Aston Martin hypercar takes its name from the gods

4:57 pm, March 6, 2017

THE official name for the revolutionary hypercar being co-developed by Aston Martin and Red Bull Advanced Technologies was today revealed to be the Aston Martin Valkyrie.

Formerly known just by its codename of AM-RB 001, the Valkyrie designation continues a tradition of Aston Martin ‘V’ cars, which began in 1951 with Vantage – selected to distinguish high-performance variants of the then current model, the DB2. Boasting 125bhp versus 105bhp for the standard engine, the Vantage represented a significant increase in performance and desirability. The first time the Vantage badge appeared was on the side of the DB5.

It remained a name reserved for the most potent model derivatives until 2005, when the Vantage became a model line in its own right. Twelve years later, the acclaimed family of V8 and V12-powered models has made the Vantage the most successful model in Aston Martin’s history.

Virage, Vanquish and the Aston Martin Vulcan – Aston Martin’s very own ‘god of fire’ – are more recent ‘V’ cars to continue this lineage. Now, seven decades after the Vantage name started it all, the Aston Martin Valkyrie propels this uniquely distinctive and lyrical family of model names to another level.

Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s chief creative officer, said the name Valkyrie perfectly captured the drama of what was not only the ultimate Aston Martin, but also the ultimate expression of hypercar design, engineering and performance.

He added: ‘Aston Martin model names have deep meaning. They need to inspire and excite, to tell a story and enrich a narrative that stretches back some 104 years. The Aston Martin Valkyrie is an incredibly special car that demands an equally remarkable name; an uncompromising car that leaves nothing in reserve.

‘The connotations of power and honour, of being chosen by the gods, are so evocative and so pertinent to a car that only a fortunate few will ever experience.’

Pricing is yet to be announced.

In Norse mythology, the Valkyrie were female figures who selected who lived and who died in battle. They then took half of those slain on the battlefield to Valhalla which was the afterlife governed by Odin, ruler of the gods.