WATCH: Aston Martin Valhalla!
Aston Martin Valhalla! | Prototype hypercar reviewed
This is the new Aston Martin Valhalla, Aston's new supercar - or hypercar, if you think that 1064bhp pushes it from one bracket to the next. It's reviewed here still in prototype form at Aston's discreet development facility inside Silverstone. Aston Martin says that the Valhalla's hardware has been fixed, but that it's still tweaking the software, prior to the car going on sale in spring 2026. The hardware is hardcore. The Valhalla has a two-seat carbonfibre tub, with a mid-mounted 4.0-litre flat-plane crank AMG V8 turned up to 817bhp, plus three electric motors – one in the gearbox, two for the front wheels – to give a system total of 1064bhp and 811lb ft.
Just 999 of the £850,000 Valhallas will be built. We'll be behind the wheel again when the production version is finished, but for now sit back and enjoy as Matt Prior brings you technical details, a look around the Valhalla's interior, and finds out what it's like to drive – and drift it– around a race track. Watch the film by clicking on the video play button above.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
16 minutes ago
- BBC News
Driver in court over 'runaway' electric car on Merseyside
A driver who said his luxury electric car accelerated "on its own" on the motorway has appeared in court. Nathan Owen, 32, called police in March last year, to report his Jaguar I-Pace was speeding out of control on Merseyside and the brakes were not car had travelled along the the M57 and M58 before finally being brought to a stop by police cars manoeuvring to box it in on the M62 in Greater Owen, of Denbighshire, north Wales, indicated not guilty pleas to dangerous driving, intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance and two counts of fraud at Liverpool Magistrates' Court. On the fraud matters, it is alleged he made a false representation to CA Auto Finance that the Jaguar was faulty and was accelerating on its own with the brakes is also accused of making the same claims to The Sun and Daily Mail newspapers, with the intention of causing loss to the Jaguar company or exposing it to risk of loss. Motorway closures Prosecutor Renee Southern told the court it was the Crown's case that the defendant had "persistently and dishonestly" claimed the vehicle was said Mr Owen wanted to "get rid" of the vehicle and thus avoid further payments to the finance company - which totalled £4, court heard the car was stopped between Junction 11 for Birchwood and 12 for Eccles and the incident led to motorway closures and substantial Owen, of Prestatyn, was released on unconditional bail to attend a further hearing at Liverpool Crown Court on 10 September, when he is expected to enter formal pleas. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Daily Mail
16 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Polestar 3 SUV breaks world record for single-charge distance
A new world record has been set for the longest journey by an electric SUV on a single charge. A new Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor was driven 581.3 miles on UK roads, 143 miles more than a single charge should take it. And the unmodified, large SUV's real-world journey – which took 22 hours and 57 minutes – has been officially recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records. Driven by professional efficiency drivers Sam Clarke, Kevin Booker and Richard Parker, the Polestar 3 - which starts from just shy of £70,000 - achieved its WLTP figure of 438 miles with 20 per cent of its battery capacity still available. It even delivered eight further miles after showing 0 per cent battery - but the Polestar 3 reached a charger before ultimately stopping. Pointing out that the large luxury SUV went beyond the distance from London to Edinburgh (over 400 miles), Matt Galvin, Polestar UK managing director said: 'While Kevin, Sam and Richard pushed the Polestar 3 to the boundaries of its range capability, it goes to show how battery range has improved exponentially over the past few years.' Polestar, based in Sweden, is principally owned by Chinese automotive baron Li Shufu, while a stake is also held by Volvo. The Polestar 3 is not the first EV to set a world record and prove that long journeys aren't a problem in an EV: Last year a Ford Mustang Mach-E was driven 569.64 miles (916.74km) around England, surpassing the previous record set by just six miles, to claim the Guinness World Record for the longest journey by an electric car on a single charge The world record journey began in Norwich and took in mostly flat A and B roads as well as dual