Originally code-named the AM-RB 003, the Aston Martin Valhalla Hypercar is set to make its worldwide debut in Daniel Craigs’ forthcoming James Bond film. Tentatively titled “Bond 25”, the movie currently slated for an April 8th, 2020 release date has two Valhallas featured prominently on-screen.
Aston Martin may be the quintessential British luxury car maker, and it’s certainly the one most closely associated with the secret agent known as James Bond. The Aston Martin DB5 was the first model of the brand to be featured in a ‘007’ film when James Connery drove one in the first movie, “Goldfinger“.
Since then, AM cars have also appeared in “Thunderball”, “GoldenEye”, “Tomorrow Never Dies”, “Casino Royale”, “Skyfall” and “Spectre”. It’s easy to see why producers chose to include the latest Aston Martin Valhalla Hypercar so prominently in the newest movie.
Built for a Spy, Fit for a Warrior
The Aston Martin Valhalla Hypercar is driven by a mid-engine mounted, supremely turbocharged V6 petrol engine complete with battery-electric hybrid capability. Pretty fitting for a modern spy like Craigs’ Bond. The car has been limited to just 500 ultra-exclusive cars. It was produced in collaboration with Red Bull Advanced Technologies and lead designer Adrian Newey.
It’s easy to see that the Valhalla is very much indebted to the Aston Martin Valkyrie. Besides each sharing names inspired by ancient Norse mythology, both cars have a similar styling, design language and aerodynamics. This design is actually about as much a fighter jet shape as is possible to create in a car.
Bond has always had “Q”, and it seems Aston Martin has always been fond of “V”. The Valhalla continues a storied vehicle naming tradition now spanning more than seven whole decades.
AM explains the V connection: “The first time the Vantage name appeared was on the flanks of the DB5. Still it remained a name reserved for the most potent model derivatives until 2005, when the Vantage became a model line in its own right. Fourteen years later that acclaimed family of V8 and V12-powered models is remembered as the most successful in Aston Martin’s history. Since then the all-new generation of turbocharged Vantage has fast forged a reputation as the most dynamically focused series production Aston Martin ever.”
Expected to be released on April 8th, 2020, the newest James Bond movie will be the last featuring Daniel Craig in the starring role. Since launching his ‘007’ career with “Casino Royale” (2006), he has also been in “Quantum of Solace” (2008), “Skyfall”(2012) and “Spectre” (2015).
The Aston Martin Valhalla Hypercar: All Carbon Fiber and Dressed to Kill
According to Aston Martin, Valhalla is known as a warrior’s paradise, though linguists suggest a more exact translation would be “hall of the slain”. Valhalla is known as the home of the massive and magical meeting place known as Asgard, lorded over by the chief Norse God Odin.
“Aston Martin model names always attract a lot of attention. They do so because they invariably capture an emotion or tell a story. In following the Valkyrie we knew the Aston Martin Valhalla needed to make a strong statement of its own, yet also offer continuity and a clear connection”, said Andy Palmer, AM’s current CEO.
Valhalla joins the Vantage, Virage, Vulcan, and Vanquish as the next stunner in AM’s stable. Some have argued that the name is not as cool as Valkyrie, named for the mythical women who decide which men die in battle. Still, being named for a warrior’s paradise and place of rest is pretty amazing too.
“Norse mythology contains such powerful language and rich storytelling it felt only right that the AM-RB 003 should follow the Valkyrie’s theme. For those fortunate enough to own one I’m sure they will recognize and appreciate the name’s connotations of glory and happiness, for there can be few more hallowed places than the driver’s seat of an Aston Martin Valhalla.”
Source: Aston Martin