The $6.5 Million Aston Martin Valkyrie LM Comes with a Higher Price Tag for Lower Power Output.

      Aston Martin

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      Aston Martin has converted its Valkyrie hypercar into a competition prototype for endurance racing. Additionally, it released an extreme track-only variant called the AMR Pro, available to 40 fortunate and wealthy customers, which lacks a hybrid system similar to the race car. In an unexpected development, Aston has decided to offer yet another track-focused Valkyrie—this one is remarkably close to the version that will compete for the overall win at Le Mans this weekend. The price is set at $6.5 million before taxes.

      This model is named the Valkyrie LM. Similar to Ferrari’s 499P Modificata and Porsche's 963 RSP designed for Roger Penske, the car shares the same mechanical specifications as its racing counterpart. It features a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated Cosworth V12 engine that revs up to 8,400 rpm, delivering 697 horsepower. While enthusiasts may observe that these figures are significantly lower than the street version's 11,000 rpm redline and 1,140 horsepower, it's important to note that this is the same model that Aston Martin races, and the Le Mans Hypercar regulations impose certain limits. Adjustments have been made so that the Valkyrie LM can utilize a broader range of fuels, and racing officials have removed ballast and additional electronics.

      Though 700 horsepower might seem modest in an age where hybrid engines produce explosive four-figure power, the absence of batteries and motors has resulted in the Valkyrie LM being exceptionally lightweight at 2,270 pounds, compared to the approximately 3,000 pounds of the road car. All that power is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed sequential gearbox.

      It’s likely that the AMR Pro will still be faster; it doesn’t have to carry a hybrid system and produces about 40% more power. However, as Aston Martin CEO Adrian Hallmark states, the LM is designed to deliver “the purest and most comparable endurance-driving experience” possible. For decades, track-only vehicles have exceeded regulated race cars, dating back to the Ferrari FXX. Buyers seeking value on a specification sheet won't find it here, especially not at $6.5 million. Instead, they will receive an exact replica of a Le Mans prototype that they can store in their garages, something Ferrari notably does not permit for 499P Modificata owners.

      The similarities to the race version extend to the Valkyrie LM’s chassis, featuring the competition car's front and rear dual wishbones, as well as pushrod-actuated torsion bar springs with adjustable side and central dampers. Additionally, there’s an FIA-grade fuel system, alongside an FIA-compliant harness and fire suppression system inside.

      Usually, by the time models like the Valkyrie LM are revealed, each unit has already been sold. However, an Aston Martin representative informed The Drive that this is not the case for this model, and the 10 units planned for production have not yet been assigned to buyers. The anticipated pricing is around $6.5 million—over $2 million more than the AMR Pro, which is quicker on paper.

      While this is a high price for the complete racing experience, it also comes with VIP treatment for its 10 owners. Aston will facilitate each owner's acquisition of a racing license at Silverstone (if they don’t possess one already) and provide a year-long program where instructors and engineers will accompany them to various tracks to enhance their driving skills and customize their cars. All the enjoyment and personal development of motorsport, without the pressure of needing to win to secure a position. Being wealthy certainly has its perks.

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