Aston Martin Valkyrie gets hardcore with AMR Pro

ASTON Martin’s flagship Valkyrie hypercar is getting a range-topping, track-only AMR Pro version that will come with increased levels of performance, stripped-down weight and a physical fitness program for drivers.

Limited to just 25 examples, all Valkyrie AMR Pros are already sold out with the first vehicles expected to be delivered in 2020.

According to the brand, the AMR Pro has been “developed in parallel with the road car, but freed from the constraints and considerations of road use, the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro is the ultimate expression of performance”.

While both road and track versions of the Valkyrie will be powered by a high-revving, naturally aspirated 6.5-litre Cosworth-built V12 engine, exact outputs are yet to be revealed.

What is expected of the street-legal Valkyrie however, is enough performance to keep pace with the Mercedes-AMG Project One and its 740kW-plus 1.6-litre V6 petrol-electric hybrid system revealed at the Frankfurt motor show.

With the petrol engine powering the rear wheels and two electric motors spinning the front axle, the Mercedes-AMG hypercar is able to accelerate from zero to 200km/h in 6.0 seconds.

The “fully optimised” Valkyrie AMR Pro however, will develop more power and torque than its road-going sibling “thanks to a significant engine recalibration and modification of the road car’s emission control systems”, according Aston Martin.

Top speed in the track special will also be lifted and is likely to top out close to 400km/h.

All aerodynamics components have also been tweaked to improve downforce and high-speed handling with the inclusion of a larger front splitter and rear spoiler.

A prominent roof-mounted intake and central stabilising fin extending to the rear wing – similar to the Project One’s set-up – can also be gleaned from the sketch images released by Aston Martin.

Other changes from the street-legal Valkyrie include small diameter 18-inch wheels front and rear to accommodate LMP1-spec Michelin racing tyres and race-grade carbon brakes.

Weight has also been pared back with the deletion of the heater/demister blower and infotainment screens, as well as the use of a polycarbonate windscreen and side mirrors, carbon-fibre bodywork, moulded race seats, and a lighter exhaust system.

Buyers will not simply walk away with the keys at a dealership either, with each customer being taken through an extensive driver development programme which includes on-track tuition, simulator experience and physical fitness improvement regime.

Red Bull Technology chief technical officer Adrian Newey, who partnered with Aston Martin to build and develop the Valkyrie, called the AMR Pro the ultimate track car.

“While the core elements of the road and track versions are shared, every aspect of the AMR Pro – aerodynamics, chassis, powertrain and weight – has been optimised to significantly extend the performance envelope,” he said.

“It offers a level of track performance significantly beyond any previous two-seat closed roof car.”

Aston Martin president and CEO Andy Palmer called the Valkyrie AMR Pro a “remarkable project” that will push the limits.

“Valkyrie has always been about pushing the limits and redefining the possible,” he said.

“The road car will set new benchmarks for performance, engineering and technology – a hypercar in the truest sense – and with the track-only Valkyrie AMR Pro those limits will be pushed further still.

“It’s a remarket project. One that’s propelling Aston Martin and 25 of our most passionate customers into a new and extraordinary realm.”