Where the original concept proposal - first seen at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show - was very much an exercise in squeezing as much performance from the road legal Valkyrie platform, the new Valkyrie AMR Pro benefits from the Le Mans project’s pure, race optimised chassis, aerodynamic and powertrain developments. Moreover, with its design and performance freed from race rule constraints, the AMR Pro’s capabilities now exceed those of the machine designed to challenge for outright victory in the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Continuing the technology partnership
with Red Bull Advanced Technologies (RBAT), the Valkyrie AMR Pro is a
car of unprecedented potency and mind-blowing capabilities. It uses a
unique version of the Valkyrie chassis which is 380 mm longer in
wheelbase and 96 mm wider in track at the front; 115 mm at the rear. The
Valkyrie AMR Pro also features an aggressive aerodynamic package which
adds an additional 266 mm in length, and thanks to mastery of underbody
and overwing airflow, generates extraordinary levels of downforce.
Comfortably delivering twice the amount of downforce than the Valkyrie
road car, the Valkyrie AMR Pro will achieve lateral acceleration of more
than 3G.
In the pursuit of the lightest weight and fastest lap
times, the Valkyrie AMR Pro relies solely on a modified version of the
sensational Cosworth-built 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine.
Revving to 11,000 rpm, this masterpiece of internal combustion is
on-target to develop 1,000 bhp. Weight savings will come from deletion
of the battery-electric hybrid system, plus a host of other weight
saving measures, including ultra-lightweight carbon fibre bodywork,
carbon suspension wishbones and Perspex windscreen and side windows.
Together with an aerodynamic efficiency that exceeds Le Mans Hypercar
regulations, the Valkyrie AMR Pro promises track performance approaching
that of a Formula 1 car.
More details of the Valkyrie AMR Pro’s
specification and performance will be released later this year, but
with a target lap time around the 8.5-mile Le Mans 24 Hours circuit of 3
minutes 20 seconds - blistering performance that would see the Valkyrie
AMR Pro battling with the front running LMP1 cars for the outright win
in the world’s greatest endurance race.
To complement the
track-only Valkyrie AMR Pro, customers will receive the opportunity to
attend a bespoke track day experience, hosted by Aston Martin at a
selection of International FIA Circuits around the world. The experience
will include track and pit lane access, support from the Aston Martin
Valkyrie Instructor team, as well as FIA exclusive racewear and a VIP
hosted dinner. Track days will be open to all Aston Martin Valkyrie
customers, along with a selection of Art of Living experiences, driving
some of the most challenging and dynamic roads across the UK and Europe,
The Americas and beyond. Additional information on these exclusive
experiences will be released later this year but they promise to
showcase the Valkyrie in the most exhilarating way.
With
extensive development work completed using powerful simulation tools,
physical testing of the Valkyrie AMR Pro is due to commence imminently
and to ensure that Valkyrie AMR Pro gives the ultimate driving
experience, the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team drivers will be
involved from the start to develop the dynamic set-up of the car.
All cars will be left-hand drive, with a production run of 40 cars plus two prototypes. First deliveries are scheduled to commence in Q4 2021.
