Aston Martin Valhalla Spider sets brand record with 350 km/h roof-down top speed
1/24 
Aston Martin has unveiled the fastest open-top sports car in its history, the Valhalla Spider, which reaches 350 km/h even with its roof removed. The 793 kW plug-in hybrid accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds, retaining the coupé’s performance. What sets the newcomer apart is Aston Martin’s ability to add a removable roof without compromising top speed.
V8 and three electric motors deliver 1100 Nm
The Valhalla Spider uses the same powertrain as the coupé. At its heart is a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 whose flat-plane crankshaft design enables it to produce 609 kW. Three electric motors add 185 kW, bringing total system output to 793 kW. Two electric motors drive the front wheels and allow their torque to be controlled independently. The third electric motor is integrated into the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and assists in driving the rear wheels.
There is no mechanical connection between the front and rear axles. The all-wheel-drive system is electronically controlled, distributing drive according to driving conditions.
200 km/h with the soft top, 350 km/h with the roof off
The Spider’s most interesting technical solution concerns its removable roof.
A removable fabric roof is standard, with a permitted maximum speed of 200 km/h when fitted. Aston Martin offers an optional carbon-fibre hardtop that allows the car to reach its full 350 km/h top speed. The car can also reach the same speed with the roof completely removed.
To achieve this, engineers redesigned the engine air intake, raising it by 35 mm. In conjunction with the removable roof, the Spider uses a special wind deflector that directs air over the cockpit while maintaining the airflow needed to cool the engine. The wind deflector can be folded and stored in new 15-litre compartments in the sills.
Formula 1 technology keeps the car planted
The Valhalla Spider uses a carbon-fibre monocoque developed by the technology division of Aston Martin’s Formula 1 team. This ensures high torsional rigidity even without a fixed roof. With the roof fitted, active aerodynamics generate more than 600 kg of downforce. Engineers adjusted the front wing, rear wing and stability control settings to maintain the car’s balance with the cockpit both open and closed. The chassis retains the coupé’s basic design. The Spider also gets revised door mechanisms, frameless side windows and new carbon-fibre Touring seats that make it easier to get into the car.
A new rival for Ferrari and McLaren
In the European market, the Valhalla Spider will compete with the Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider and McLaren’s hybrid sports cars.
Aston Martin’s strongest selling point is performance on a par with the coupé. An open-top body usually means greater weight and more complex aerodynamics, but the Valhalla retains both its acceleration and top speed.
Aston Martin has not yet released pricing. The British motoring press estimates that the Spider could cost around €1.5 million, which would put it in the price bracket of exclusive hypercars.
The Valhalla Spider will make its public debut at the Concours at Wynn event in Las Vegas. The first customers will receive their cars in the third quarter of 2027.
