrated in their exposed anodised aluminium frame, to which the low and high beam elements are attached. Even the 'Wings' badge has gone on a diet for this project - now 30 per cent thinner than a human hair and 99.4 per cent thinner than a standard enamel badge.
Deliveries of the Valkyrie will start in 2019, with prices having started at £3million, and all the cars long since sold out.
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Discussion
bertie said:
I don't doubt it'll have unbelievable performance, but my god it's ugly!
I think it's the headlights. A different headlight design (larger?) would improve the front no end.I don't normally think this way, but this is the first car that I have found myself thinking like one of those people who moan about Porsche RS products - all I thought was, "Meh - never going to see one, never going to drive one, not interested". I think I must be unwell...
PhantomPH said:
bertie said:
I don't doubt it'll have unbelievable performance, but my god it's ugly!
I think it's the headlights. A different headlight design (larger?) would improve the front no end.I don't normally think this way, but this is the first car that I have found myself thinking like one of those people who moan about Porsche RS products - all I thought was, "Meh - never going to see one, never going to drive one, not interested". I think I must be unwell...
bertie said:
I don't doubt it'll have unbelievable performance, but my god it's ugly!
It hasn't been designed with looks as the most important factor, its' been designed with aero being that. I'm just amazed there is going to be something looking like that on our roads and I applaud AM for building it. bertie said:
PhantomPH said:
bertie said:
I don't doubt it'll have unbelievable performance, but my god it's ugly!
I think it's the headlights. A different headlight design (larger?) would improve the front no end.I don't normally think this way, but this is the first car that I have found myself thinking like one of those people who moan about Porsche RS products - all I thought was, "Meh - never going to see one, never going to drive one, not interested". I think I must be unwell...
king awesome.Never you mind said:
bertie said:
I don't doubt it'll have unbelievable performance, but my god it's ugly!
It hasn't been designed with looks as the most important factor, its' been designed with aero being that. I'm just amazed there is going to be something looking like that on our roads and I applaud AM for building it. Also PH article says all sold out, but doesn't say how many. So looked it up, 150 being made with a further 25 Track versions.
One available to buy here for 3.3 million Euros. https://www.knightinternational.net/viewid-3701
Edited by hyphen on Wednesday 12th July 13:26
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