Aston Martin Amplifies the Hypercar Realm with Valkyrie AMR Pro
The 2018 Aston Martin Valkyrie, a road-legal hypercar that fused F1 technology into an aerodynamically streamlined marvel is no longer alone. Entering the blueprint at the 88th Geneva International Motor Show is the track-oriented counterpart of this exclusive vehicle - The Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro.
Elevated to New Heights
Embodying technical inputs from Adrian Newey, Marek Reichman and David King, engineering stalwarts of Red Bull Racing and Aston Martin respectively, the performance envelope has been pushed further than before. Le Mans LMP1 prototypes or Formula One cars are considered as benchmarks in speed; however, crossing paths with the Valkyrie AMR Pro on track would demand their best defense.
Nitrogen-Squeezing Aerodynamics
Highlighting an impressive composition of weight reduction strategies and high-downforce physics essentials, it's clear that 'road legality' was not part of its creation checklist. Wider bodywork coupled with enlarged wing components aid significantly in anchoring downforce beyond its own mass thanks to revised active aerodynamic control tailored for maximizing grip on spirited lap sessions. To achieve this balance between agility and stability while maintaining a striking design language required several key measures including lighter carbon-fibre construction replacing exteriors from its road-going sibling.
Scaled Down but Not Scaled Back
Illuminating screens inside have made way for serious racing paraphernalia amidst lightweight-focused deletions like heater blower mechanisms. Polycarbonate windscreen fitted with heating elements replaces traditional glass variants while side windows follow suit in choice of material. More weight-saving tactics include installation of race-specific seats sculpted out of moulds and choosing carbon fibre for suspension wishbones, ultimately hitting the target weight of 1000 kilograms.
2018 Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro
Power to Redefine Top Speeds
A re-tuned version of its road-going counterpart’s V12 heart combined with a revised control software for Energy Recovery System churns out an exclusive members-only power rating in excess of 1100bhp. Tipping scales at just a tonne, this elevates it into the distinguished league which boasts 'at least one brake horsepower per kilogram'. The Valkyrie AMR Pro does not vie for top speed but targets plastered grins from drivers as lateral acceleration exceeds three G's - far beyond capabilities touted by other vehicles derived from homologated offerings.
F1-Level Performance and Recognition
Valkyrie AMR Pro joins an elite horde displayed on Aston Martin’s exhibition stage flanked by their F1 show car and World Endurance Championship contender – The new Vantage GTE. This representation of raw performance powered by engineering ingenuity resonates deeply within Andy Palmer, CEO of Aston Martin who shares his awe and anticipation alongside TAG Heuer representative Jean-Claude Biver during unveiling sessions handled by Newey, Reichman and Christian Horner, Team Principal of Red Bull Racing.
Rarity Rooted Deeper than Exclusivity
In accordance with hypercar traditions borne out of limited manufacturing capacities or production scale strategies rooted towards exclusivity, only twenty-five examples will be produced. Despite forecasts hinting commencement date lying towards 2020 horizon lines, all units have already been spoken-for indicating that the price tag hasn't deterred patrons willing to experience levels above where the standard Valkyrie set foot.
Unleashing a Beyond-Hyper Beast?
The emergence of the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro further reaffirms the pioneering spirit inherited by Aston Martin and its esteemed partners including official oil and fuel associates Mobil 1 and Esso. By pushing imaginative boundaries while operating within physical regulations, this track-focused iteration brings an iconic revelation to the hypercar genre previously perceived as a peak summit in automotive hierarchy. One aspect remains certain though – taming such a breed on twisty apexes will require skillsets worthy of extreme accolades.
