Aston Martin’s chairman, Lawrence Stroll, has revealed that the company’s current leadership will deviate from their previous plan of incorporating a mid-engine supercar as a permanent fixture in their lineup. Instead, future mid-engine models will be produced as limited-edition halo products, similar to the current Valkyrie hypercar and the upcoming Valhalla supercar, according to an interview with Autocar published on Thursday.
Stroll emphasized that the focus for these products would be on profitability and exclusivity rather than volume. As a result, they will not be offered as regular models in the lineup. This represents a change from Aston Martin’s earlier strategy, which intended to introduce a mid-engine supercar after the Valhalla, as indicated by the Vanquish Vision concept showcased in 2019. The planned mid-engine supercar was set to compete with rival models from Ferrari and McLaren and was expected to feature a V-6 engine.
The future inclusion of a mid-engine Vanquish in Aston Martin’s plans remains uncertain. It is possible that Aston Martin may utilize the Vanquish nameplate for a successor to the front-engine grand tourer, the DBS Superleggera.
During the interview with Autocar, Stroll revealed that the Valhalla, scheduled for release in 2024, will be limited to 999 units, all of which will be coupes. There is a potential for a subsequent release of convertible versions. The Valhalla will be Aston Martin’s first plug-in hybrid car and is estimated to have a price tag approaching $1 million. Its powertrain will combine a current Mercedes-Benz AMG-sourced V-8 engine, used in various Aston Martin models, with a pair of electric motors (one at each axle), resulting in a peak output of 937 hp.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about mid-engine supercar
What is Aston Martin’s new approach to mid-engine cars?
Aston Martin’s new approach involves treating mid-engine cars as low-volume specials rather than permanent fixtures in their lineup. They will focus on profitability and exclusivity rather than volume.
Will mid-engine models become regular offerings in Aston Martin’s lineup?
No, mid-engine models will not become regular offerings. Aston Martin’s chairman, Lawrence Stroll, emphasized that the focus will be on limited-edition halo products, similar to the current Valkyrie hypercar and upcoming Valhalla supercar.
What happened to Aston Martin’s previous plan for a mid-engine supercar?
The previous plan for a mid-engine supercar has been reversed. Before Lawrence Stroll took over as chairman in 2020, Aston Martin intended to introduce a mid-engine supercar following the Valhalla, previewed by the Vanquish Vision concept. However, the current leadership has altered this plan.
Will the Vanquish name be used for a mid-engine model?
It is unclear whether a mid-engine Vanquish is still part of Aston Martin’s plans. The Vanquish has historically been a front-engine grand tourer, but it’s possible that Aston Martin may use the nameplate for a successor to the DBS Superleggera.
What are the details about the upcoming Valhalla?
The Valhalla, set for release in 2024, will be limited to 999 units, all of which will be coupes. There is a possibility of convertible versions as well. It will be Aston Martin’s first plug-in hybrid car, featuring a powertrain that combines a Mercedes-Benz AMG-sourced V-8 engine with a pair of electric motors, resulting in a peak output of 937 hp.
More about mid-engine supercar
- Autocar – Link to the Autocar website, where the interview with Aston Martin Chairman Lawrence Stroll was published.
- Aston Martin – Official website of Aston Martin, where you can find more information about their lineup and future releases.
- Valkyrie – Official Aston Martin page providing details about the Valkyrie hypercar.
- Valhalla – Official Aston Martin page with information about the upcoming Valhalla supercar.
- Vanquish Vision Concept – Official Aston Martin page showcasing the Vanquish Vision concept.