Aston Martin has revealed the first look at the Formula One-inspired Valkyrie Spider, which combines a Grand Prix experience with a removable roof for a unique driving experience.
Unveiled at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the Spider demonstrates the latest evolution in the Valkyrie and becomes the fastest, most extreme open-top and road-legal Aston Martin ever built, delivering LMP1 levels of performance.
The open-top element was a challenge Aston Martin was determined to meet, balancing the performance objectives of the original Valkyrie programme, overseen by Aston Martin, Adrian Newey, and Red Bull Advanced Technologies, with a unique luxury experience.
As a result, the 1155ps hybrid V12 remains unchanged, and the Valkyrie Spider can still reach top speeds of over 350km/h (217mph) with the roof on.
To reach a similar performance roof-down, clever engineering has been implemented to the carbonfibre structure, as well as a precise recalibration of the active aerodynamics and chassis.
Remaining ultralight and retaining its high-downforce aero package, the Valkyrie Spider's upper body has a teardrop-shaped cockpit, and the lower tub contours to follow the space between extensive Venturi tunnels on either side of the cockpit floor.
Driving air to the rear diffuser, this process creates high levels of downforce while also keeping the upper body away from aero winglets that would impact the open-top styling.
The result is a marginal weight difference to the Valkyrie Coupe and the Spider has a top speed in excess of 300km/h (186mph) with the roof removed.
The roof is a bespoke lightweight design comprised largely of carbonfibre and modifications to the tub means it can be stored away, with new doors unique to the Spider now redesigned to tilt forwards.
"The Aston Martin Valkyrie is the product of incredible innovation and technology, but above all, it has always been about emotion," said Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer Tobias Moers.
"With the Valkyrie Spider, we are taking that passion and emotion to the next level. The driving experience promises to be truly sensational.
"The sound of that 6.5-litre V12 engine revving to over 11,000rpm with the roof removed is something I cannot wait to hear."
Currently, Aston Martin's engineering team are using extensive and powerful simulation tools ahead of the build and physical testing of the first prototypes.
Production will be limited to 85 units and deliveries are scheduled to begin in the second half of 2022.
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