Aston Martin to produce road-legal Alonso-commissioned Valiant
Aston Martin has announced an ultra-exclusive, track-focused, road-legal extreme Valiant special edition sportscar based on a personal commission by Aston Martin F1 driver Fernando Alonso.
The bespoke chassis specification features Multimatic ASV dampers and recalibrated electronics for enhanced track capability, powered by 745PS 5.2 litre Twin-Turbo V12 engine mated to a bespoke 6-speed manual transmission.
The all-carbon fibre bodywork with aerodynamic features will reduce the weight and increase downforce while a pared-back, lightweight interior enhances connection and driver focus.
For the less technically minded, the simplified version of all that is: it's mind-blowingly fast and state-of-the art, drawing on the latest cutting edge technology from across the entire world of motorsport.
Alonso will take the wheel of the car for its public debut at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed next month. Production is limited to just 38 units globally, with first deliveries due to commence delivery in Q4 2024.
“Valour was a spectacular celebration of Aston Martin's 110th anniversary," Alonso said in the official press release from the company
"It stirred me to create a more extreme, race car inspired version that was track focussed, while also delivering a thrilling drive on-road.
"Valiant is born from my passion for driving at the limit and I have enjoyed working closely with the Q by Aston Martin team on both the design and technical specification and believe we have created a masterpiece.”
© Aston Martin
"Valiant is a modern masterpiece," confidently declares Marco Mattiacci, Global Chief Brand and Commercial Officer of Aston Martin. "It embodies Aston Martin’s determined commitment to build rare and extraordinary cars for true drivers.
Mattiacci said the car was "inspired by a racing legend and conceived using the latest F1® inspired technology, exotic materials and obsessive weight reduction.
"It focusses on placing the driver in a truly unique, intense and emotional driving experience. The ultimate blend of performance, track-focused dynamics and hypercar intensity," he continued.
Describing the Valiant as the new pinnacle of ferocious front-engined Aston Martin limited edition specials, the company said it would deliver its best on-track while remaining fully homologated for road use.
“With Valiant we’ve shifted the emphasis towards much increased track capability while retaining enough useability to remain enjoyable on the road," said Simon Newton, Aston Martin’s Director of Vehicle Performance.
"We’ve moved the dial in every key area to extract greater performance and deliver more excitement," he continued. "Above all we have put the driver right at the heart of the action.
"It all combines to create an amazing experience Valiant owners won’t find in any other car," he promised.
Aston said that Valiant’s dramatic bodywork makes an explicit statement of intent, broad and muscular with sharply chiseled features shaped to generate stability enhancing downforce and minimize speed-sapping drag.
“Valiant is an extrovert, one look leaves you in no doubt of its intentions," declared Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer.
"A true thoroughbred aimed at being enjoyed to the full on a racetrack, yet still useable on the road, it takes clear inspiration from motorsport.
Amongst "a plethora of beautiful, functional details" are aero disc wheel covers, which are a nod to the mighty ‘Muncher’ Le Mans car, and "a quartet of large diameter titanium exhaust pipes evoking Aston’s magnificent V12."
In summary, the Valiant is described by Aston as: "Styled for your vices. Without one detail lacking in excess".
It's likely many would take exception with this depiction...
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