Aston Martin Roars Back to Le Mans with Valkyrie AMR-LMH
Aston Martin is set to make a grand return to the world of competitive endurance racing with its Valkyrie AMR-LMH. This track-focused machine is engineered to battle it out in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, as well as compete in both the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) series in the USA. What makes this entry unique is that it’s currently the only car in said championship that is based on a road legal model that complies with LMH specification. And that it sports a naturally aspirated V12 engine at its core!
A Legacy at Le Mans
Aston Martin’s history with Le Mans is rich, highlighted by a memorable victory in 1959. Back then, legends like Caroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori piloted the DBR1/2 to a triumphant finish, while Maurice Trintingnant and Paul Frere secured second place with the DBR1/3. This 1-2 finish at the iconic race cemented Aston Martin’s place in endurance racing history. Now, after over six decades, the British manufacturer is aiming to reclaim its glory on the legendary French circuit.
Choosing the LMH Path
Interestingly, other manufacturers like Alpine, BMW, and Porsche have opted for the LMDh (Le Mans Daytona hybrid) regulations, which generally offer a more cost-effective route. However, Aston Martin has committed to the LMH (Le Mans Hypercar) regulations, developing the Valkyrie to meet these demanding specifications. This decision positions the Valkyrie as the first LMH-class race car to compete in both the WEC and IMSA championships, showcasing Aston Martin’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of performance.
Striking Design: Form Follows Function
The Valkyrie, even in its road-going form, boasts a radical design. The AMR-LMH version takes this to the extreme. A prominent rear wing dominates the car’s profile, complemented by a meticulously crafted aerodynamic package. This includes a massive, centrally mounted tailfin, intricate splitters, and other elements designed for maximum downforce. The double wishbone suspension, complete with pushrods and adjustable dampers, further sharpens the handling capabilities, ensuring the Valkyrie can conquer even the most challenging corners.
Heart of the Beast: Engine and Transmission
The Valkyrie AMR-LMH shares its foundation with the road-legal Valkyrie, a project spearheaded by renowned Formula 1 designer Adrian Newey. At its heart lies a modified version of the 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine, built by Cosworth. In its street-legal guise, this engine churns out a staggering 1,145 horsepower. However, to adhere to LMH regulations, the power is capped at 679 horsepower for the race car. Surprisingly, Aston Martin has chosen to forgo a hybrid system, relying solely on the raw power of the V12. A 7-speed XTrac sequential gearbox ensures lightning-fast gear changes, crucial for maximizing performance on the track.
According to Aston Martin, running the engine below its maximum potential allows them to refine the torque curves and reduce frictional losses by lowering engine speed. This careful optimisation enhances fuel efficiency, a critical factor in endurance racing. The engine also operates with a leaner fuel mixture, which aims to further decrease fuel consumption, and has a slightly lower redline than the road car’s impressive 11,000 RPM.
Additional modifications cater specifically to the demands of racing. These include quick-change front and rear bodywork for rapid repairs and adjustments during pit stops, a single-point refueling coupling for efficient refueling, a high-speed pneumatic jack system integrated into the chassis for speedy tire changes, and a cockpit designed for quick driver changes and optimal visibility.
The Teams and Drivers Taking on the Challenge
Aston Martin’s racing efforts will be spearheaded by The Heart Of Racing (THOR) team, which has previously supported the brand’s GT3 programs. THOR will field three cars at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. The No. 007 car, paying homage to Aston Martin’s association with James Bond, will be driven by two-time Le Mans class winner Harry Tincknell and Tom Gamble.
The No. 09 car will be piloted by three-time FIA GT World Champion Marco Sorensen and LMGT3 race winner Alex Riberas. The IMSA entry will feature the experienced duo of Ross Gunn and Roman De Angelis. The Hypercar will sport Aston Martin’s iconic British Racing Green livery when it makes its competitive debut at the 1812 Km Qatar race on February 28th.
In the IMSA Championship, Aston Martin will field a single entry driven by factory racer Ross Gunn and 2022 GTD Class Champion Roman De Angelis. For the IMSA season, the car will sport a special THOR blue livery, starting with the 12 Hours of Sebring in March.
A Promising Addition to Motorsport
The Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH promises to inject a dose of excitement and a distinctive sound into modern motorsport events. The introduction of the Hypercar class has already proven successful, attracting brands like Peugeot, Lamborghini, and Ferrari to the top tier of endurance racing. The addition of a naturally aspirated V12 engine to the grid is a welcome move, adding an extra layer of appeal for motorsport enthusiasts. This bold move is not just a return to Le Mans; it’s a statement of intent, a declaration that Aston Martin is ready to compete at the highest level and reignite the passion for naturally aspirated engines in endurance racing. The Valkyrie AMR-LMH embodies the spirit of innovation and racing pedigree that Aston Martin is known for, and its presence on the track is eagerly anticipated by fans worldwide.
