Aston Martin outlines Valkyrie design

ASTON Martin has detailed bodywork changes to maximise aerodynamics of its forthcoming Valkyrie hypercar, a year after it was originally revealed.

The enigmatic Valkyrie’s cockpit design has also been revealed, showing a confined space that the car-maker claims can still fit two adults ranking in the 98th percentile in terms of size.

Aston has worked with Red Bull Advanced Technologies and AF Racing to fine-tune the Valkyrie, with changes including the use of two air vents between the front windshield and wheel arches to help increase downforce.

The Aston ‘wings’ badge adorning the front of the car was deemed too heavy by designers, so instead of replacing it with a cheap sticker, the design team produced a chemical etched aluminium badge measuring just 70 microns thick, and weighing 99.4 per cent lighter than the regular badge.

Aston says the headlight design was inspired by the simplicity of Formula 1 components, using an exposed aluminium frame to show the engineering components and reduce weight by 30 to 40 per cent over the lightest available Aston Martin lights.

The most striking feature on Aston’s pursuit of aerodynamic excellence is the catamaran-style underbody that draws large quantities of air under the car and through the massive rear diffuser, and eliminates the need for gaudy aerodynamic elements on top of the car.

Inside, the seats have been directly mounted to the carbon-fibre tub to maximise space, with the low, feet-forward driving position reminiscent of Formula 1 cars.

In order to keep distractions at a minimum, all switchgear is located on the removable steering wheel, while a single OLED screen displays all critical information.

In lieu of using conventional door mirrors which increase drag, two cameras have been fitted to the flanks of the vehicle which project onto displays positioned at the base of the A-pillars.

Aston Martin creative director of exterior design, Miles Nurnberger, said the design process for the Valkyrie was almost complete.

“I would say we’re around 95 per cent of the way there with the exterior design,” he said.

“Much of what you see is actually the structure of the car, so this had to be signed-off relatively early in the project.

“The remaining areas of non-structural bodywork are still subject to evolution and change as Adrian (Newey) continues to explore way of finding more downforce.” Aston Martin will build only 150 road-going and 25 track-only versions of the Valkyrie at the company’s manufacturing facility in the UK.

While little is known about the ins and outs of the Valkyrie, it will use a high-revving V12 engine that will produce a power-to-weight ratio of one horsepower per kilogram.

When it eventually goes into production it will rival the likes of other forthcoming hypercars such as the Mercedes-AMG Project One and McLaren BP23.