Wanderlust

Tag: Fernando Alonso

  • Aston Martin Valhalla Makes Global Debut at Monaco Grand Prix

    Aston Martin Valhalla Makes Global Debut at Monaco Grand Prix

    [source: Aston Martin]

    • Aston Martin Valhalla makes global public dynamic debut ahead of the Monaco Formula One® Grand Prix 
    • Driven by two-time Formula One® World Champion and Valhalla principal development driver, Fernando Alonso on the iconic F1® street circuit 
    • Valhalla delivers sector defining combination of road and track capability
    • Valhalla has benefited from working directly with Aston Martin Performance Technologies (AMPT) – the consulting arm of the Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1® Team – in the key areas of dynamics, aerodynamics and materials
    • 1079PS / 1100Nm PHEV powertrain combines bespoke 828PS flat plane crank 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with three E-motors delivering a further 251PS
    • Capable of an electronically limited maximum speed of 350km/h (217mph) and 0-100km/h (62mph) in 2.5 seconds
    • Deliveries to commence in H2 2025. Limited to 999 units

    Friday 23 May 2025, Monaco, France: Aston Martin Valhalla made its global public dynamic debut ahead of the Monaco Formula One® Grand Prix weekend yesterday. Driven by Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® team driver and two-time Formula One World Champion, Fernando Alonso, Valhalla took to the iconic Monaco street circuit ahead of F1® practice, having recently completed final validation testing both on road and on track.

    Valhalla has already captured the world’s attention with its fusion of Formula 1® performance-driven technologies. Close collaboration with Aston Martin Performance Technologies (AMPT) – the consulting arm of the Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1® Team – on dynamics, aerodynamics and materials have brought an extra dimension to the design and development of Valhalla. Having only appeared in public on static display until now, this was the supercar’s first dynamic public performance, highlighting its cutting-edge hybrid powertrain, superior handling, and unparalleled driving dynamics – not to mention its scintillating design.

    A monumental moment in Aston Martin’s rich 112-year history, Valhalla is seen taking to the infamous street circuit through Monte Carlo in a AMR25 race car inspired Podium Green with a Lime Green livery with the supercar’s principal development driver Fernando Alonso at the wheel, pushing the car to its limits around Casino Square and through the Tunnel.

    Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® team driver, Fernando Alonso, said, “Having followed this project closely for the past 18 months and working alongside the development team, unveiling Valhalla’s dynamic capability to the world at the Monaco Grand Prix weekend is a fantastic moment for both myself and the brand. Taking Aston Martin’s unmatched luxury credentials and added cutting-edge F1® inspired technology and class-leading performance, I can confirm Valhalla is a true supercar both on road and on track. Outside of the outright power and dynamics, it delivers on all of the raw feelings and emotions you look for when behind the wheel of a car like Valhalla.”

    Adrian Hallmark, Aston Martin CEO said, “The extreme performance and unprecedented dynamic bandwidth that distinguishes Valhalla from its rivals presented many new opportunities to both the engineering and design teams throughout its development. To witness the culmination of the tireless work from all teams involved, showcased on an iconic F1® circuit like Monaco and driven by an icon like Fernando is a significant moment in Aston Martin’s rich history of both road cars and racing.”

    With a combination of 1079PS and 1100Nm via the hybrid powertrain, Valhalla is a car of many ‘firsts’: Aston Martin’s first series production mid-engined supercar, first plug-in hybrid and first production vehicle with dedicated EV range capability. The marque’s first model to use the bespoke 4.0-litre twin-turbo flat-plane crank V8 engine – the highest performing V8 engine ever fitted to an Aston Martin – and the first to use the marque’s all-new 8-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which incorporates an e-Motor and electronic rear differential (E-diff). It is also the first application of the all-new front axle twin motors, which facilitate torque vectoring and contribute to the all-wheel drive system.

    Limited to 999 units, delivery of Aston Martin’s ultimate supercar, Valhalla, is set to commence in H2 2025.

