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Last year, Aston Martin unveiled the Valour, an exclusive, custom-built sports car featuring a tuned DBS V12 engine and a six-speed manual transmission, with just 110 units produced. Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is among the proud owners of this striking vehicle. However, Aston Martin has now created an even more extraordinary edition—the Aston Martin Valiant. This model boasts greater star power, as it was commissioned by Fernando Alonso, the Aston Martin Formula 1 driver.
Alonso’s vision was for a lighter, more powerful, and extreme iteration of the Valour. To achieve this, he collaborated with Aston Martin’s Q division, known for crafting highly personalized sports cars.
“Valour was a spectacular celebration of Aston Martin’s 110th anniversary, and inspired me to create a more extreme, race car-inspired version that is track-focused while also delivering a thrilling driving experience on the road,” said Alonso in a company press release. “Valiant is born from my passion for driving at the limit, and I have enjoyed working closely with the Q by Aston Martin team on both the design and technical specifications. I believe we have created a masterpiece.”
Although the Valiant retains a similar aesthetic to the Valour, Alonso’s creation incorporates extensive carbon fiber components, including vents, strakes, and louvers placed across the grille, front air intakes, rear diffuser, rear glass, and rear wing. While less elegant than the Valour, the Valiant is lighter, sportier, and designed for superior aerodynamics.
To reduce the Valiant’s weight further, Aston Martin implemented a series of innovative solutions. A 3D-printed rear subframe saves three kilograms, a lightweight magnesium torque tube cuts another 8.6 kilograms, and 21-inch magnesium wheels reduce weight by 14 kilograms. An advanced lithium-ion battery contributes an additional 11.5 kilograms in weight savings, totaling about 75 pounds. The wheels also feature aerodynamic disc covers, inspired by the 1980 RHAM/1 ‘Muncher’ Le Mans racer, to enhance airflow and minimize drag.
Aston Martin has fitted the Valiant with advanced Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) dampers, providing 32 customizable settings that can adjust in under six milliseconds for improved handling and control, which Alonso sought.
Under the hood lies a 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 engine, upgraded to deliver 743 horsepower, surpassing the Valour’s 705 horsepower, while maintaining the same torque of 555 lb-ft. It also shares the same six-speed manual transmission, complete with its visually appealing exposed linkage.
Inside, the Valiant features a half-roll cage, special Recaro podium seats, and four-point racing harnesses. Buyers will have the option of choosing between Alcantara or leather for the trim, complementing the extensive carbon fiber interior, which is largely consistent with the Valour’s design.
Aston Martin will produce only 38 units of the Valiant, with deliveries set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024. The public will likely see the Valiant for the first time at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 11..
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