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Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro | Screaming Viking from the Valhalla of speed

This summer, two years after Aston Martin debuted the 800-horsepower, track-only Vulcan, the English carmaker unveiled the harder, faster, more-aero-focused Vulcan AMR Pro. We still haven't seen the final version of the road-ready Valkyrie, but as of right now we know Aston Martin's 's how-fast-can-you-go roadworthy jewel will get a track-only Valkyrie AMR Pro flavor. Detailed specifics will need to wait, but we're told to expect lap times rivaling "recent Formula One cars." For perspective, insider trading on the Valkyrie road car suggests 1,130 horsepower and a 2,270-pound curb weight. A naturally aspirated, 6.5-liter V12 takes credit for most of those horses, the remainder coming from a Rimac-developed, F1-style kinetic energy recovery system. Yes, that Rimac. The Valkyrie AMR Pro will send owners to a g-force-induced Valhalla, having more power, less weight, and "significantly increased downforce." The designers used a lighter grade of carbon fiber, replaced the windscreen and side windows with polycarbonate, traded for a lighter, molded racing seat, threw out the infotainment system, installed carbon fiber wishbones on the new suspension uprights, and bolted on smaller, 18-inch wheels that will fit the same Michelin tires used on LMP1 cars. Beyond larger front and rear wings and new programming for the active aerodynamics, Adrian Newey's team tweaked every aero surface. Powering all that with a lustier, remapped 6.5-liter V12, Red Bull simulations show the Valkyrie AMR Pro capable of close to 250 miles per hour. Sustained cornering forces should hit 3.3g. Thanks to F1-style carbon brakes, deceleration force tops 3.5g. Here's more perspective: the Telegraph spoke to Red Bull F1 in 2010 about in-car g-forces, and wrote, "Breath control is crucial — you cannot breathe freely above 3g because to do so would expose you to the risk of passing out." Since those numbers hint at something like ground-based flying, Aston Martin has sensibly organized a ground-based flight school. Owners will get "an intensive and comprehensive driver development program" that takes advantage of the same facilities and simulator used by Aston Martin Red Bull Racing F1. Fitness training comes with it. If you haven't signed the paperwork for a Valkyrie AMR Pro, you're too late. Twenty-five examples — one more than the Vulcan AMR Pro — will be produced, with expected delivery in 2020, and all are sold. Related Video:

James Bond's Goldfinger Aston Martin still missing after 17 years

James Bond is inextricably linked with British motoring, especially Aston Martin, but the spy with a license to kill is missing one of his most famous cars. The original DB5 packed with gadgets for the movie Goldfinger has been lost for the last 17 years with no leads as to its whereabouts. This year is the 50th anniversary of the original release of Goldfinger – the third film that came out in the James Bond series. The movie was a smashing success in its day and forged the connection between the super spy and Aston Martin. After all, the car was every little boy's dream with machine guns in the front fenders, tire cutters in the wheels, an ejector seat and other amazing gadgets. After it's life on the big screen, the original gadget car eventually ended up in Boca Raton, FL, at least until 1997. That's when a real-life Auric Goldfinger heisted the DB5, and it hasn't been seen since. A recent report from WPTV from West Palm Beach, FL, talked to people from the area familiar with the caper and its status today. Assuming the car is still intact, Bond's Aston Martin would likely be worth several million dollars on the open market these days. For example, a DB5 that appeared in Goldfinger and Thunderball sold in 2010 at auction for $4.6 million. Check out the video for the full story on this long lost movie star.

Aston Martin announces $306M in funding to build DBX, 'other new luxury vehicles'

Aston Martin has just gotten one step closer to building a crossover, as the British outfit has secured a 200-million-pound (about $306 million at today's rates) infusion of capital from its leading shareholders. The money will allow Aston Martin to develop "a new vehicle based on the DBX concept," although just how closely the production model will adhere to the concept's styling is unclear. Andy Palmer, the company's CEO, also hinted at other models being added, thanks to the funds. "This additional long-term funding, will enable us to add extra model lines and broaden our presence in the luxury market segment by the end of the decade. The DBX concept has generated interest far beyond our expectations," Palmer said in the attached statement. "The additional investment announced today will allow us to realize the DBX and other new luxury vehicles that will form the strongest and most diverse portfolio in our history." It's unclear what these "other new luxury vehicles" will include. Previous reports have indicated a Lagonda-badged replacement for the aging Rapide will be added to the range, although considering the age of the rest of Aston Martin's lineup, it's a safe bet that at least some of this money will also be put towards vehicles beyond the new CUV and sedan. Scroll down for the full press release from Aston Martin. Related Video: ASTON MARTIN LAGONDA ISSUES GBP200 MILLION FUNDING FOR PRODUCT EXPANSION • Investindustrial and Tejara Capital led a further GBP200 million in investment capital in the form of preference shares • Enables production of DBX luxury crossover, building on range of iconic luxury sports cars • FY 2014 revenues of GBP468 million and adjusted EBITDA of GBP66 million announced 30 April 2015, Gaydon: Aston Martin Lagonda today announced that with the leadership of its major shareholders, it has arranged additional committed funding of GBP200 million, enabling the 102-year old luxury sports car manufacturer to develop significant new luxury models that will drive the future of the company under its strategic business plan. The additional capital investment comes in the form of GBP200 million of preference shares; GBP100 million of which were issued on 29 April 2015 with the remaining GBP100 million – already subscribed for - to be issued in the next twelve months, and will further expand the previously announced investment plan. This major investment in new luxury models is at the core of Aston Martin's strategic vision.