2022 Aston Martin Valkyrie Review, Pricing, and Specs

Overview

Aston Martin is a British brand synonymous with luxury, but this automaker has never had a hypercar to call its own. That changes with the introduction of the Valkyrie, an aerodynamic, performance-themed speed demon that carries the distinction of being Aston Martin’s first entry into the hypercar wars. Aston’s vehicles are typically characterized by their elegant, somewhat understated design, but the Valkyrie breaks a fresh path with its over-the-top styling. This is the type of car that looks like it would be right at home on a future world race track or in the next Transformers Movie. The Valkyrie’s hybrid powertrain produces a staggering 1139 horsepower. Prices start at $3 million, and production is extremely limited.

What’s new for 2022?

An all-new vehicle, the Valkyrie joins the Aston Martin lineup for the 2022 model year. It takes its name from ancient Norse mythology, the valkyries being the spirits who determined the fates of men in battle. This hypercar was born from a partnership between Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing.

Prices and which one to buy

While the Valkyrie is homologated for street use in other countries, Aston Martin will sell it in the United States only for track use. Very few will be offered for sale here, all loaded with unique touches designed to keep a hypercar buyer happy. To improve aerodynamics, the Valkyrie ditches exterior mirrors in favor of rearview cameras mounted on the car’s flanks. These cameras feed images to two cockpit displays located on the car’s A-pillars, allowing the driver to monitor the blind spots. You may also notice that there is no rearview mirror. This is because there is no rear window. This feature is excluded by the car’s bodywork and roof-mounted engine air intake. To optimize curb weight, the Valkyrie is constructed entirely of carbon fiber. According to Aston Martin, there is not a single steel component in the vehicle’s structure. This hypercar is prohibitively expensive, but that hasn’t hurt its ability to attract serious interest.

Engine, transmission and performance

The Valkyrie’s hybrid powertrain consists of a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V-12 and an electric motor. A seven-speed automatic transmission directs power to the rear wheels. Alone, the V-12 produces 1,001 horsepower, while the battery-electric system—designed by Rimac and Integral Powertrain—contributes an additional 141 horsepower, though the combined horsepower rating is set at 1,139 hp. Acceleration is breathtaking, and we estimate that the Valkyrie can hit 60 mph in as little as 2.3 seconds. Aston Martin’s Valkyrie AMR Pro has the same powerplant, but the V-12’s calibration has been tweaked to increase output. The AMR Pro has a lighter curb weight than the road car, and Aston claims it’s capable of generating more than its weight in downforce.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Fuel economy estimates for the Aston Martin Valkyrie have not been released and probably never will be, as the car is not homologated for use on the road in the United States.

Interior, comfort and cargo

The Aston Martin Valkyrie offers seating for two. The cockpit is shaped like a teardrop, with passengers placed in a reclining feet-up position. It’s similar to the seating position in modern Formula 1 racing cars—it’s snug even for small drivers and it’s so loud inside that you need ear protection. A four-point harness is standard, and a six-point harness is available for those who plan to spend a lot of time on the track. To reduce driver distraction and busyness, all of the car’s switchgear is placed on the steering wheel, with vital signs reflected on a single OLED display screen. The switches are offered in anodized silver, black or red. Aston offers a wide range of colours, patterns and finishes for the upholstery, and the seat harnesses come in a choice of six bold shades. To make vehicle entry and exit easier, the Valkyrie’s steering wheel is removable.

Infotainment and connectivity

The standard Valkyrie comes with a central infotainment screen. With the AMR Pro, this screen is deleted to reduce curb weight.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

For more information on the Valkyrie’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Warranty and Maintenance Cover

Aston Martin’s limited and powertrain warranty coverage is identical to the protection offered to Lamborghini, a key competitor.

• Limited warranty covers three years or unlimited miles
• Powertrain warranty covers three years or unlimited miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance