To mark 110 years of production, Aston Martin is to build a 705bhp manual transmission V12 engined supercar with a price tag of more than £1 million.
The Valour has styling cues taken from legendary Astons of the 1970s and 80s – and just 110 are to be released.
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.”
It will be the only front-engined V12 sports car available with a manual transmission, and Aston Martin says its purist approach is unique in 2023 and a thrilling tribute to a golden era of driving.
Inspired by the original V8 Vantage and Vantage-based RHAM/1 ‘Muncher’ Le Mans racer from 1980, it boasts the unbridled brawn so typical of Aston Martin’s ultimate sports cars such as the 1990s twin supercharged V600 Vantage - for a time the world’s most powerful production car.
The Valour has a 5.2-litre engine and although performance details have not been released, the company says it represents a ‘glorious throwback and contemporary masterpiece’.
“Valour is the best of Aston Martin past and present and the antidote to cars that seek to isolate drivers from the process of driving,” it says.
The Valour has a bespoke suspension, with adaptive dampers, springs and anti-roll bars all honed specifically to the car. Wheel alignment geometry has dedicated camber, castor and toe settings.
With standard-fit carbon ceramic brakes, its stopping power features front discs measuring 410mm x 38mm and gripped by 6-piston calipers. At the rear, 360mm x 32mm discs are paired with 4-piston calipers.
The car is made from carbon fibre and has a clamshell bonnet with a large ‘horse shoe’ vent and twin NACA ducts to provide ventilation for the twin-turbocharged V12.
The front grille central section is defined by aluminium strakes, while large carbon fibre intakes on either side feed the engine and brakes with cool air. They also frame the classically inspired round LED headlights, unique to the Valour.
The rear-end also features a dramatic tail-light graphic, with clusters of LED light blades - six on each side - echoing the ground-breaking Valkyrie hypercar.
Positioned between the elements of the rear diffuser is a triple tailpipe exhaust system fabricated from lightweight stainless steel. With a wall thickness of less than 1mm this special tubing makes a 7kg weight saving versus a traditional system, yet emits what Aston describes as 'a gloriously heavyweight soundtrack'.
Miles Nurnberger, Aston Martin’s director of design, said: “At Aston Martin our design is always progressive, but when it comes to celebrating a significant milestone – in this instance our 110th birthday - we allow ourselves a little latitude. Consequently, Valour is gloriously unapologetic; an old-school brute refined and reimagined through the lens of 2023. Making a return to a chiselled shape, moving away from the more sculptural forms that define current series production Aston Martin’s, with bold details and modern materials root in the present.”
“We were keen to ensure its looks reflect the driving experience. The raw physicality of the shape should tell you all you need to know about the ferocious performance and analogue thrills of taming a 705bhp manual transmission sports car, yet the clear use of the latest technology points to a car with modern manners and exceptional dynamic capabilities”.
Valour production is due to commence at Aston Martin’s Gaydon headquarters, with first deliveries scheduled to begin during the final quarter of 2023.
Aston says that all 110 Valours have already been allocated to customers.
Prices correct as of 12/07/2023 and are subject to change.
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