ASTON Martin has unveiled an ultra-expensive 217mph supercar days before its newly created F1 team takes part in the British Grand Prix at Silverstone this weekend.

Marking the first time an F1 Aston Martin has taken to the Northants grid for 61 years, the new Valhalla road car has been designed with F1 thinking as part of the mix.

At the beating heart of the Valhalla is a plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain, which features three motors; foremost of these is a rear-mid-mounted 4.0 litre twin-turbo bespoke V8 petrol engine, sourced from Mercedes-Benz.

Described as the most advanced, responsive and highest performing V8 engine ever fitted to an Aston Martin, it revs to 7,200rpm and develops 740bhp.

Supplementing this new V8 engine is a 150kW/400V battery hybrid system utilising a pair of electric motors; one mounted on the front axle and the other on the rear axle.

The electric system contributes a further 201bhp for a headline combined power output of 937bhp, enough for that 217mph top speed and 0-62mph in 2.5 seconds.

When driven in EV mode battery power is directed exclusively to the front axle. In other driving modes battery power is split between front and rear axles, the percentage sent to each axle constantly varies according to driving demands.

In certain situations, 100 per cent of battery power can be sent to the rear axle, supplementing the full force of the ICE V8 for maximum performance. Running in electric only mode the Valhalla can travel 9.3 miles at up to 80mph

F1 influence is apparent in the car's carbon fibre tub for maximum stiffness with minimum weight penalty. Featuring F1style pushrod front suspension complete with inboard mounted springs and dampers reduces unsprung mass, for crisper cornering.

FI thinking is also present in the amount of aerodynamic downforce the Valhalla produces at speed.

The Valhalla employs a combination of active aerodynamic surfaces - specifically the front surfaces and rear wing - and management of underbody airflow through dramatic venturi tunnels. At 150mph the Valhalla's sculpted aerodynamic surfaces generate an impressive 600kg of downforce, pushing down hard as the car corners.

Driver and passenger comfort is a world away from the grand prix track, however. Full LED matrix headlights with adaptive functionality and high-beam assist are part of the specification, along with dual zone air conditioning.

In order to comply with the latest regulatory requirements, the Valhalla also incorporates the latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. These include Auto Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Active Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear View Parking Camera (with Surround View option).

The car is likely to be launched on sale some time in 2023 and to cost comfortably more than £1,000,000.