Developed in partnership with Cosworth, the naturally aspirated engine will produce 1,000 bhp and deliver a maximum rpm of 11,100. Despite these heady figures, the powerplant weighs in at just 206kg and complies with all relevant emissions standards, according to Aston. Peak torque from the combustion engine will be 740Nm at 7,000 rpm, but overall performance figures will be boosted by a battery hybrid system, details of which are yet to be released. The Valkyrie, designed by Adrian Newey, is being pitched by its developers as the fastest street-legal car in the world.
“Being asked to create a naturally aspirated V12 engine fit for what will surely be one of the most iconic cars of all time is an immense source of pride for Cosworth,” said Bruce Wood, Cosworth managing director.
“Decades in F1 taught us to expect a pretty demanding specification from someone with Adrian Newey’s unsurpassed track record, but when we started talking about specifics of power, weight, emissions compliance and durability combined with ever harder and sometimes conflicting targets, we knew this would be a challenge like no other.”
Aside from the major castings – block, cylinder heads, sump and structural cam covers – the majority of the engine’s internal components are machined from solid material. These include Titanium conrods and F1-spec pistons. Aston claims the ultra-fine machining process means greater consistency and components optimised for minimum mass and maximum strength, while the overall engine specs echo the huge V12 engines from F1’s 90s glory days.
“To anyone with a drop of petrol in their blood, a high-revving naturally aspirated V12 is the absolute pinnacle,” said Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer. “Nothing sounds better or encapsulates the emotion and excitement of the internal combustion engine more completely.
“From the outset the team at Cosworth were unflinching in their commitment to achieving benchmarks which pushed the boundaries of the possible. The result is a quite extraordinary engine. One which I doubt will ever be surpassed.”
Five ways to prepare for your first day
If I may add my own personal Tip No. 6 it goes something like this: From time to time a more senior member of staff will start explaining something...