The Aston Martin Valiant: A Track-Focused Masterpiece
The Aston Martin Valiant is an extreme iteration of the Valour, originally commissioned by Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso. Limited to just 38 units worldwide, this road-legal supercar will debut at the prestigious 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of the same year.
Performance and Powertrain:
Power and Precision Redefined
Crafted by Aston Martin’s bespoke division, Q by Aston Martin, the Valiant is powered by a twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V12 engine producing 735 hp and 555 lb-ft (753 Nm) of torque—30 hp more than its predecessor. Paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels, it promises an exhilarating driving experience.
Lightweight Construction:
Innovative Design for Enhanced Agility
The Valiant incorporates advanced weight-saving technologies, including a 3D-printed rear subframe that reduces weight by 3 kg (6.6 lbs), a magnesium torque tube saving 8.6 kg (18.9 lbs), and lightweight 21-inch magnesium wheels that cut unsprung mass by 14 kg (31 lbs). A lithium-ion battery further contributes to agility by shedding an additional 11.5 kg (25.3 lbs).
Handling and Dynamics:
Precision Tuned for the Track
With a focus on track performance, every Valiant comes equipped with Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve dampers, capable of adjusting to 32 damper curves in less than six milliseconds. Aston Martin has recalibrated the Sport, Sport+, and Track driving modes, and fitted standard carbon ceramic discs—410 mm (16.1-inch) front and 360 mm (14.1-inch) rear—for exceptional braking performance.
Aerodynamic Design:
Aggressive Styling with Purpose
Visually striking, the Valiant features aggressive carbon fiber enhancements, including a new splitter, multi-layer planes near the front wheels, and a full-width carbon fiber grille. Additional aerodynamic elements such as side fenders, aero discs on the wheels, Formula 1-inspired side skirts, a fixed rear wing, and a carbon fiber diffuser enhance downforce and stability.
Interior Craftsmanship:
Luxury and Functionality Combined
Inside, the Valiant showcases meticulous craftsmanship and racing-inspired enhancements. Highlights include a cutaway in the transmission tunnel to display the shifting linkage, carbon fiber components like a half-cage, Recaro Podium seats, four-point racing harnesses, and a three-spoke steering wheel—a testament to Aston Martin’s attention to detail.
Conclusion:
Aston Martin’s Commitment to Excellence
“Aston Martin’s determined commitment to build rare and extraordinary cars for true drivers is embodied in the Valiant,” remarked Aston Martin global brand chief and commercial officer Marco Mattiacci. “It is a modern masterpiece, inspired by a racing legend and crafted using the latest F1-inspired technology, exotic materials, and obsessive weight reduction. The ultimate blend of performance, track-focused dynamics, and hypercar intensity, Valiant places the driver in a unique, intense, and emotional driving experience.”
