ASTON MARTIN: THE ILLUSTRIOUS LINEAGE OF VALOUR.
To honour the brand’s long history of producing exceptional front-engine sports cars and to satisfy enthusiasts seeking pure, visceral driving experiences, Aston Martin created Valour, a stunning, extremely exclusive special edition with a manual gearbox.
Speaking of the thrilling new special edition, Aston Martin Executive Chairman, Lawrence Stroll said: “Valour is a celebration of Aston Martin’s passion for driving and extraordinary heritage, but it is also emblematic of today’s vibrant and revitalised brand. A modern icon that fuses classic character with contemporary execution, Valour captures the essence of excitement and exclusivity that defines this storied automotive marque. A showcase for our world-class design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities, Valour is further proof of Aston Martin’s position as the driver’s champion and maker of the world’s most exciting, exclusive and desirable ultra-luxury high- performance cars’.
Directed at individuals who savour an immersive driving experience, Valour’s dedication to revolutionising performance and excitement is unparalleled. Its distinctive and exciting nod to a bygone age of driving is a result of its purist approach; it is the only front-engined V12 sports vehicle that comes with a manual gearbox.
The most cutting-edge techniques, tools, and materials were used to bring this rich tradition to life in Valour. This means it combines all the best features of Aston Martin’s most iconic front-engined cars. Valour, a magnificent homage to the past and a modern marvel, embodies all that is great about Aston Martin and serves as a remedy for vehicles that try to detach drivers from the act of driving itself.
Nobody can match the illustrious lineage of Valour. It has the unfettered power characteristic of Aston Martin’s pinnacle sports vehicles, drawing inspiration from the original V8 Vantage and the 1980s RHAM/1 ‘Muncher’ Le Mans racer, which was based on the Vantage. Tools such as the dual supercharged V600 Vantage from the 1990s, which was the most potent production automobile in the world at the time. Its outstanding driver-centric nature links Valour to the unique Victor, and its immaculate design and faultless execution resemble those of the rare One-77 supercar.
Valour will be one of the most sought-after Aston Martins because to its extreme rarity; manufacturing was capped at 110 units worldwide. An irresistible last-gen configuration, which marries the legendary 715PS/753Nm twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V12 to a custom six-speed manual gearbox for the first time, ensures an absolutely engrossing ride and cements Valour’s position in the hallowed halls of legendary driver’s vehicles.
The unparalleled powertrain tuning gives Valour limitless torque and power, allowing the driver complete command in every gear. With the help of electronic traction and stability control systems, a mechanical limited-slip differential makes the automobile seem more connected to the driver in a more direct analogue way. Additionally, the three driving modes available in Valour—Sport, Sport+, and Track—have been fine-tuned to provide a responsive throttle, controlled torque, and a unique sound.
A custom suspension, including adjustable dampers, springs, and anti-roll bars, has been fitted to the Valour to accentuate its dynamic capabilities. There are specific settings for camber, castor, and toe in wheel alignment geometry. Because of these features, you can be certain that Valour’s ride and handling are unique and well-defined. Being a road vehicle first and foremost means finding the sweet spot between rigid, precise vertical body control and resolute roll resistance, all while providing the necessary compliance to really shine on fantastic driving surfaces.
The front and back shear panels, fuel tank bracing, rear suspension tower strut brace, and special body construction of the Valour further enhance its distinctive dynamic character. By optimising the suspension’s basis, these components boost torsional and lateral rigidity, allowing for finer body control and enhanced refinement. Further improving the driver’s sensation of detail, connection, and immediacy, a redesigned steering system eliminates undesired sources of compliance.
Lightweight forged alloy ‘Honeycomb’ wheels measuring 21 inches in diameter and shod with the newest AML-specific Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tyres provide outstanding grip on both dry and rainy roads, rounding off Valour’s remarkable hardware package.
The wide stance and well developed body of Valour eloquently reflect his huge performance potential and powerful driving qualities. The bodywork, constructed completely of carbon fibre, combines elements from the legendary V8 Vantage of the 1970s with Aston Martin’s modern design language. The end product is striking and obvious from any vantage point.
Underneath the clamshell hood, the twin-turbocharged V12 engine receives sufficient airflow via a big “horse shoe” vent and two NACA ducts. The characteristic grille design of an Aston Martin has undergone several iterations to improve its aesthetics and practicality. Large carbon fibre intakes on both sides supply cool air to the engine and brakes, while aluminium strakes define its middle part. Additionally, these elements encircle the distinctive round LED headlights designed by Valour, which rest behind an intimidating grille resembling an eyebrow.
The design deftly incorporates modern aerodynamic thinking, with the airflow being expertly managed to optimise stability and provide a distinctively aggressive appearance. Aerodynamic harmony is achieved by the integration of Valour’s flanks with the front fender vents and substantial front splitter, as well as the rear screen panel with vortex-generating exoblades, an elegantly upswept Kamm tail, and a pronounced diffuser.
Similar to the revolutionary Valkyrie hypercar, the back end showcases a striking tail-light pattern with clusters of six LED light blades on each side. For dramatic effect, the rear end is delineated by a full-width aluminium accent that has been machined from a solid billet and polished to a faultless finish. It separates the upper and lower parts. The triple tailpipe exhaust system, made of lightweight stainless steel, is the focal point of Valour’s exceptional rear design. It is positioned between the deep parts of the rear diffuser. Despite producing a magnificently heavyweight audio, this particular tubing saves 7 kg in weight as compared to a conventional system, thanks to its wall thickness of less than 1 mm.
Inside, Valour continues to pay homage to Aston Martin’s past with a classic two-seater cockpit that is both unusually simple and seductively tactile. Gear lever for manual gearbox is at the centre of this. With a gearknob made of machined aluminium, titanium, carbon fibre, or walnut, and an exposed shift mechanism to highlight the mechanical link, Valour focuses on restoring the physical and emotional connection that has been diminished by technological advancement.
The inside of the Valour sparkles with innovative and extremely effective mixes of materials, allowing clients to build their own unique specification. This is in keeping with Aston Martin’s long- standing trademark of expert material utilisation. Lightweight performance seats, bespoke door cards, fascia air vents, the upper centre console and the gearbox tunnel are crafted from carbon fibre, while traditional woollen tweed, reminiscent of the seat coverings of the 1959 Le Mans-winning DBR1, offers a stunning contrast.
A versatile way of livery customisation adds more individuality. Clients may select from a wide variety of hand- painted stripes and graphical patterns in a palette of twenty- one paint colours to adorn the front, bonnet, sides, and back of their Valour.
