Aston Martin unleashes hell

Aston Martin’s hybrid system packs as much power as a small car and makes its V12 even more insane, writes Damien O’Carroll.

Aston Martin has revealed the official power and torque figures for its Valkyrie hypercar and they are every bit as astonishing as we expected them to be.

While we already knew that the 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 was packing a certified peak power output of 746kW (or a far more impressive-sounding 1000bhp) at 10,500rpm on its way to rev out at a maximum 11,100rpm (a world first for a naturallyaspirated, emissions-compliant road car) and peak torque of 740Nm at 7000rpm, we had no idea what the hybrid electric system was going to add to the insanity.

Now we do – an additional 119kW of power and a further 280Nm of torque (more or less a Toyota Corolla’s entire output), which means that the official maximum power output of Valkyrie stands at a stunning 865kW at 10,500rpm, with torque of 900Nm at 6000rpm.

The Valkyrie’s hybrid system is kinetic energy recovery system (KERS)-style boost set up similar to those fitted to F1 cars.

It has been developed by Aston Martin’s two main technical partners in the project; Integral Powertrain Ltd, which supplied the bespoke electric motor, and Rimac for the lightweight hybrid battery system.

The battery pack integrates all relevant sub-systems and serves as the carrier for the vehicle’s power electronics, while in addition to its power boost and energy recovery functions, Aston says the electric motor also aids the mechanical performance of the gearbox.

‘‘Aston Martin Valkyrie is set to be the ultimate hypercar in the automotive world and these performance figures underline that statement,’’ said David King, Aston Martin’s vice president and Special Vehicle Operations officer.

‘‘Red Bull Advanced Technologies, Cosworth, Rimac and Integral Powertrain Ltd. have been fantastic partners in the development of this powertrain, ensuring that we have already created a hybrid system that is emissions-compliant and ready to begin fitting to our first physical prototypes. I am, as I’m sure the rest of the world is, incredibly excited to see and hear the first of these cars on track.

‘‘To anyone with a drop of petrol in their blood, a highrevving naturally aspirated V12 is the absolute pinnacle,’’ said Aston Martin Lagonda president and group chief executive Dr Andy Palmer.

‘‘Nothing sounds better or encapsulates the emotion and excitement of the internal combustion engine more completely.’’

Because 746kW and 740Nm just isn’t enough, the Valkyrie’s hybrid system adds a further 119kW and 280Nm from battery power. Incredibly powerful and insanely aerodynamic, the Aston Martin Valkyrie is all about one thing: going very fast indeed.