24h Le Mans
Aston Martin is making its comeback to the top of endurance racing with the Valkyrie developed by Aston Martin Performance Technologies and American team The Heart of Racing. The one-of-a-kind car is the only Hypercar developed directly from a road model.
Adam Carter, Aston Martin’s Head of Endurance Motorsport: "The Aston Martin Valkyrie is not just a Hypercar. It is a revolution in automotive engineering history representing the pinnacle of performance, design and innovation. With an extraordinary fusion of F1 technology and road car mastery, Valkyrie is truly built for racing."
This Hypercar is powered by a unique 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine designed by Cosworth that reaches 11,000 rpm and develops more than 1,000 hp. To comply with Hypercar regulations, it has been optimised to deliver 680 hp while guaranteeing the energy efficiency crucial to endurance racing.
Carter: "Running lean to reduce the amount of fuel you are carrying to deliver the required stint energy is important. We operate the engine slower than it's capable of because we require less power. The lower power limit within the regulations creates an opportunity for us to revisit the torque curve and reduce frictional losses by reducing engine speed to increase fuel efficiency."
Designed by Aston Martin's creative director, Marek Reichman, and Adrian Newey, one of the greatest F1 engineers in history, the Valkyrie's aerodynamics are a product of tried-and-true experience. The transition from road to track was executed in compliance with FIA regulations all while retaining the original model's exceptional foundation. Carter: "As with every competition Aston Martin, ultimately we are taking an extremely performant vehicle and tailoring its characteristics and capabilities to the requirements of the regulations, and within that optimising performance opportunities."
To take on the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Valkyrie Hypercar has been modified in several key areas. It boasts a carbon fiber body with removable front and rear components for speedy replacement and is equipped with a 7-speed Xtrac sequential gearbox. Refuellings will go fast thanks to a single-nozzle system and the car is fitted with integrated jacks so it can be raised quickly during pit stops for efficient wheel changes. The Valkyrie is equipped with 18-inch Michelin Pilot Sport tyres in compliannce with Hypercar regulations.
Carter: "The absolute performance is limited by the regulations, irrespective of development. There’s a minimum weight, a power limitation through driveshaft torque control and an aerodynamic performance window."
Aston Martin is seeking to reclaim former glory by fielding the Valkyrie in the Hypercar class, offering a spectacular alternative to Alpine, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, Peugeot, Porsche and Toyota. This comeback and the goal of overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans mark a new chapter in the British marque's illustrious legacy.
