Aston Martin will 3D-scan drivers' bodies to make custom seats for the Valkyrie

By Stephen Edelstein May 25, 2017

Aston Martin Valkyrie — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Aston Martin’s Formula One-inspired Valkyrie aims to take road-car performance to whole new level, but one of its most high-tech features may be the way it helps drivers get comfortable.

That’s because Aston plans to take 3D scans of customers’ bodies in order to make personalized driver’s seats. Aston Martin Asia Pacific president Patrik Nilsson revealed the plan to CNBC in a recent interview. Snug-fitting seats are important, as keeping the driver firmly planted behind the steering wheel is no laughing matter in a car like the Valkyrie.

“We’re not focused on maximum top speed. We are focused on how dynamic the car is,” Nilsson told CNBC. “Much like in Formula One, the winning car is the one that brakes the quickest, goes around the corner the quickest, and accelerates the quickest. Not necessarily the one with top speed.”

Custom seats are common in racing, although they’re usually created through the low-tech method of pouring foam around the driver. Aston customers will probably appreciate the automaker’s more sophisticated approach to personalization, although custom-fitted seats will also put some pressure on them not to gain any weight.

Formerly known as the AM-RB 001, the Valkyrie is the product of a collaboration between Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing, the energy drink giant’s Formula One team. The partners are planning both road and track cars, and expect the track version to be able to keep up with an LMP1 Le Mans prototype race car.

To achieve that performance, the Valkyrie will have a 6.5-liter V12 built by racing-engine specialist Cosworth, and a hybrid system from Rimac, the Croatian firm responsible for the insane Concept One electric supercar. Aston is aiming for a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio, meaning the Valkyrie will have one horsepower for every kilogram of weight. The only car to achieve that so far is the 1,341-horsepower Koenigsegg One:1.

All of this comes at a price rumored to be around $3 million. Aston will build 150 road-going versions of the Valkyrie and 25 track versions, for a total of 175. Deliveries begin in 2019.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.