Aston Martin confirms Valkyrie name for AM-RB 001 hypercar

Aston Martin Valkyrie is the official name given to the brand's hotly anticipated V12 hypercar model. The name stems from Norse mythology and translates to ‘chooser of the slain’.

Up until now the car had been referred to by its internal name AM RB- 001. Aston Martin chose Valkyrie, the name of a type of God that Nordics believed chose who lived or died, to signify the car’s role as being its most potent product yet.

“The Aston Martin Valkyrie is an incredibly special car that demands an equally remarkable name; an uncompromising car that leaves nothing in reserve,” said chief creative officer Marek Reichman. “The connotations of power and honour, of being chosen by the Gods are so evocative, and so pertinent to a car that only a fortunate few will ever experience.”  

The car is co-developed by Red Bull Advanced Technologies and will use a naturally aspirated Cosworth 6.5-litre V12 that’s expected to produce 900bhp. It comes mated to a Ricardo seven-speed gearbox.

Valkyrie will be built upon a carbonfibre MonoCell that is provided by longstanding Aston Martin partner Multimatic. Total kerb weight is therefore expected to be less than one tonne, and Aston Martin backs this up with claims for a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio.

The car will use an F1-inspired energy recovery system (ERS) to harvest kinetic energy from braking, with electric car maker Rimac supplying lightweight hybrid batteries.

Braking will be handled by Alcon and Surface Transforms calipers and carbon discs, while Bosch will supply the engine control unit, traction control unit and electronic stability programme systems.

Aston Martin has also confirmed that Wipac, a British lighting manufacturer, has developed the car’s LED headlights and tail lights.

Red Bull Racing chief technical officer Adrian Newey said of the partners: “Much like Formula One, designing, engineering and building a car like the AM-RB 001 is a massive team effort. To achieve great things you need to surround yourself with the best people.

“Experience, creativity, energy, diligence and perfectionism are absolute must-have qualities in every area of the project. Having great technical partners such as those working with us is both reassuring and motivating. Together we aim to produce an innovative piece of engineering art.”

Aston Martin vice president David King added: “Making the AM-RB 001 presents huge challenges. It’s a real test of everyone involved, but that’s as it should be, for we’re genuinely raising the bar with this car. That’s what makes the project so special, and why having the right technical partners is so critical.

“Some of those names we’re working with are long-standing suppliers of Aston Martin, but there are some new names in there, too. Whether forging fresh partnerships or building on existing relationships, the AM-RB 001 project is a shared engineering adventure we’re all relishing.”

The AM-RB 001 will be built in a total of 150 units for the road and 25 track-only versions. No pricing has been revealed but a figure of between £2-3 million (Rs 19.68 crore – Rs 29.52 crore) is likely. First deliveries are due in 2019.