Aston Martin has just introduced a new track-focused marvel to its lineup: the Valiant. This aero-heavy supercar, derived from the exquisite Valour coupe, promises an exhilarating driving experience with its potent powertrain and sophisticated design. True to Aston Martin’s ethos of delivering powerful engines, the Valiant boasts a twin-turbo V-12 engine producing an impressive 730 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual transmission for a pure driving experience.
The Valiant is Aston Martin’s answer to the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, prioritizing performance and speed over comfort. This high-performance variant of the Valour is a testament to the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering. Inspired by a personal request from Aston Martin Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso, the Valiant features extensive aerodynamic enhancements, including a redesigned front end with a large splitter, a fixed rear wing, and an expansive diffuser. The carbon fiber bodywork is meticulously reshaped to optimize airflow, while the 21-inch magnesium wheels, fitted with aero discs, draw inspiration from Aston’s historic RHAM/1 Le Mans racer.
Beneath its striking exterior, the Valiant incorporates several advanced technologies to enhance its performance. A 3D-printed rear subframe, a titanium torque tube, and a lightweight lithium-ion battery collectively reduce the car’s weight by 51 pounds. The suspension system has been upgraded to Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) dampers, capable of adjusting each damper to one of thirty-two distinct settings in under six milliseconds. This cutting-edge technology, found in high-performance vehicles like the Ford Mustang GTD and Ferrari Purosangue, ensures the Valiant delivers exceptional handling and ride quality.
Powering the Valiant is a 5.2-liter twin-turbo V-12 engine generating 735 horsepower, a 30-horsepower increase over the Valour. Torque remains at 555 pound-feet, limited by the gearbox’s capacity. The six-speed manual transaxle is mounted at the rear to achieve optimal weight distribution, and the limited-slip differential is purely mechanical, ensuring precise power delivery.
Inside, the Valiant’s cabin is equipped for serious track use. It features a half-cage, Recaro Podium bucket seats, and four-point harnesses for enhanced safety. The interior is adorned with carbon fiber and Alcantara trim, complemented by an exposed linkage for the shifter. Aston Martin has also introduced a new weighted shift knob to improve shift feel and effort, making the Valiant’s driving experience even more engaging.
The Aston Martin Valiant is a remarkable addition to the company’s lineup, blending high-performance engineering with cutting-edge technology and design. Whether on the track or the road, the Valiant is poised to deliver an unforgettable driving experience.
