Aston Martin has unveiled its latest masterpiece, the Valiant, a car designed to epitomize the pure essence of driving passion. This ultra-exclusive, track-focused, road-legal special edition has been developed through Aston Martin's bespoke service, Q by Aston Martin. Originating from a personal commission by Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team driver Fernando Alonso, the Valiant continues the brand’s tradition of creating highly collectible special edition models.
Design and Performance
The Valiant features a sleek and aggressive design, true to Aston Martin's iconic aesthetic. It is built with lightweight materials, enhancing both its performance and efficiency. The car is powered by a 745PS 5.2-liter Twin-Turbo V12 engine paired with a bespoke six-speed manual transmission, highlighting its track-focused intent. This setup ensures a more engaging and responsive driving experience, putting the driver in complete control.
The aerodynamic design of the Valiant plays a crucial role in its performance. The all-carbon fiber bodywork reduces weight and increases downforce, which significantly enhances stability and handling at high speeds. The aggressive styling and extensive use of lightweight materials, such as magnesium and titanium, contribute to the car’s overall performance and efficiency. Key aerodynamic features include a deep front splitter, multi-layer end planes, scalloped side fenders, and a prominent fixed wing. These elements work together to improve airflow, reduce drag, and increase downforce, ensuring the car remains stable and agile at high speeds.
Advanced Engineering
The Valiant’s engineering highlights include a 3D-printed rear subframe, which saves 3kg without reducing stiffness, and a magnesium torque tube, which reduces mass at the car’s center point by 8.6kg. Lightweight 21-inch magnesium wheels improve steering response and wheel control, reducing unsprung mass by 14kg. The use of a motorsport-spec lithium-ion battery saves an additional 11.5kg. These weight-saving measures, combined with the Valiant’s powerful engine and advanced suspension system, create a car that is both incredibly fast and highly responsive.
Advanced Suspension
The Valiant is equipped with Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) dampers, a state-of-the-art suspension technology capable of simultaneously adjusting each damper to one of thirty-two discrete damper curves in less than six milliseconds. This system provides Aston Martin’s engineers with almost limitless scope for tuning ride and handling characteristics. The dampers offer motorsport-level damping control and an operating control bandwidth previously exclusive to the highest echelons of motorsport. The Multimatic ASV dampers are only found on the most dynamic, most exclusive vehicles available and are not available in the aftermarket.
To exploit the increased limits of the new suspension setup and greater aerodynamic downforce, each of the Valiant’s preset Driving Modes – Sport, Sport+, and Track – have been recalibrated to aid the driver in progressively exploring the car’s full performance. Connection, consistency, and confidence are key attributes, allowing the driver to develop an intimate bond with the machine and take control of the Valiant’s abundant performance.
Exclusive Production and Public Debut
Production of the Valiant is strictly limited to just 38 units globally, with all fully allocated. First deliveries are set to commence in Q4 2024. The car will make its public debut at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, with dynamic demonstrations on the famous Hill Climb course. Two-time Formula One® World Champion and Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team driver Fernando Alonso, who inspired the creation of the Valiant, will be among the drivers showcasing the car's capabilities.
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