    PHOTO GALLERY

  • Fernando Alonso Gets Aston Martin Valkyrie

    Fernando Alonso Gets Aston Martin Valkyrie

    • Aston Martin’s Aramco Formula 1® Team driver, Fernando Alonso, takes delivery of his new Aston Martin Valkyrie in Monaco
    • A true F1® car for the road now piloted by two-time FIA Formula One® World Champion 
    • Sensational bespoke specification designed by Fernando Alonso in partnership with Q by Aston Martin 
    • Era defining hypercar incorporates concepts and technologies taken directly from Formula One® 
    • Aston Martin Valkyrie is equipped with a hybrid V12 powertrain developing a maximum power of 1,155PS

    [source: Aston Martin]

    Monaco – Aston Martin’s Aramco Formula 1® Team driver, Fernando Alonso, took to the streets of Monaco today, following delivery of his Aston Martin Valkyrie; the ultimate hypercar, a true F1® car for the road.

    Alonso drove his new Valkyrie hypercar out of the iconic Monte Carlo Bay Hotel, showcasing a bespoke specification created in partnership with the design team at Aston Martin’s bespoke service, Q by Aston Martin.

    Taking inspiration from his Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team AMR24 race car, Alonso’s Valkyrie is painted in Satin Aston Martin Racing Green with bespoke contrasting AMR Satin Lime Graphics, emphasising the aerodynamic highlights of the hypercar. The cavernous Venturi Tunnel has been enhanced even further with the addition of Speed Red and Light and Dark Blue painted graphics. Exposed Carbon Fibre adorns the roof, engine cover, and lower aero and a Titanium Aston Martin Wings badge sits proudly on the nose. A bespoke ’CAUTION HOT’ graphic has also been applied to the rear.

    Inside the driver focussed cabin, the continuation of exposed carbon fibre is expansive, and swathes of Pure Black Alcantra are paired with a contrasting AMR Lime stitch. Alonso’s infamous logo can also be seen embroidered into the headrests in the same AMR Lime thread.

    Possibly the most intricate detail is in fact one that most will not see: A red anodised aluminium accelerator pedal etched with the number ‘14’, paying homage of course to Fernando Alonso’s driver number, chosen at the age of 14 on 14 July 1996 when he became karting world champion with #14.

    “It’s hard to put into words how much I have been looking forward to this day”, said Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team driver, Fernando Alonso.  “To sit at the wheel of my own Valkyrie; one that I have worked on designing so closely with the team at Q by Aston Martin is certainly a day to remember. Valkyrie truly is an F1® car for the road, with so much of the knowledge and technology taken from all the experience Aston Martin has on track and I can’t wait to hit the road.”

    Accelerating from 0-60mph in under 2.5 seconds and boasting a hybrid 6.5-litre V12 powertrain developing a maximum power of 1,155PS, the Aston Martin Valkyrie incorporates a ferocious combination of F1® inspired aerodynamics and performance, delivering one of the most intense driving experiences achievable on the road.

    Like all Aston Martin sports cars, Valkyrie is being built at the marque’s UK Headquarters in Gaydon. A dedicated project delivery team manages the build right through to delivery in a specially commissioned Valkyrie production area.  A team of highly skilled technicians hand-build each of the 150 cars, with each Valkyrie taking over 2000 man hours to create.

    Before each Valkyrie is delivered, it is track-tested at the Aston Martin high performance facility at the home of British Motorsport, Silverstone where much of the development of the hypercar has taken place.

    Q by Aston Martin is the marques unrivalled personalisation service, allowing customers to explore their design creativity with infinite capacity and delivering the ultimate expression of individuality. From bespoke paint colours and graphics on the exterior to personalised, intricate details etched into the interior, it is possible for Aston Martin customers to create a true one-of-a-kind specification.

    About Aston Martin Lagonda: 
    Aston Martin’s vision is to be the world’s most desirable, ultra-luxury British brand, creating the most exquisitely addictive performance cars.

    Founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, Aston Martin is acknowledged as an iconic global brand synonymous with style, luxury, performance, and exclusivity. Aston Martin fuses the latest technology, time honoured craftsmanship and beautiful styling to produce a range of critically acclaimed luxury models including the Vantage, DB12, DBS, DBX and its first hypercar, the Aston Martin Valkyrie. Aligned with its Racing. Green. sustainability strategy, Aston Martin is developing alternatives to the Internal Combustion Engine with a blended drivetrain approach between 2025 and 2030, including PHEV and BEV, with a clear plan to have a line-up of electric sports cars and SUVs.

    Based in Gaydon, England, Aston Martin Lagonda designs, creates, and exports cars which are sold in more than 50 countries around the world. Its sports cars are manufactured in Gaydon with its luxury DBX SUV range proudly manufactured in St Athan, Wales. The company is on track to deliver net-zero manufacturing facilities by 2030.

