When it comes to design philosophy, it would be best to describe the Aston Martin Valkyrie as ‘uncompromising’.
The brainchild of then Red Bull Formula 1 technical director and all-round aerodynamic genius Adrian Newey, the jaw-dropping British machine has been created to deliver the ultimate in outright performance, with nothing coming between it and its goal of smashing lap times.
Despite wearing numberplates, headlights and indicators, the Valkyrie is a purebred racer that you just so happen to be able to put in for an MOT test.
Its lightweight carbonfibre tub was designed with strength in mind, while the knee-high body’s surfaces were sculpted by wind-tunnel data and feature adaptive aerodynamic surfaces.
The suspension is equally trick, its active adjustable ride height aiming to keep the car on an even keel as aero and cornering forces build.
Yet arguably the highlight is the naturally aspirated (but very mildly electrically assisted) 6.5-litre V12 that revs to a heady 11,000rpm and delivers a knockout 1140bhp punch for 0-62mph in 2.5sec and a 220mph top speed.
Inside the stripped-out cockpit, there’s barely enough room for the driver, despite the two-seat billing, while noise-cancelling headphones are required to protect against the ear-splitting howl of that Cosworth-built engine.
Sensory overload is guaranteed, and if you’re brave enough few cars are quicker around a circuit. Yes, the active suspension strips away some vital feedback and the standard Michelin rubber isn’t quite up to the incredible forces the Valkyrie can generate, but as a visceral automotive experience, few come close.
