After a five-year gestation, the production Aston Martin Valhalla has finally been revealed. The brand’s first series-production product with its engine behind the passenger cabin is also its first plug-in hybrid, using a dry-sump 4.0-litre V8 augmented by two turbochargers and three electric motors.

On its own, the engine produces 817bhp and 632lb-ft (857Nm) of torque. Peak torque arrives at 6,700rpm, just shy of the 7,000rpm rev limiter. Low-end shove comes courtesy of the three electric motors, with two on the front axle and one at the rear, mounted within the new 8-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission.

Along with providing all-wheel-drive capability, the motors increase the Valhalla’s output to a mighty 1064bhp and 811lb-ft (1,100Nm). Aston Martin estimates a 0–62mph time of just 2.5 seconds, and a limited top speed of 217mph. This aims the Valhalla squarely at supercars like the V12-hybrid Lamborghini Revuelto, positioning it just below the McLaren W1 and Ferrari F80 hypercars.

The powertrain is based around the flat-plane-crank V8 engine as used in the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, but with extensive modifications to suit its new application. Lightened pistons, new camshafts, exhaust manifolds and a maximum boost pressure of 3.0-bar contribute to the uplift in output. The engine alternates ignition between the cylinder banks, allowing for uniform combustion and eliminating the residual gas issues of a cross-plane-crank V8.

The trio of electric motors draw their power from a battery that features direct cooling. This means that all 560 cells are immersed in liquid coolant, allowing them to be kept at their optimum operating temperature at all times – around 45°C. While Aston Martin hasn’t offered any stats on the battery itself, we know that it is sourced from Mercedes-AMG and is suspiciously similar to the one used in the C 63 S and SL 63 S E Performance models.

If true, this means a usable capacity of 4.8kWh and a recharge time of 3 hours and 40 minutes from a home wallbox. While the electric-only range will be limited, the instantaneous output and rapid regeneration properties of the battery will mean that electrical assistance can be rapidly deployed and harvested during a spirited drive or a long track session.

When driving in EV mode, the Valhalla becomes front-wheel drive, as the two nose-mounted motors provide propulsion. These individual motors allow for torque vectoring on the front axle and work with the Integrated Vehicle Dynamics Control system to make the car agile and stable at high speeds. This works in conjunction with the electronic differential at the rear, along with the three-stage ESP, which uses predictive software and real-time analytics to understand how close to the limit of adhesion each tyre is, before adjusting the spread of performance accordingly.

Drawing inspiration from the Valkyrie, the Valhalla uses F1-style pushrod suspension at the front, complete with inboard springs and dampers. The rear sees a 5-link setup, and both ends of the car use Bilstein’s DTX adaptive dampers. Switchable between road- or track-focused settings, the suspension can make the most of the car’s active aerodynamics, which produce 600kg of downforce at 149mph. Movable elements feature at the nose and tail, with the active rear wing rising by 255mm when the car is in Race mode. This continually adjusts to provide consistent downforce levels, and a drag reduction system can be activated to reach the car’s top speed.

Carbon ceramic brakes come as standard, with six-piston front and four-piston rear callipers gripping large carbon discs. These will provide immense stopping power on their own, but the energy recovery for the plug-in hybrid system has had to be incorporated. While many manufacturers have struggled to blend the transition between regenerative and friction braking, Aston Martin has opted to use brake-by-wire to seamlessly integrate the two systems and provide consistent pedal feel.

The use of carbon fibre extends beyond the brakes, as the monocoque chassis and bodywork make use of the material. The tub weighs just 74.2kg, and the dry weight of the Valhalla stands at 1655kg, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of 643bhp per tonne.

Born from the Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing collaboration that gave birth to the Valkyrie, the Valhalla was originally known as the AM RB-003, and first shown in concept form in 2019. This evolved to become the prototype which debuted in 2021, and the design has been further refined since. The car appears light on its axles, and clever touches like the tapered waistline accentuate the rear haunches while seamlessly integrating the air intakes.

The rear is dominated by a gargantuan diffuser with two large outlets at either side, and the 16 individual LEDs that make up the tail lights. Even without the signature long bonnet of its stablemates, the Valhalla fits into the Aston Martin range with its own take on the brand’s signature grille, and LED headlights with two individual running lights in each cluster.

Butterfly doors allow for convenient access to the cabin, where single-piece carbon fibre seats and raised footwells provide a racing car-esque seating position. Recycled forged carbon fibre is clearly visible, making up the centre console, steering wheel and dashboard. Two digital displays feature, with the instrument cluster being mounted to the steering column. The new infotainment system now shows energy usage in real time and allows the driver to engage or disengage assistance features to suit each drive.

The Valhalla has been a long time coming, delayed by the Valkyrie hypercar project and a brief flirtation with developing an in-house V6 for the car. Now that it’s here, the statement of intent is clear from a bullish Aston Martin, expanding from their traditional base of front-engine Grand Tourers and SUVs. Prices start from £850,000 and production is limited to 999 units globally, with a wealth of customisation options available through the Q by Aston Martin programme. The first customer deliveries are scheduled for 2025, and if successful, more mid-engine Aston Martins will undoubtedly follow the Valhalla’s lead.

2025 Aston Martin Valhalla key stats, 0-60mph and top speed

Note: Specifications are based on Aston Martin's official press release and may be subject to change.