Aston Martin's Valhalla Outperforms Mercedes' CLE 646 V8

Mercedes-Benz's new CLE 646 features a revised M177 V8 producing 637 horsepower, but Aston Martin's Valhalla, using the sister M178 engine, delivers 817 horsepower alone and 1,064 with hybrid assist. The CLE 646's M177 Evo gains a flat-plane crankshaft, revised ECU, and titanium exhaust for better response, while the Valhalla's M178 uses dry sump lubrication, larger turbos, and new pistons. Aston also added Red Bull-developed aerodynamics for 1,323 pounds of downforce. Only 30 CLE 646s will be built, costing over $1 million, versus 999 Valhallas at similar pricing. The Valhalla hits 60 mph in 2.5 seconds, while the Merc prioritizes exclusivity over outright performance.