At
the beating heart of Valhalla is its all-new PHEV powertrain, which features
three motors; foremost of these is a rear-mid-mounted 4.0 litre twin-turbo
bespoke V8 engine. The most advanced, responsive and highest performing V8
engine ever fitted to an Aston Martin, it features a flat-plane crankshaft for
increased responsiveness.
Revving
to 7200rpm and developing 750PS, it sends drive exclusively to the rear axle.
Exhaling through a lightweight exhaust system with active flaps for an
adjustable and authentic Aston Martin sound character it also features top-exit
tailpipes to maximise visual and aural drama.
Supplementing
this new V8 engine is a 150kW/400V battery hybrid system utilising a pair of
E-Motors; one mounted on the front axle and the other on the rear axle. The
electric system contributes a further 204PS for a headline combined power
output of 950PS. When driven in EV mode battery power is directed exclusively
to the front axle.
In
other driving modes battery power is split between front and rear axles, the
percentage sent to each axle constantly varies according to driving demands. In
certain situations, 100% of battery power can be sent to the rear axle,
supplementing the full force of the ICE V8 for maximum performance.
Completing
the powertrain is an all-new 8-speed DCT transmission. Exclusively designed and
built for Aston Martin, this new paddle-shift gearbox has been developed
specifically for the hybrid era. Featuring e-reverse (which utilises the PHEV’s
electric motors and thereby saves weight by negating the need for a
conventional reverse gear) the transmission also features an Electronic
Limited-Slip Differential (E-Diff) on the rear axle for maximum traction and handling
agility.
Electrical
power is also used to enhance low speed control and response as well as provide
reversing capability. And, thanks to the instantaneous torque from the
E-Motors, the hybrid system augments the V8 engine to deliver sensational standing
start acceleration and in-gear response. Outright performance is further aided
by the E-Motor and V8 ICE being able to run different gears in the DCT
simultaneously, which enables a maximum torque delivery of 1000Nm.
Running
in EV-only mode, Valhalla will be capable of a maximum 130km/h and has a zero-emission range of
15km. Predicted CO2 (WLTP) is less than 200g/km. Unleashing all 950PS the
Valhalla will reach a top speed of 330km/h and will complete the sprint from
0-62mph in just 2.5 seconds. In terms of outright track capability, a stunning
6:30 Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time is being targeted.
In
terms of its structure, Valhalla is built around a new a carbon fibre tub for
maximum stiffness with minimum weight penalty. Featuring Formula One style push
rod front suspension complete with inboard mounted springs and dampers reducing
unsprung mass and provides a brilliant packaging solution. Together with the
rear-end’s multilink design, Valhalla uses Multimatic Variable Spring rate and
Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) Damper units providing adjustable ride frequency for
exceptional performance on road and track. In addition to stiffer suspension,
Track mode sees ride height dramatically reduced in order to maximise
downforce. At the other end of the speed scale, a front axle lift system raises
the nose for improved approach angle on awkward inclines.
With
a target dry weight of less than 1550kg Valhalla will have an unrivalled
power-to-weight ratio compared to its class rivals.
Full
LED Matrix headlights with adaptive functionality and high-beam assist deliver
excellent forward vision in the dark, and Dual Zone Air Conditioning provides
high level of occupant comfort. In order to comply with the latest regulatory
requirements, Valhalla also incorporates the latest Advanced Driver Assistance
Systems. These include Auto Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning,
Active Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear View Parking Camera (with
Surround View option).