How Aston Martin’s F1 Team Helped Develop the Hotly Anticipated 1,000 HP Valhalla Supercar

Something you just have to call in the experts.

Aston Martin has turned to its Formula 1 team, including driver Fernando Alonso, for help completing the development of the Valhalla. And thanks to the assistance, it looks like the long-awaited vehicle is almost ready to go into production.

The British marque provided an update on Wednesday about its eagerly anticipated hybrid supercar. It revealed that its F1 team’s consulting arm, Aston Martin Performance Technologies (AMPT), was brought in to assist in three key areas of development—driving dynamics, aerodynamics, and materials. Unsurprisingly, it was the first of those where Alonso and teammate Lance Stroll had the most input in helping make the vehicle as driver-focused as possible. The pair’s influence can also be felt inside the cabin, where the driving position closely aligns with that of this year’s AMR23 race car.

AMPT also used its technical know-how to improve aerodynamic performance. The Valhallan features several active-aero elements, including wings at both the front and rear that are similar to those found on the Aston Martin F1 car. The underbody also features an upgraded design that helps produce over 1,322 pounds of downforce at 149 mph. The team’s familiarity with lightweight materials also helped inform the construction of the vehicle, including its carbon-fiber monocoque.

Aston Martin also provided new details about the Valhalla’s hybrid power train. It was originally supposed to feature a V-6, but now has a twin-turbo flat-plane V-8 engine at its heart. The mill is mated to three electric motors which help produce a combined 998 horses. The positioning of the electric motors—with two up on the front axle and one integrated into the rear eight-speed dual-clutch transmission—also means the Valhalla will offer all-wheel drive.

The most exciting news of all may be that the Valhalla, which was first announced way back in 2019, is finally nearing the finish line. The automaker says the first running prototype will hit the road later this year and that production of the $800,000 supercar is scheduled to begin sometime in 2024.

Click here for more photos of the Aston Martin Valhalla.