Aston Martin Confirms ‘Baby Valkyrie’ Will Use Hybrid Power

Aston Martin has confirmed that its upcoming ‘baby Valkyrie‘, designed to rival the Ferrari 488 GTB and McLaren 720S, will use a hybrid powertrain.

During a discussion with journalists at the ongoing Geneva Motor Show, chief executive Andy Palmer revealed that the mid-engine supercar will be co-developed with the Red Bull Racing Formula One team and launch in 2020.

Palmer didn’t provide specifics about the forthcoming supercar’s powertrain, but alongside confirming it will be a hybrid, he ruled out the possibility of a V12 due to weight. Motoring suggests that a version of the Mercedes-AMG 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 is probably the most likely choice. When paired with an electric motor, a horsepower figure in the mid-700s should be achievable.

It isn’t just the powertrain which will distinguish the model from all other Aston Martins. Palmer also stated that it will be based around a bespoke carbon fiber monocoque complete with aluminum front and rear crash structures. Like the Valkyrie, these underpinnings should allow the supercar to be exceptionally light.

Palmer also said the Valkyrie exists solely for the very reason of putting Aston Martin on the map for creating mid-engine supercars.

“The reason we do Valkyrie is to prepare the ground for the acceptance of a Ferrari 488 competitor.

“Aston has never done a mid-engined car before but, fast-forward three years, and if you’re already famous for the fastest car in the world and you’ve been in Formula 1 and, hopefully, won a few titles, then all of a sudden it’s obvious Aston should have a mid-engined supercar,” he commented.

Note: Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro pictured