carriageways in mixed weather conditions including rain, demonstrating that weather doesn't impact range like most people imagine. Between the three drivers, who switched every three hours to maintain alertness, they coaxed an efficiency of 19.5kWh/100 miles out of the Polestar 3. The range test was adjudicated by Guinness World Records' own judge Paulina Sapinska with Webfleet providing meticulously documented and independently verified video footage, odometer readings, GPS readings, and battery level data. The attempt was supported by the AA to ensure safety and to assist if the vehicle was not near a charger when the battery eventually ran out. It's important to note that the car has no modifications for the attempt and was on standard 20-inch wheels fitted with standard Michelin Sport 4 EV tyres. The Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor costs £69,910 and is the car that took Polestar from being a one-car brand to a two-car brand. The luxury SUV is a rival to the Tesla Model Y, BMW iX and Porsche Macan Electric, but this range record blows those out of the water. The other EVs that can go from London to Edinburgh on a single charge In our list of the EVs with the longest ranges the Polestar 3, despite its huge 438-mile range, comes fourth on the list – which goes to show how far ranges have come in a short period. Three EVs can go further; the Audi A6 e-tron, the Mercedes EQS and the Mercedes EQA. In third place the Audi A6 e-tron executive saloon is priced from £70,900 and is Audi entrance into the electric executive market. It's 463-mile range can be replenished with 200 miles of juice in just 10 minutes thanks to ultra-rapid charging. Another executive saloon with impressive range is the Mercedes EQS which can go 481 miles on a single charge, putting it in second place. However, the EQS doesn't come cheap costing £112,610 – and even the base EQS will set you back just shy of £100k. But if you can afford it the electrified version of the S-Class limo will give you the latest technology, driver assistance features and the highest-quality interior finishes. It will also charge to 80 per cent in 31 minutes despite having a 108.4kWh battery. First place in our rankings also goes to a Mercedes electric car, but a cheaper one. The new CLA EV is much more affordable than the EQS, costing £45,615 – a drop of over £50k compared to the EQS. The CLA 250+ with EQ technology Sport Edition can do 484 miles on a single charge, 0 to 62mph in 6.7 seconds and rapid charge from 10 to 80 per cent in 22 minutes. Mercedes said they wanted the EV to be priced similarly to the hybrid model and the German brand has managed to do this by reducing battery production by 30 per cent, reducing the EV's overall cost by 15 per cent.
Telegraph
40 minutes ago
- Telegraph
Lorry bursts into flames on M25
A lorry carrying tyres has burst into flames on the M25. Both carriageways have been shut near Lakeside Shopping Centre in West Thurrock, Essex, and the A13 after the lorry caught fire on the anti-clockwise side at around 12pm. The tyres have set alight and large amounts of smoke are billowing from the scene. Resurfacing is likely to be required before the motorway can be reopened. Essex Fire and Rescue are at the scene tackling the blaze. A spokesman for the fire service said: 'We are dealing with a lorry fire on M25, clockwise junctions 29 to 30. 'The lorry is carrying tyres, which are alight and are producing large amounts of smoke.' They added: 'Avoid the area if you can and take extra care if you're near the scene.' Traffic has been building on both sides of the motorway between junction 30 (Dartford Crossing) and junction 29 (Romford). A spokesman for National Highways East said: 'Due to the nature of the fire, it is still anticipated that the road will remain closed throughout the day, with resurfacing likely to be required. 'Plans are being put in place to relieve traffic caught within the closure. 'Traffic has temporarily stopped on the clockwise carriageway while fire services continue to work on scene.' Road users are advised to follow the hollow square diversion symbol on road signs. A spokesman for Essex Police said: 'The M25 is closed in both directions between junctions 29 (A127) and 31 (A13), following a lorry fire. 'We are supporting firefighters and National Highways at the scene, and the road is expected to remain closed for several hours. 'Thankfully, no injuries have been reported at the scene. 'Please check before your travel and plan your journeys accordingly. 'Check National Highways for the latest information regarding the road closure and thank you for your patience.'
