Aston Martin’s Valkyrie AMR-LMH marks the brand’s return to Le Mans
Aston Martin has revealed the Valkyrie AMR-LMH. This version will compete in the prestigious endurance race of 24 Hours Of Le Mans! It will race in the WEC (World Endurance Championship) and US-based IMSA series. This makes it the only road-car-based LMH entry to compete in the championship with a screaming V12!
Aston Martin’s Association With Le Mans
The Silverstone-based racing team and car manufacturer isn’t new to endurance racing as they have already won the French race in 1959. At the time, they were racing the DBR1/2 in the hands of Caroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori as well as the DBR1/3 in the hands of Maurice Trintingnant and Paul Frere. They recorded a 1-2 finish at the famous race that was a non-championship event. The marque is gunning for the victory after almost 66 years.
It is important to note that other manufacturers like Alpine, BMW and Porsche have utilised the LMDh (Le Mans Daytona) regulations which would’ve been cheaper. However, Aston Martin has taken the plunge and complied with the LMH regulations have built the hypercar accordingly. The Valkyrie will be the first racecar under the LMH regulations to compete in the WEC and IMSA Championships.
Design Cues
The Valkyrie had an extreme design to begin with and the racing version is no different. The gigantic rear wing which looks better suited to be a picnic table is accompanied by a complex aero package. It features a massive tailfin, intricate splitters and an insane amount of downforce. The double wishbone suspension with pushrods and adjustable dampers improves the handling in the twisties.
Engine & Transmission
The racecar is based on the road-going Valkyrie which was designed by legendary F1 Designer Adrian Newey. It is powered by a modified version of the 6.5-litre Naturally Aspirated V12, found in the road-going model. This engine is built by Cosworth and produces 1145 HP in the street-legal guise. However, as per LMH rules, power is capped at 679 HP. Surprisingly, there is no hybrid system to support the engine. The transmission is a 7-speed XTrac sequential Unit for razor-fast shifts.
Running the engine lower than its potential capacity allows the racing division to revisit the torque curves and reduce frictional losses by reducing engine speed to increase fuel efficiency, according to Aston Martin. The engine also utilises a leaner fuel mixture for lesser fuel consumption and a slightly lower redline than the monumental 11,000 RPM.
There are also other changes tailored to racing such as quick-change Front and Rear Bodywork, single-point refuelling coupling, a high-speed pneumatic jack system which is incorporated into the chassis and a cockpit optimised for quick access as well as visibility.
Aston Martin IMSA & WEC Lineup
Aston Martin’s cars will be run by The Heart Of Racing Team (THOR) who have supported the marque’s GT3 efforts as well. The racing outfit will field three cars at the prestigious event. The No. 007 (a reference to association with James Bond) will be driven by two-time Le Mans class winner Harry Thicknell and Tom Gambler.
The other car, No. 09, will be in the hands of three-time FIA GT World Champion Marco Sorenson and LMGT3 race winner Alex Riberas. The next car is the IMSA entry in the hands of Ross Gunn and Roman De Angelis. The Hypercar will sport the traditional British Green Livery at its competitive debut in 1812 Km Qatar on 28th February.
In the IMSA Championship, the brand will field just a single entry driven by experienced factory racer Ross Gunn and 2022 GTD Class Champion Roman De Angelis. The IMSA entry will also sport a special THOR blue livery from the start of the season at 12 Hours Of Sebring in March.
Closing Comments
The Aston Martin Valkyrie will add the much-needed noise at the modern motorsport events. The Hypercar class’ introduction has proven to be successful with brands like Peugeot, Lamborghini and Ferrari entering the top class of endurance racing. The addition of a Naturally Aspirated V12 will surely add the much-needed spice to the grid.
