The New Aston Martin Spider Is a Transformer

The new Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar is a great-looking car, there is no denying that. Its profile is a sleek combination of soft curves and jagged angles for incredibly refined aerodynamics. Its open under floor, accented by what is essentially a bottom-front spoiler, is an inspired take on the Le Mans form factor.

It also packs an incredible wallop when you hit the gas. Its hybrid V12 + electric motor produces a combined 1160 horsepower and 663 lb-ft of torque. For reference, the now legendary Bugatti Veyron produced 923 lb-ft of torque from its V16 monster of an engine. That’s a decrease of only a few hundred horses from a much more efficient and lighter engine pushing a lighter chassis. They haven’t raced yet as far as we know, but our money would be on the Valkyrie in that one. (Please gamble responsibly).

But the most interesting feature of the Valkyrie series, by far, is the Spider. Why? Well, there’s a lot of reasons, (just look at the sleek design) but most notably it's because the Spider comes with a detachable roof. Yep, you read that right. With the undoing of a few latches you can take the polycarbonate roof straight off and turn this beast of a track car into a cruiser - assuming it’s road legal wherever you happen to be cruising.

Although, cruising may be a generous term considering first gear alone gets you up over 60mph. And with the top speed pushing 200mph (the AMR version can get 217mph) the more appropriate word might be careening.