What's the news?
Like the new Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar but you're worried it might not have quite enough of the 'wow' factor (it does, it really does, you know...)? Then good news: the marque's 'Q by Aston Martin' personalisation service is set to offer owners of the ultra-exclusive machine the chance to make it unique, with a variety of options and packs.
One of the chief new additions for the Valkyrie is the AMR Track Performance Pack, designed by both Aston and Red Bull Advanced Technologies, the partner organisation of the programme. It features a set of track-only components - that can be interchanged with existing, road-legal parts - and which are said to deliver lap times that are up to eight per cent quicker than the, um, 'standard' Valkyrie.
The key parts of the AMR Track Performance Pack are a new, aerodynamic front clam that generates more downforce and greater aero efficiency, a second set of all the rest of the body panels, lightweight titanium brakes, track-focused suspension and a matte-black, magnesium performance wheel set with carbon-fibre aero-discs.
Customers can also specify a wide range of personalised pit garage and race suit accessories to the package, leading to the 'ultimate' track-day and hypercar ownership experience.
Aston's Q division will also offer three AMR livery designs for the pack, while unique finishes can also be specified if so desired.
Those who are more interested in the car's prowess on the road have choices, too. Four 'Designer Specification' themes are available, featuring exclusive colours for the Valkyrie - Slipstream Green, Liquid Petroleum, Ethanol Silver and Maximum Orange. Customisation options through the Q division include the option to have the roof and rear engine cover (both gloss black as standard) presented in exposed carbon fibre, and it's also possible to finish the cantrails in the same material with a gloss lacquer on top. The silver-textured tailpipe and mufflers can be painted black, while there's the possibility of having the Aston Martin 'wings' badges in full titanium - the first time these have been offered.
Inside, there's a wide choice of Alcantara colours, patterns and finishes available for the seats, along with six bright colour options for the seat harness. Woven leather, first seen in the Aston One-77, can be selected for the door pockets and armrest trim. And all the driver-focused switchgear on the steering wheel, usually finished in anodised silver, black or red finish, can also be crafted from titanium through the Q by Aston Martin service. Perhaps the most indulgent feature is the Gold Pack, which features a 24-carat gold leaf livery laid under the Valkyrie's paint lacquer, although the Mokume Carbon Fibre option pack might run it close.
Anything else?
Marek Reichman, Aston Martin's executive vice-president and chief creative officer, said: "This is simply the best car in the world if you want something bespoke and we are really pushing the boundaries to match the dreams of our customers. Every single element of this hypercar, including its performance, can be personalised. The materials are very much about science, the art of creativity and the ability to create a unique solution that doesn't detract from this exceptional car's performance capability."