With gas prices starting to creep up, the general consumer is seemingly more focused on the comforts of SUVs and the economy of electric vehicles. The later has had a significant impact on the development of high-powered, gas-fed engines.
Thankfully, Aston Martin doesn’t really care about general consumer interests. With a legacy built on automotive speed, performance and luxury, the UK-based supercar maker doesn’t really rely on the average car buyer. This allows them to work on stuff like their upcoming Valkyrie. They’re only going to make 150 of the cars and they’ll run upwards of $3.2 million.
However, in addition to all the mind-blowing aerodynamics and over-engineered creature comforts, the Valkyrie will also house an engine that many have classified as a lost cause in the age of EVs and fuel efficiency. But good news fellow gearheads - the V-12 lives on.
Working with the engineering firm Cosworth, the Valkyrie’s 6.5-liter V-12 will pump out 1,000 horsepower, redlining at 11,400 RPM and providing a peak torque output of 545 foot-pounds.
Although the vehicle will be a gasoline-electric hybrid, the lion’s share of the power will come from the V-12 engine. Due to amount of power it displaces, this means the engine will have to be rebuilt every 62,000 miles. I’m sure Aston Martin owners are really upset at how that might affect re-sale values.
Although the engineering crown jewel is under the hood, the Valkyrie will also feature all the aerodynamics that one would hope accompany a $3 million sports car. This includes a teardrop cabin design, massive wheel arches and F1-inspried headlights.
The vehicle will also feature an exposed anodized aluminum frame and other aluminum components that help keep vehicle weight down.
While the V-12 could make its way under you tree this Christmas, those hoping for a new Valkyrie will have to wait until 2019.
