Aston Martin Valiant is Designed to be Fernando Alonso's Ideal Car
Aston Martin introduces the Valiant, a limited-run supercar blending extreme track performance with road legality.
Introduction to the Valiant
Aston Martin has introduced the Valiant, a more hardcore successor to its Valour sports car, originally launched last year to commemorate the company's 110th anniversary. This latest creation emerged from the vision of Aston Martin's star F1 driver, Fernando Alonso, who collaborated with the Q by Aston Martin personalization department. Alonso sought a lighter, more extreme version of the Valour for racetrack use while remaining street-legal.
Limited Production and Exclusivity
The Valiant's exclusivity is underscored by its limited production run, with only 38 units to be made available globally. Aston Martin announced that all build slots have already been accounted for, making the Valiant even rarer than its predecessor, the Valour, which saw a production run of 110 cars. Each Valiant is uniquely priced, reflecting its bespoke elements, with the starting price around £2 million ($2.56 million).
Power and Performance
Under the hood, the Valiant is powered by Aston Martin's twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V-12 engine, delivering an impressive 734 hp, slightly more than the Valour. This powerhouse is paired with a six-speed manual transaxle featuring an exposed gear linkage, sending power exclusively to the rear wheels. The design and engineering focus on weight reduction, making the Valiant a true performer on both the track and the road.
Weight Reduction Innovations
The Valiant boasts significant weight-saving measures, including a 3D-printed rear subframe, a magnesium torque tube, a lightweight lithium-ion battery, and 21-inch magnesium wheels. These elements collectively reduce the car's weight substantially, enhancing its performance. The body is crafted almost entirely from carbon fiber, further contributing to the car's agility and dynamic driving experience.
Advanced Chassis and Aerodynamics
The Valiant's chassis has been upgraded with Multimatic's Adaptive Spool Valve dampers, which adjust to one of 32 damper profiles in less than six milliseconds, ensuring optimal handling. The car also features advanced aerodynamic elements such as a new splitter, rear wing, and rear diffuser, generating significant downforce for track driving. The lightweight titanium exhaust system now houses four exhaust tips instead of the three found on the Valour.
Interior and Design
Inside, the Valiant showcases Recaro Podium seats, a steel half-cage with four-point harness anchor points, and extensive use of exposed carbon fiber. The bespoke interior includes sculpted door panels and a Valiant-exclusive steering wheel, emphasizing the car's motorsport inspiration. The focal point of the cockpit is the exposed gearshift mechanism, polished to perfection, highlighting the meticulous attention to detail.
Public Debut
The Aston Martin Valiant will make its public debut at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where Fernando Alonso will demonstrate its capabilities on the Hill Climb Course. Aston Martin's commitment to offering special editions with manual transmissions ensures that enthusiasts (who have the funds) can continue to enjoy the engaging driving experience provided by three-pedal cars, as long as there is demand.