Aston Martin Introduces Valkyrie AMR Pro and It’s as Fast as a Formula 1 Car

Aston Martin finally reveals the look of the much-ballyhooed Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro, a hypercar the British car maker claims is "the ultimate expression of performance." Developed in partnership with Formula 1 designer Adrian Newey, Red Bull Advanced Technologies, and AF Racing, the V12-equipped racer promises to be the most extreme performance car that Aston Martin has ever built.

The AMR Pro is intended to be the track-only version of the street-legal Valkyrie, and production will be limited to just 25 units. The biggest surprise is that the increase in engine power comes from the same 6.5-liter Rimac-developed hybrid system installed in the road version. The difference, according to Aston Martin, comes courtesy of boosting the engine's output.

Aston Martin went with small diameter 18-inch wheels for the AMR Pro to make room for thicker Michelin tires similar to those used by LMP1 cars in the World Endurance Championship. Likewise, the F1-inspired carbon ceramic brakes will also carry race-worthy specifications.

Other steps undertaken to make the AMR Pro truly track-centric includes better aerodynamics, weight reduction, and removal of some of the creature comforts found in the road car. As such, the racer will not have an HVAC system and infotainment screen. The weight trim comes by way of lighter carbon body, new suspension uprights, polycarbonate windscreen, carbon fiber suspension wishbones, lightweight race seats, and a significantly lightened exhaust system.

Aston Martin promises the Valkyrie AMR Pro can rival the lap performance of F1 or LMP1 cars. Performance numbers have not been confirmed yet, but the British make predicts the racer can deliver a top speed of 400 kph and sustain cornering forces of 3.3g and braking deceleration of more than 3.5g. Given the car’s extreme brute force, Aston will require the AMR Pro’s buyers to undergo an "intensive and comprehensive driver development program tailored to their individual experience and skill levels" before they can drive the car on a track.

"Valkyrie has always been about pushing the limits and redefining the possible," said Aston Martin President and CEO Andy Palmer. "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 remarkable project. One that's propelling Aston Martin and 25 of our most passionate customers into a new and extraordinary realm."

Aston Martin has not yet revealed how much the Valkyrie AMR Pro will cost. Not that it matters, because all 25 of them have been sold ahead of their 2020 delivery date.