    Lagonda was founded in 1899 and came together with Aston Martin in 1947 when both were purchased by the late Sir David Brown, and the company is now listed on the London Stock Exchange as Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings plc.

    2020 saw Lawrence Stroll become the company’s Executive Chairman, alongside significant new investment. This coincided with Aston Martin’s return to the pinnacle of motorsport with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team and commenced a new era for the iconic British marque.

  • Aston Martin at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

    Aston Martin at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

    • An incredible line-up of Aston Martin sports cars has been assembled to supply velocity with verve at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, including Valkyrie, Valour, Valiant, Victor and Vantage
    • Aston Martin Valiant will make its global debut at Goodwood and two-time Formula One® World Champion Fernando Alonso will take the wheel on Friday
    • The 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place 11-14 July

    [source: Aston Martin]

    Gaydon, UK: Aston Martin will supply velocity with verve at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed (11 – 14 July) when Valkyrie, Valour, Valiant, Victor and Vantage headline the marque’s line-up of ultra-luxury sports cars heading up the famous Goodwood Hillclimb.

    The Festival of Speed, held at Goodwood every July is a highlight of the British summer season. The event has become an unmissable pilgrimage for lovers of speed who travel from across the world to revel in the sights and sounds of the world’s finest sports cars, driven by the racing stars of the past, the present and the future.

    Visitors to this year’s Festival are in for some high-octane thrills, courtesy of Aston Martin, as they witness the global debut of Aston Martin Valiant, one of just 38 ultra-exclusive, track-focused, road-legal special editions, created following a personal commission by Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team driver, two-time Formula One® World Champion Fernando Alonso, who will drive the new car on Friday at Goodwood. Embodying Aston Martin’s commitment to build pure driver’s cars, Valiant is sure to be one of the stars of the show, especially in its Muncher-inspired specification, which is a nod to the legendary Aston Martin Le Mans race car.

    Joining Valiant in the Supercar Paddock and on the Goodwood Hillclimb is a truly eye-watering line-up of Aston Martins.

    Valkyrie, Aston Martin’s game-changing hypercar is back. The crowd-pleasing, head-turner made its dynamic debut at Goodwood in 2021 and is now the inspiration for the new Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH-hypercar that is set to return the brand to the top echelons of sports car racing in 2025.

    Next up is Valour, created to celebrate the 110th anniversary of Aston Martin. With it’s bespoke 6-speed manual transmission, uniquely mated to a 5.2 litre Twin-Turbo V12 for maximum driver engagement and timeless classic appeal, Valour is the last of an era.

    The one-of-a-kind Aston Martin Victor, described by Top Gear as “the hypercar the eighties never had” was created by the brand’s unique personalisation service – ‘Q by Aston Martin’ – with a manual gearbox and, naturally, a V12 engine. The Festival of Speed provides a rare opportunity to see this unique car in action on the hillclimb and up-close in the Supercar Paddock.

    Launched just a few months ago, the new Aston Martin Vantage is Aston Martins truly focused sportscar. The latest car to take the vaunted Vantage nameplate is continuing the brand’s tradition of creating potent front-engined, rear-wheel drive sports cars, engineered to deliver maximum thrills with maximum confidence. Vantage is the heartbeat of the Aston Martin brand and this new model exemplifies the brand in every way.

    The new Aston Martin Vantage will also be represented in the motorsport paddock by the one-off Official FIA Safety Car of Formula 1® and by the new-for-2024 Vantage GT3 race car, which competes across the globe in series including the FIA World Endurance Championship.

    Joining all the ‘V’ models at Goodwood, is the World’s first Super Tourer, the Aston Martin DB12 – the first of the new generation of sports cars. Also on display in the First Glance paddock is the new DBX707, showing off its striking new interior design, complete with new, state-of-the-art infotainment system, developed in-house at Aston Martin.

    Marco Mattiacci, Global Chief Brand & Commercial Officer said: “The Festival of Speed is the highlight of the season for those who worship at the temple of speed. We are proud to play a part in this incredible, annual celebration of speed and this year we are delighted to offer up quite the array of Aston Martin sports cars and also the brand-new spec of DBX707. We look forward to this event every year as it is a great opportunity to showcase our brand to true connoisseurs of sports cars.”

    The 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed gets underway on July 11th and runs through until July 14th.