2022 Aston Martin Valkyrie Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

Aston Martin is a British brand that's synonymous with opulence, but this automaker has never had a hypercar to call its own. That changes with the launch of the Valkyrie, an aerodynamic, performance-themed speed demon that holds the distinction of being Aston Martin's first entry in the hypercar war. Aston's vehicles are typically marked by their elegant, somewhat restrained design, but the Valkyrie blazes 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 racetrack or in the next Transformers movie. The Valkyrie's hybrid V-12 powertrain produces a staggering 1139 horsepower, and our time piloting it at the Bahrain International Circuit left us thinking that this is a machine beyond mere numbers, however impressive the claimed 2.5-second zero-to-60-mph time and electronically limited 220-mph top speed sound. Pricing starts at about $3.5 million, and production is extremely limited.

What's New for 2022?

An entirely 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 decided the fates of men in battle. This hypercar is born from a partnership between Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

While the Valkyrie has been hom*ologated for street use in other countries, Aston Martin will sell it in the United States only under the NHTSA's Show And Display exemption, which limits mileage to 2500 per year. Very few will be offered for sale here, all of them in a single trim level loaded with one-of-a-kind touches designed to keep a hypercar buyer satisfied. To improve aerodynamics, the Valkyrie ditches exterior mirrors in favor of rear-facing cameras mounted to the car's flanks. These cameras feed images to two cabin displays located on the car's A-pillars, allowing the driver to monitor the blind spots. You may also notice that there's no rearview mirror. That's because there's no rear window. This feature is precluded by the car's bodywork and roof-mounted engine air intake. To optimize curb weight, the Valkyrie is composed entirely of carbon fiber. According to Aston Martin, there isn't 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 delivers 1001 horsepower, while the battery-electric system—designed by Rimac and Integral Powertrain—contributes an additional 141 horsepower, although the combined horsepower rating is set at 1139 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 features the same powertrain, but the V-12's calibration has been tweaked to boost output. The AMR Pro has a lighter curb weight than the road car, and Aston claims that it's capable of generating more than its own weight in downforce.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Fuel-economy estimates for the Aston Martin Valkyrie haven't been revealed and likely never will be, since the car has not been hom*ologated for on-road use in the United States.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Aston Martin Valkyrie provides seating for two. The co*ckpit is shaped like a teardrop, with passengers placed in a reclined feet-up position. It's similar to the seating position in modern Formula 1 race cars—it's snug even for petite drivers and it's so loud inside that you'll need ear protection. A four-point harness is standard, and a six-point harness is available for those who plan to log lots 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 colors, patterns, and finishes for the upholstery, and the seat harnesses come in a choice of six bold hues. To make vehicle entry and exit easier, the Valkyrie's steering wheel is detachable.

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 about 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:

• Standard backup camera

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Aston Martin's limited and powertrain warranty coverage is identical to the protection offered Lamborghini, a chief rival.

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