The Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar becomes the first production car to lap the Silverstone GP circuit in under 2 minutes.
It’s hardly surprising that a carbon-tubbed, Cosworth V12-powered hypercar with more than 1000bhp and Le Mans-esque aerodynamics has broken the production car lap record around the Silverstone GP. What is surprising, however, is by just how much it accomplished the feat, and where that lap time compares to genuine race cars. In fact, the last production car lap record around the Silverstone GP circuit ( a modified Porsche 911 GT2 RS) was a whole 10 seconds slower than the 1:56.42 time that the Valkyrie achieved…
If we take a look at the comparisons between the Aston Martin Valkyrie’s lap record and official race series records, we can see that this production car lapped Silverstone GP almost 2 seconds faster than the Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo. That lap was performed during the 2019 Silverstone International GT Open, and is categorised in GT3 racing. In fact, the 1:56 time puts it in line with the Renault Sport R.S. 01, and within a second of the Ferrari 488 GTE Evo. The one that sticks out to me is is the lap record for an LMP3 FIA Endurance Racer, which is just 1.3 seconds faster than the Valkyrie. Mind blowing. OK, it’s still some 30 seconds off an F1 car, but that’s still and incredible achievement.
What is the Aston Martin Valkyrie?
The Aston Martin Valkyrie is a car designed partly by Formula One legend Adrian Newey, which helps to explain why it looks the way it does. Utilising the Venturi effects, the car’s design allows it to generate a whopping 1800kg of downforce, essentially creating ground-effect. It was built to not only lap circuits like no other road car out there, but also one you could use on the road. I say could, because I can’t imagine the daily commute would be as enjoyable as driving flat out down hanger straight at 200mph.
It’s powered by a naturally-aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine that revs all the way to 11,000rpm, producing 1000bhp. To enhance performance, Aston also fitted a 160hp electric motor making the combined power output 1,160bhp. The electric motor is powered by a tiny 1.3kWh Rimac battery which uses Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) to recharge it. All 1,160hp is transferred to the rear wheels only via a 7-speed, single-clutch automated manual from Ricardo.
Want one? Well there were only 150 units built and each were priced at £3m when you took into account tax. Thankfully (I think, not sure when talking about cars this expensive…) the used car market hasn’t moved much, with a used Spider example up for sale at £3.3m…
And if you want to drive the Silverstone circuit, why not check out which events we’re hosting at Silverstone next! Head over to our Fast Car Events page for more info.
