To celebrate its return to endurance racing, Aston Martin has unveiled the Valkyrie LM—a track-only hypercar developed in tribute to the brand’s Le Mans campaign. Closely derived from the race-spec Valkyrie competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, there will only be 10 units of this ultra-exclusive model worldwide.
The Valkyrie LM is essentially a tweaked version of the Valkyrie Le Mans Hypercar-specification race car, and is said to offer a driving experience comparable to the actual racing car in the Hypercar class. Just like the race car that will be competing for this week’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, the LM will be powered by a modified version of the Cosworth-built 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12, tuned to an identical regulation-limited 707 hp (520 kW).
The car features an open-loop torque control system, replacing the closed-loop setup required for competition regulations and homologation. Torque sensors used to manage power delivery in the race car have been removed, optimising the driving experience for clients. Additionally, the engine has been recalibrated to run with regular high-octane petrol – no need for race fuel – making the Valkyrie LM more accessible and manageable for amateur drivers.
The Valkyrie LM is fitted with a seven-speed sequential transmission operated by a semi-automatic paddle shift gear change, just like the competitive version. It rides on front and rear double wishbone racing suspension and will run on bespoke tyres from Pirelli.
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Inside the car, it features a completely bespoke cockpit interface tailored for track day usage. The cockpit is optimised for driver safety while maintaining accessibility and visibility. Meanwhile, race series specific items such as weight ballasts and FIA-regulation electronics are removed.
In their place are custom carbon-fibre race seats with shoulder support and headrest padding surrounds. The steering wheel houses driver displays and shift lights, and is paired with a six-point FIA-approved safety harness and an onboard fire suppression system for enhanced crash protection.
Along with the purchase of a Valkyrie LM, buyers will also get access to a dedicated driver development programme for the ultimate motorsport experience. For those who intend to play with their Valkyrie LMs, this program removes the stress of running independent track sessions.
The programme runs on a ‘fly-in-and-drive’ basis and will be fully managed by a professional team of engineers to ensure the car is perfectly set-up for the track, just like on a race day. As such, the cars will be stored and maintained by Aston Martin and will be transported to and from the Valkyrie LM Performance Club venues.
To ensure the optimum driving experience, there will also be coaching sessions from Aston Martin’s dedicated professional driving coaches before the clients take their Valkyrie LMs on track. The Valkyrie LM’s engineering team will also offer data and onboard video analysis to fully optimise the driving experience.
The programme comes with an exclusive vehicle and driver kit, including helmet, Head and Neck Safety (HANS) device, driver’s suit and boots, moulded earpieces, drivers gloves and fireproof underwear.
Aston Martin first entered Le Mans back in 1928—just five years after the event’s inception. After a few class wins throughout the decades, Aston Martin is finally back to the top class of endurance racing (LMH class) at Le Mans with the Valkyrie. This time, Aston Martin will be aiming for outright victory of the event for the first time since 1959, when Roy Salvadori and Carroll Shelby won with the Aston Martin DBR1.
Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Adrian Hallmark, said, “In all its forms, there is nothing on Earth that compares to Valkyrie. The Le Mans contender is unique amongst its peers, not least the breathtaking 6.5-litre V12 engine that provides the beating heart for the only competitive hypercar bred from a road car.”
“Valkyrie LM is an exquisite opportunity to be part of the most exclusive Aston Martin owners club in the world; a group who can immerse themselves in the purest and most comparable endurance driving experience, one that would otherwise only be available to our works drivers operating at the very limit of sportscar racing’s highest echelon. There has never been an opportunity to get closer to the raw dynamic forces and state of the art technology deployed by the hypercar currently competing in WEC and IMSA,” he added.
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