As posted today by Evo Magazine, Aston Martin invited Red Bull Formula 1 drivers Max Verstappen and Alex Albon to test the production prototype version of the Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar.
https://www.facebook.com/evomagazine/videos/499092877426965/
The test was both a marketing exercise for Aston Martin to show off how far the car has come since the initial prototype was unveiled at the British Grand Prix in 2019, and a test session to have two world class drivers push the car to its limits.
Data collected from the test will be used to produce the next version of the production prototype, and fine tune engine, suspension, and aerodynamic performance.
After the test, Verstappen stated “Of course, it’s still in the development phase but you can already feel the pace, which compared to a normal car is… pretty different!”
A total of eight prototype cars are set to be made, with the two tested at Silverstone being the first production prototypes.
The Valkyrie is set to become one of the most powerful hypercars when it is released later in 2020. It is powered by a 6.5 liter V-12 that makes 1000 HP at 10,500 RPM, giving it a specific output of 153.8 HP per liter, compared to something like the Lamborghini Aventador SV’s V-12 which has a specific output of 112.2 HP per liter.
On top of the engine, there is a hybrid assistance drive included, which produces another 160 HP to give the Valkyrie a total of 1160 HP. The engine is developed by Cosworth, with the hybrid drive and batteries coming from Rimac, a producer of high end automotive electrical components.
Only 150 Valkyries will be built, and all build slots are already sold. After the initial production run, 25 track-only GTR versions will be made. The stiffest competition to the Valkyrie will be Mercedes AMG’s Project One, which will be using a Formula 1 derived V-6 turbo.
