Aston Martin Valhalla revealed: Production supercar swaps bespoke V6 for hybrid Mercedes-AMG V8

The production Aston Martin Valhalla supercar has been revealed, offering extreme plug-in hybrid performance and aerodynamic looks – but it's not the same Valhalla enthusiasts have grown to recognise.

While Aston Martin unveiled the 'original' Valhalla in concept form (known then as the AM-RB 003), the car you see here is the same in name only, having undergone complete re-engineering to its engine, chassis, styling and even the development partners making Aston's 'son of Valkyrie' possible.

Whereas the original Valhalla – developed in partnership with the Red Bull Formula One team and legendary F1 aerodynamicist Adrian Newey – was slated to debut an in-house-developed 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6, the overhauled 2023 model is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 developed with key Aston Martin stakeholder and development partner, Mercedes-Benz (and its AMG performance division).

Believed to be an adapted version of the engine found in the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series supercar, the Valhalla's rear-mid-mounted V8 uses a flat-plane crankshaft revs up to 7200rpm to help develop 552kW, sent exclusively to the rear wheels.

The V8 is aided by a pair of electric motors – split across the front and rear axles, delivering all-wheel drive – producing 150kW combined, enabling a combined maximum outputs of 699kW and 1000Nm – not far off the 865kW produced by the Valhalla's larger sibling, the F1-derived Valkyrie.

Drive runs through an all-new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission designed and built by Aston Martin with hybrid vehicles in mind, featuring an electronic limited-slip differential on the rear axle for improved traction, and lacking a mechanical reverse gear, instead saving weight by using the electric motors to travel in reverse.

In its most potent hybrid mode, Aston Martin claims the Valhalla will be capable of a 0-100km/h sprint time of 2.5 seconds, towards a top speed of 350km/h. A six-minute and 30-second lap time around Germany's Nurburgring race track is targeted – nearly 15 seconds faster than the current record holder's 6:43.300 time.

In electric-only mode, the Valhalla sends power exclusively to the front axle, enabling a driving range of 15km on a single charge, at speeds of up to 130km/h. CO2 emissions in hybrid mode fall below 200 grams per kilometre – equal to or less than a Hyundai i30 N manual hot hatch.

Bolted to the V8 and plug-in hybrid system is a carbon-fibre tub, paired to Formula One-inspired 'pushrod' front suspension, and adaptive dampers that vary the suspension's stiffness between different modes.

Track mode lowers the vehicle's ride height "dramatically" to increase downforce and high-speed cornering grip, while a front-axle lift system raises the car's nose to help clear speed bumps.

Other performance features on offer include electric power steering, carbon-ceramic brake discs, 20-inch front and 21-inch alloy wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 track-focused tyres, and a lightweight multi-mode exhaust system with 'top-exit' outlets above the engine.

Aston Martin is said to be targeting a dry weight (i.e. without oil and other fluids) of 1550kg – around 100kg heavier than an entry-level Porsche 911 Carrera sports car.

Formula One-inspired surfacing and "masterful" underbody aerodynamic tricks enable the Valhalla to produce 600kg of downforce at 241km/h, aiding cornering speeds and high-speed stability.

As for styling, the Valhalla follows through on its 'son of Valkyrie' positioning, with a low-slung, aerodynamics-focused shape with Le Mans-style wheel-arch-integrated headlights, prominent lower side air intakes, 'dihedral' side doors, and unique dot-pattern LED tail-lights.

Differences versus the 2019 concept include a new front-end design (with a conventional-looking grille inspired by the Aston Martin Vantage), reshaped front 'bonnet' and rear engine cover areas, a larger roof scoop, and new, more sculptured bodywork behind the front wheels.

While no photos of the interior have been released, Aston Martin claims the Valhalla offers more space for occupants than its Valkyrie bigger brother, comprising "a pared back cockpit design with clear, simple ergonomics", including adjustable pedals and steering column (enabling fixed seat bases), and an F1 car-like seating position.

Critics of the ageing Mercedes-derived infotainment system in current Aston Martin products will be pleased to hear the Valhalla benefits from a new interface, offering support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Available comfort and convenience features include matrix LED headlights, auto high-beam and dual-zone climate control, plus active safety technologies including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, a reversing camera, and a 360-degree camera.

The new Aston Martin Valhalla has previously been confirmed for an international launch in the second half of 2023 – though the production readiness of the car pictured suggests a launch could occur much sooner.

Both left- and right-hand-drive versions of the Valhalla have been confirmed – a rarity among million-dollar high-performance hypercars – opening the door to an Australian launch in the future.