Aston Martin Halts Development of Mainstream Mid-Engined Supercar to Focus on Limited-Run Models
Aston Martin has announced that it will no longer be developing a mainstream mid-engined supercar to rival the likes of the Ferrari 296 GTB, McLaren Artura, and Lamborghini Huracán. Instead, the British marque will focus on producing limited-run halo models such as the Valkyrie and Valhalla.
The decision to halt the development of the mid-engined supercar comes as a surprise, given that Aston Martin had previously signalled its intent to compete with the 296 GTB by unveiling the Vanquish Vision concept in 2019. However, speaking to Autocar at the Monaco Grand Prix, chairman Lawrence Stroll stated that “volume wasn’t important” and that the brand’s focus would instead be on profitability and exclusivity.
Valhalla: A Limited-Run Hybrid Supercar
The Valhalla, which will be limited to just 999 units in its initial coupé form, will be Aston Martin’s first hybrid supercar. It will be built around a carbonfibre monocoque being developed by the newly established Aston Martin Performance Technologies division in the Aston Martin Formula 1 team’s new factory at Silverstone.
The Valhalla will also be the first Aston Martin to use a hybrid powertrain, borrowing a turbocharged plug-in-hybrid V8 from technical partner Mercedes-AMG. The 4.0-litre powerplant revs to 7200rpm and drives the rear axle through an all-new bespoke eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which will also be used on other future Aston Martin models. Combined with two electric motors – one per axle – it will produce more than 1000bhp, framing the Valhalla to take on the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, targeting a Nürburgring lap time of 6min 30sec.
The Valhalla will be priced between £600,000 and £700,000, making it a highly exclusive and sought-after supercar.
Focus on Profitability and Exclusivity
Aston Martin’s decision to focus on limited-run halo models such as the Valkyrie and Valhalla is a strategic move aimed at increasing profitability and exclusivity. By producing highly exclusive models in limited numbers, Aston Martin can command higher prices and generate greater demand among collectors and enthusiasts.
The Valkyrie, for example, is a hypercar developed in collaboration with Red Bull Racing that is limited to just 150 units. It features a naturally aspirated V12 engine that revs to 11,100rpm and produces 1160bhp, making it one of the most powerful road cars ever built.
Similarly, the Valhalla is expected to be a highly exclusive and sought-after hybrid supercar that will appeal to collectors and enthusiasts alike. With a limited production run of just 999 units, it is likely to become a highly prized addition to any collection.
Conclusion
Aston Martin’s decision to halt the development of a mainstream mid-engined supercar in favour of limited-run halo models such as the Valkyrie and Valhalla is a strategic move aimed at increasing profitability and exclusivity. By producing highly exclusive models in limited numbers, Aston Martin can command higher prices and generate greater demand among collectors and enthusiasts. The Valhalla, Aston Martin’s first hybrid supercar, is expected to be a highly sought-after model with a limited production run of just 999 units. With its advanced hybrid powertrain and impressive performance capabilities, it is sure to become a prized addition to any collection.