The Aston Martin Valiant: A Fusion of Power, Performance, and Untamed Spirit
Valiant’s first customer – the two-time Formula One® World Champion and Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team driver, Fernando Alonso.
Aston Martin unveils the Valiant, an ultra-exclusive, track-focused masterpiece handcrafted by their bespoke division, Q by Aston Martin. This strictly limited edition of only 38 cars globally, already fully allocated, embodies the brand’s dedication to building the ultimate driver’s car.
Born from a Champion’s Vision
Inspired by Fernando Alonso’s illustrious 23-year Formula One career and unwavering passion for pushing limits, the Valiant originates from his personal commission. He envisioned a lightweight, race-inspired version of the spectacular Aston Martin Valour. Through meticulous design and engineering by Q by Aston Martin, this vision transformed into the awe-inspiring Valiant. Q by Aston Martin caters to discerning drivers, offering not only curated limited editions like Valiant and Valour but also the opportunity to co-create truly bespoke sports cars.
A Legacy of Performance Evolved
The Valiant seamlessly integrates into Aston Martin’s lineage of high-performance vehicles. It joins the ranks of the ultimate hypercar Valkyrie, the focused Vantage and its racing counterpart, the Vantage GT3, and the upcoming Valhalla mid-engine supercar. Both Valiant and Valour pay homage to Aston Martin’s heritage while firmly establishing themselves in the brand’s future-focused commitment to cutting-edge technology, class-leading power, and exhilarating driving dynamics.
A Masterclass in Engineering Prowess
Fernando Alonso aptly describes the Valiant: “Valiant is a spectacular celebration…and stirred me to create a more extreme, race car inspired version… It is born from my passion for driving at the limit.”
This masterpiece combines the raw power and evocative style of a bygone era with the finest contemporary engineering advancements. Lightweight materials, state-of-the-art technology, and a spectacular design push the boundaries of performance and engagement, crafting the ultimate Aston Martin driver’s car – one that thrives on the racetrack and exhilarates on the road.
Uncompromising Performance
Marco Mattiacci, Aston Martin’s Global Chief Brand and Commercial Officer, proclaims, “Valiant is a modern masterpiece…focusses on placing the driver in a truly unique, intense and emotional driving experience.”
The pinnacle of ferocious front-engined Aston Martin limited editions, the Valiant is honed for on-track performance while remaining fully road-legal. It boasts an exotic specification that would delight purists and ignite the thrill in even the most demanding drivers.
At the Heart of the Beast
The crown jewel of the Valiant is the incredible Aston Martin twin-turbocharged 5.2-litre V12 engine, now producing a staggering 745PS and 753Nm of torque. This powerhouse is paired with a meticulously crafted six-speed manual transmission, offering an unparalleled connection between driver and machine. Standard-fit Carbon Ceramic brakes (410mm x 38mm front and 360mm x 32mm rear) ensure immense fade-free stopping power.
Weight Reduction for Unmatched Agility
The Valiant’s character is significantly shaped by its relentless pursuit of weight reduction and meticulously tuned chassis for serious track use. A 3D-printed rear subframe saves 3kg without compromising stiffness, while a magnesium torque tube shaves off 8.6kg from the car’s centre point. Lightweight 21” magnesium wheels (with 275/35 front and 325/30 rear tyres) further enhance steering response and wheel control by reducing unsprung mass by 14kg. To further shed weight, a motorsport-spec lithium-ion battery contributes an additional 11.5kg reduction.
Unveiling the Cutting Edge of Suspension Technology
The most transformative element of the Valiant’s character is the incorporation of Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) dampers. To fully exploit the capabilities of the new suspension and increased aerodynamic downforce, each of Valiant’s pre-set Driving Modes (Sport, Sport+, and Track) has been meticulously recalibrated to assist the driver in progressively exploring the car’s full potential. The focus is on connection, consistency, and confidence, fostering an intimate bond between driver and machine that allows for an unparalleled driving experience.
Unleashing the Power of Design
The Valiant’s aggressive and dramatic bodywork makes a bold statement. The extensive use of lightweight carbon fibre shapes a profile that exudes power and presence. Broad and muscular with sharply defined features, the design generates stability-enhancing downforce while minimizing drag. Every inch of the Valiant’s form serves both aesthetic and aerodynamic purposes.
A Symphony of Aerodynamics
Inspired by the legendary 1980s RHAM/1 ‘Muncher’ Le Mans racer, the aero discs attached to the wheels directly contribute to drag reduction by minimizing turbulence generated by the rotating wheels. Additionally, strategically placed inlets draw cooling air onto the carbon ceramic brakes for maximized performance during track use. Apertures around the wheel circumference allow the extreme heat generated by the brakes to vent effectively. Completing the aerodynamic package is the functional rear diffuser, designed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to optimize drag and lift reduction. Constructed from lightweight carbon fibre, it further reduces mass at the rear. The diffuser also frames the Valiant’s spectacular quad-exit titanium exhaust system, meticulously tuned to amplify the exhilarating soundtrack of the 745PS V12 engine.
A Driver-Centric Interior
The Valiant’s interior seamlessly blends race-inspired functionality with the immaculate design and material mastery that defines Aston Martin. The strictly two-seat cockpit exudes drama and purpose. Extensive use of exposed satin-finish carbon fibre highlights the focus on lightweight materials, while strategically placed seat padding and finely tailored, lightweight upholstery offer targeted comfort, luxury, and tactility. Particular attention is paid to the points of contact between the driver and the machine. A new, perfectly round steering wheel with a slimmer-diameter rim and switch-free spokes is unique to the Valiant, designed to deliver an intuitive feel and minimize distractions.
Crafted for Performance and Comfort
Offering a choice between Alcantara or semi-aniline leather cabin trim, the Valiant continues its commitment to lightweight materials. ‘Debossed’ Alcantara seat quilting and a tactile Alcantara steering wheel maximize driver control. Bespoke door panels feature a sculpted design with lightweight mesh inserts and lightweight fabric door release pulls, further contributing to weight reduction.
A Masterpiece Unveiled
Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, aptly describes the Valiant’s aggressive look: “Valiant is an extrovert…a true thoroughbred aimed at being enjoyed to the full on a racetrack… It takes clear inspiration from motorsport, expressing its character through dramatic, muscular form and a plethora of beautiful, functional details.”
The first deliveries of the Valiant are expected to commence in Q4 2024. Prior to that, it will make its public debut at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed (July 11-14) with dynamic demonstrations on the famous Hill Climb course. Notably, one of these demonstration runs will be at the hands of the Valiant’s first customer – the two-time Formula One® World Champion and Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team driver, Fernando Alonso.
Now that one Speed Run, I am looking forward to.
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