Aston Martin's Valiant: A Bespoke Masterpiece Crafted for the Track

Aston Martin has unveiled a new, more extreme version of its Valour sports car, the Valiant, commissioned by Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso. This one-off creation, developed through the automaker's Q by Aston Martin personalization program, promises to deliver a thrilling driving experience both on the racetrack and the open road.

Unleashing the Valiant: Aston Martin's Exclusive Track-Focused Masterpiece

A Collaboration Born from Passion

The idea for the Valiant was born from the mind of Aston Martin's star F1 driver, Fernando Alonso, who commissioned the Q by Aston Martin personalization department to create a lighter, more extreme version of the Valour. Alonso's vision was to have a car that could be used on the racetrack, yet still remain street-legal, allowing him to push the limits of performance while enjoying the thrill on public roads.

Exclusivity Redefined: A Limited Production Run

Aston Martin has decided to build a small, exclusive run of the Valiant, with only 38 units slated for worldwide sale. This makes the Valiant even rarer than the Valour, which was produced in a run of 110 cars. The limited production ensures that the Valiant will be a true collector's item, catering to the most discerning enthusiasts who demand the ultimate in performance and exclusivity.

Retro-Inspired Design: A Nod to Aston Martin's Motorsport Heritage

The Valiant, like its Valour sibling, draws inspiration from the iconic DBS V8-based RHAM/1 race car, affectionately known as the "Muncher," which competed in multiple 24 Hours of Le Mans events during the 1970s. This retro-inspired styling, combined with the car's advanced engineering, creates a striking and evocative visual presence that pays homage to Aston Martin's rich motorsport legacy.

Powertrain: Unleashing the V12's Full Potential

At the heart of the Valiant lies Aston Martin's twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V-12 engine, which has been tuned to deliver an impressive 734 horsepower – a 29 hp increase over the Valour. This front-mounted powerplant is mated to a 6-speed manual transaxle, featuring an exposed gear linkage that not only enhances the driving experience but also contributes to the Valiant's overall weight reduction.

Lightweight Obsession: Shedding the Pounds

Weight reduction was a key focus in the development of the Valiant, with Aston Martin employing a range of innovative techniques and materials to shave off precious pounds. This includes the use of a 3D-printed rear subframe, a magnesium torque tube, a lightweight battery, and 21-inch magnesium wheels – all of which contribute to a significant weight savings compared to the standard Valour.

Chassis Upgrades: Elevating the Driving Dynamics

The Valiant's chassis has also been meticulously refined to deliver an even more engaging and responsive driving experience. Aston Martin has equipped the car with Multimatic's Adaptive Spool Valve dampers, which can simultaneously adjust each damper to one of 32 different profiles in less than six milliseconds, providing exceptional control and responsiveness.

Aerodynamic Enhancements: Generating Downforce for the Track

To ensure the Valiant's track-focused capabilities, Aston Martin has added a range of new aerodynamic elements, including a revised splitter, rear wing, and rear diffuser. The diffuser now houses four exhaust tips instead of the Valour's three, and the entire exhaust system is constructed from lightweight titanium.

Carbon Fiber Craftsmanship: Lightweight Luxury

The Valiant's body is crafted almost entirely from carbon fiber, including the full-width grille, further contributing to the car's weight savings. This lightweight material is also prominently featured in the cabin, where it can be found on the doors and center console, creating a striking visual contrast with the Recaro Podium seats and the steel half-cage with anchor points for four-point harnesses.

Preserving the Manual Transmission: A Nod to Driving Purists

Despite Aston Martin's shift towards more automated transmissions in its core lineup, the Valiant, along with the Valour, will continue to offer the option of a 6-speed manual gearbox. This decision reflects the automaker's commitment to catering to driving enthusiasts who appreciate the engagement and control of a traditional three-pedal setup, ensuring that the joy of manual driving will live on in Aston Martin's special editions.