Aston Martin, renowned for its ultra-luxury automobiles, is harnessing the cutting-edge technology of Formula 1® to elevate its newest creation, the Aston Martin Valhalla. This groundbreaking mid-engine supercar represents Aston Martin's first venture into series production, and it's benefiting from the unparalleled innovation born on the racetracks of the world's fastest laboratory, Formula 1®.
Formula 1® is synonymous with speed, reliability, and performance, and its relentless pursuit of excellence has spurred technological advancements that are now finding their way into the world of luxury supercars. The Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One® team (AMF1) has been at the forefront of these developments, and Aston Martin is tapping into their expertise to accelerate the development of future models, starting with the Valhalla.
Marco Mattiacci, Global Chief Brand and Commercial Officer of Aston Martin, emphasized the transformative impact of Valhalla on the brand, stating, "Aston Martin’s vision is to build a range of exceptional, class-leading driver-focused cars, crucial in the expansion of our core product line-up." He highlighted the collaborative effort between Aston Martin's road car engineers and the AMF1 team's Formula 1® engineering capabilities, facilitated by Aston Martin Performance Technologies. This partnership showcases Aston Martin's diverse capabilities, merging technical support and Formula 1® expertise.
The collaboration between Aston Martin and its Formula 1® team is facilitated by Aston Martin Performance Technologies (AMPT), the consulting arm of the team. AMPT plays a pivotal role in assisting Aston Martin's performance engineering team across three critical areas of development: dynamics, aerodynamics, and materials.
In the realm of driving dynamics, Aston Martin Valhalla is designed to be a driver-focused masterpiece. The vehicle dynamics group, working closely with AMPT, is committed to delivering precise dynamics that ensure unmatched driver engagement. Drawing inspiration from Formula 1®, Valhalla's development relies heavily on advanced simulation tools to fine-tune every aspect of its performance. Remarkably, 90% of the dynamic characteristics and vehicle setup are perfected through simulations, with the final phase taking place on real-world roads and tracks.
Valuable insights from AMF1 drivers, such as Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso, are integrated into Valhalla's calibration, pushing the car's performance boundaries to new heights. The car's cockpit ergonomics have also been enhanced with Formula 1® influence, optimizing the driving position for race car-like control and a heightened driving experience.
Aerodynamically, Valhalla draws from both AMPT and Aston Martin's expertise in road cars and Formula 1®. The underbody design, where much of the car's downforce is generated, demonstrates the infusion of Formula 1® technology. Unlike Formula 1® cars, Valhalla isn't bound by regulations, allowing it to feature fully active aerodynamic systems at both the front and rear. These systems generate over 600kg of downforce at 240km/h, ensuring optimal grip, balance, and adaptability to different driving scenarios and modes.
The car incorporates multi-element wings at the front and rear, similar to those on Formula 1® cars. These wings can be adjusted to control drag and downforce, providing an ideal balance between performance and aerodynamic efficiency. Additional features, inspired by Formula 1® technology, include slotted louvers on the car's sill and a roof-mounted snorkel, both of which contribute to increased downforce and engine cooling.
In terms of materials, Aston Martin's expertise is further enriched by Formula 1® insights. AMPT and the AMF1 team have extensive experience working with carbon fiber, a crucial material for both performance and safety. By applying Formula 1®-inspired methods, they can simulate stiffness and crash worthiness, identifying vulnerabilities before crash testing begins.
Valhalla's core structure maximizes stiffness while minimizing weight, ensuring precise control and handling. Crafted using cutting-edge composite technology, the carbon fiber structure blends upper and lower sections created through a combination of Resin-Transfer-Moulding process (RTM) and Formula 1® derived autoclave technology. This results in an exceptionally stiff yet lightweight passenger cell that meets the highest standards of structural integrity and safety while maintaining driver and passenger comfort.
Valhalla represents Aston Martin's evolution from internal combustion engines to hybrid and full electrification. The car boasts a bespoke twin-turbo flat-plane V8 engine, designed to optimize performance and efficiency. This advanced engine, when coupled with three electric motors, forms a 1,012 PS hybrid all-wheel-drive powertrain. Notably, the front electric motors enable precise torque control at each wheel, known as torque vectoring, enhancing steering response, grip, and traction.
Carlo Della Casa, Aston Martin Product Development Director, underscored the collaborative nature of this project, stating, "Our target for Valhalla is to produce a supercar that will set best-in-class standards for performance, dynamics, and driving pleasure." The project brings Formula 1® learnings directly into sports car development, ensuring that Valhalla delivers an exceptional driving experience.
The first prototype of Valhalla is set to hit the road later this year, with production scheduled for 2024. As Aston Martin continues to push the boundaries of luxury and performance, the influence of Formula 1® technology promises to redefine the supercar landscape.
