Aston Martin Valkyrie Spider breaks cover in California

The new Aston Martin Valkyrie Spider has broken cover in California, ahead of a limited production run of just 85 units worldwide. 

The latest version of the Valkyrie promises a more intense driving experience with the added sensory experience that comes with open top driving, with the company aiming to deliver F1 excitement levels on the road. 

Aston claims that the new design remains true to the original core values set out by the company and by F1 design legend Adrian Newey, who has continued to have a major influence on the concept. The open top version has therefore again benefitted from the combined engineering nous of Aston Martin and Red Bull Advanced Technologies. 

The Valkyrie Spider retains the sonorous 1155PS hybrid V12 powertrain but has received updates to its carbon fibre structure and further changes to the active aerodynamics and active chassis systems while staying as close to the original performance levels of the hard top version. 

The car includes ultra-lightweight construction and a high downforce aerodynamics package, designed around the two full length venturi tunnels that run along each side of the cockpit floor. The venturi tunnels are key to generating the Spider’s massive downforce levels of more than 1400kg at 240km/h despite being devoid of any aero devices on the upper body surfaces. 

Even though it’s an open top, the Valkyrie Spider has only a marginal weight difference to the Coupe version, and is capable of hitting speeds of over 330km/h with the roof removed compared to 350km/h plus with the roof on, and deliver LMP1-levels of performance. 

Talking of the roof, the Spider features a bespoke, removable roof which includes a carbon fibre central panel which connects to the chassis at the rear and to the windscreen surround at the front, with polycarbonate roof windows on each side. When desired, the roof can be lifted off and stowed away. Modifications to the carbon fibre chassis have been integral to the support of the removable roof while new doors are now front-hinged dihedral, unique to the Spider and tilt forwards. 

The near central seating position includes F1-inspired low hip-to-heel height and a six point harness, with added extras including a centre rear-view camera system and front and rear parking sensors.

Development of the Valkyrie Spider is well underway, ahead of the build and physical testing of the first development prototype. The limited production run is already over-subscribed with first deliveries expected for 2022. 

“The Aston Martin Valkyrie is the product of incredible innovation and technology, but above all it has always been about emotion,” commented Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer Tobias Moers. “With the Valkyrie Spider we are taking that passion and emotion to the next level. The driving experience promises to be truly sensational. The sound of that 6.5-litre V12 engine revving to over 11,000rpm with the roof removed is something I cannot wait to hear.”

Red Bull Racing’s Chief Technical Officer, Adrian Newey adds: “Right from the very beginning of the Aston Martin Valkyrie project we were driven by exacting targets that went way beyond any previous road car and the Valkyrie Spider brings that same ethos to the open cockpit hypercar category. 

“What you see is a simple removable roof panel, but the challenge of remaining true to the Valkyrie concept was anything but. Maintaining aerodynamic performance with the roof removed was of paramount importance, likewise keeping any unavoidable weight gains to an absolute minimum whilst maximising enjoyment for the driver.”