James Bond’s affinity with Aston Martin dates back to the DB Mark III in Ian Fleming’s Goldfinger novel. The switch was reportedly due to a fan writing to Fleming and complaining that Bond’s favoured Bentley was out of touch with the modern world. Ever since, 007 has favoured the British marque now synonymous with the spy franchise. Today, it has been confirmed that James Bond will drive the new Aston Martin Valhalla in the up and coming 25th 007 movie.
The Aston Martin Valhalla marks a paradigm shift at Aston Martin, the model being its first series production mid-engined model in its history. While the Bulldog concept car of 1979, and limited-run Valkyrie, both housed engine in the middle, Valhalla is a more mainstream offering design to take the fight to Ferrari’s new SF90.
Bond 25 would appear to feature a host of iconic Aston Martin models, as opposed to just one star car. It has been reported that 007 will drive his first electric car in the form of the Aston Martin Rapide E, but an Aston Martin V8 has also been spotted filming on location. The V8 was last driven by Timothy Dalton playing Bond back in 1987’s The Living Daylights. We also expect 007’s legendary DB5 to make a cameo at some point in the movie.
The Aston Martin Valhalla’s role in the latest James Bond thrill was confirmed by Aston President Andy Palmer via Twitter. ‘DB5, Aston Martin V8 and Aston Martin Valhalla will star in Bond 25, the latest instalment in the 007 franchise.’
Aston Martin @astonmartin DB5, Aston Martin V8 and Aston Martin Valhalla will star in Bond 25, the latest instalment in the @007 franchise. pic.twitter.com/l88q43Xwjv
— Dr. Andy Palmer (@AndyatAston) June 20, 2019
The Aston Martin Valhalla is the latest fruit of Aston Martin’s collaboration with Red Bull Advanced Technologies and F1 designer Adrian Newey. It’s part of a new mid-engined model blitz that aims to elevate the marque to true supercar manufacturer status. It will used a twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid motor with power pushing close to 1,000bhp.
We can’t wait to see Danial Craig put the Valhalla through its paces next year.