Last summer, Aston Martin introduced the Valour—a V-12 model with a manual transmission, priced over $1 million and limited to 110 units. Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso, intrigued by this car, challenged Aston Martin’s bespoke division, Q by Aston Martin, to create a version that was lighter, more powerful, and track-focused. The result is the Valiant, a more muscular and agile counterpart.
The Valiant is priced at over £2 million (more than $2.5 million), essentially embodying Alonso’s vision of a street-legal race car. It retains the Valour’s 5.2-liter, twin-turbo V-12 engine, but with recalibrations that increase its output by 29 hp, totaling 734 hp, and maintaining 555 ft-lbs of torque. The six-speed gearbox remains manual with a mechanical limited-slip differential.
We recently previewed the full carbon-bodied Valiant at Aston Martin’s New York City showroom, where several design elements stood out. These include 21-inch forged magnesium wheels with carbon aero discs inspired by the 1980 RHAM/1 “Muncher” Le Mans car, a Kamm tail with a distinctive ducktail below the fixed wing, quad-exit titanium exhaust, and exposed transmission linkages leading to a gated shifter.
The Valiant’s chassis design is equally impressive. The mechanical limited-slip differential was chosen over an electronic version for its better throttle engagement out of corners. Simon Newton, Aston Martin’s director of vehicle dynamics, explained that they focused on the ramp angles of the differential for optimal stability and balance during turns. Notably, the car lacks rev-match, offering drivers a more challenging experience.
The Valiant is equipped with Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) dampers, usually reserved for race cars like the Ford GT. These dampers provide rapid response, adjusting each corner in less than six milliseconds for peak performance and handling. Newton highlighted the integration of ASV dampers as the project’s biggest engineering challenge, noting they are now integral to the car’s performance.
The true test will come when Alonso drives the Valiant at Silverstone and other tracks like Italy’s Nardò Ring and various circuits in southern Spain. Newton mentioned that Alonso would also spend time driving the test mule on public roads, an essential aspect of the Valiant’s development. Alonso’s feedback will be crucial, especially his preference for a responsive front end and sharp turn-in.
Unsurprisingly, all 38 units of the Valiant are already sold. Alex Long, Aston Martin’s head of product and marketing strategy, acknowledged the demand for V-12 manuals despite their rarity. He emphasized that pairing a manual transmission with the V-12 engine brings out the torque differently than an automatic transmission. Long admitted that developing this new V-12 power plant, which will be used through 2030, was a significant investment. However, he believes it was a wise decision, as the demand for electric sports cars is not yet strong. Future V-12 manuals from Aston Martin will be produced in limited quantities.
The public will get a chance to see and hear the Valiant at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where Alonso will drive it up the hill. Deliveries of the Valiant are expected to begin in the fall.
In summary, the Valiant represents a unique fusion of Alonso’s racing insights and Aston Martin’s engineering prowess. With its powerful V-12 engine, manual transmission, and bespoke design elements, it offers a distinct driving experience. This limited-edition supercar stands as a testament to Aston Martin’s commitment to delivering unparalleled performance and luxury in the automotive world.
