Elite Traveler Summer 2019

AstonMartin Valkyrie When Aston Martin announced its Second Century Plan, a massive overhaul of its risk, staffing and portfolio, critics were quick to note the 106-year-old company’s seven bankruptcy filings. Now in the plan’s fourth year, the carmaker beloved by James Bond for more than half a century is on track to meet its prospectus of launching seven core models in seven years. Valkyrie, its newest flagship, is a hybrid hypercar powered by an internal combustion engine. A bit of a head-scratcher, the battery pack services the vehicle’s electronics and integrates all relevant sub-systems while the V12 engine does the heavy lifting. More suited to the racetrack than street, the 175-unit production run

Valkyrie opts out of cup holders, but will have air conditioning and a stereo system. What’s more, 25 of the 175 units will be Valkyrie AMR Pros, or track-only editions. Buyers for both models will undergo a total 3D body scan, the basis of the custom-yet-fixed driver’s seat. Price from $3.2m Engine naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 hybrid Power 1,160 hp