The long-awaited Aston Martin Valhalla made its first dynamic public appearance this week, with none other than F1 star Fernando Alonso behind the wheel. The limited-edition supercar appears to be production ready for delivery to its buyers later this year.
Aston's Valhalla was put through its paces in public for the first time on the streets of Monte Carlo on Thursday, just before the start of the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix weekend. The car, driven by two-time F1 World Champion Alonso, lapped the iconic street circuit as part of its global dynamic debut.
Hasn't the Valhalla been seen before?
Yes, but only in static form. This marks the car's first public outing in motion (well, aside from the few people that might have seen the Valhalla undergoing its on-road validation in various locations around the world). The Monaco run is the clearest indication yet that the car is nearing readiness for customer deliveries.
Why was Alonso behind the wheel?
Spaniard Fernando Alonso is more than just a brand ambassador for Aston Martin - we're told he has been involved as a “principal development driver” on the project for the past 18 months. Speaking after the drive, Alonso said:
“Unveiling Valhalla's dynamic capability to the world at the Monaco Grand Prix weekend is a fantastic moment for both myself and the brand. Taking Aston Martin's unmatched luxury credentials and added cutting-edge F1-inspired technology and class-leading performance, I can confirm Valhalla is a true supercar both on road and on track. Outside of the outright power and dynamics, it delivers on all of the raw feelings and emotions you look for when behind the wheel of a car like Valhalla.”
So, what is the Valhalla, exactly?
It's Aston Martin's first series-production, mid-engined supercar and its first plug-in hybrid. With only 999 units planned for production, it's a flagship model combining performance and exclusivity. The Valhalla also marks the first Aston Martin to feature a bespoke 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, featuring a flat-plane crankshaft and which alone delivers 828hp. This is supplemented by three electric motors, bringing maximum system outputs to 1,079hp and 1,100Nm of torque.
Top speed is quoted at 350km/h and it can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 2.5 seconds according to Aston. The Valhalla also benefits from a new eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox and an all-wheel-drive layout with torque vectoring, made possible by twin front electric motors.
Is there any Formula One tech in it?
There's certainly some influence from F1. The Valhalla was developed in collaboration with Aston Martin Performance Technologies, the consultancy arm of the Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 team. That influence is most evident in areas such as aerodynamics, chassis dynamics and materials, drawing on F1 know-how to enhance on-road and on-track performance.
When can customers expect deliveries?
Deliveries are due to begin in the second half of 2025. Given the level of hype and the limited production run, Aston Martin is likely to have most build slots spoken for already.
Concluding thoughts?
While Aston Martin is no stranger to high-performance GTs and limited-edition hypercars, the Valhalla is arguably its most ambitious project yet. Blending F1-derived engineering with everyday usability - at least, in theory - it's a clear signal of where the brand is heading in a hybrid-electric era.