In celebration of its 110th anniversary, Aston Martin has taken the covers off a spectacular, ultra-exclusive V12 special edition model, to be known simply as Valour. Paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, it’s a visceral offering from the car maker.
Aimed squarely at those who relish a truly involving driving experience, the Valour’s commitment to era-defining performance and stimulation is second to none. A glorious throwback, it’s inspired by the original V8 Vantage and RHAM/1 ‘Muncher’ Le Mans racer.
With production limited to just 110 cars globally, and a mouth-watering end-of-an-era spec, the Valour’s 5.2-litre twin-turbo engine offers 525kW of power and 753Nm of torque. It features Sport, Sport+ and Track driving modes, as well as traction and stability control.
Underlining its dynamic credentials, the Valour has received 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.
These characteristics ensure the Valour possesses distinct and defined ride and handling qualities. A road car first, it successfully strikes a balance of taut, precise vertical body control and resolute resistance to roll, while offering compliance on great roads.
Its custom carbon fibre body structure features front and rear shear panels, a rear suspension tower strut brace and fuel tank bracing. These elements maximise both torsional and lateral stiffness, providing the suspension with an optimised platform.
In addition, a new steering system removes unwanted sources of compliance to give the driver even greater sense of detailed feel, connection and immediacy. Standard-fit carbon ceramic brakes feature 410mm x 38mm front discs, gripped by 6-piston callipers.
At the rear, 360mm x 32mm discs are paired with 4-piston callipers. Completing the Valour’s impressive hardware package are a set of beautiful 21-inch lightweight forged alloy ‘Honeycomb’ wheels, with AML-specific Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tyres.
The Valour’s celebration of Aston Martin’s heritage continues inside, with a timeless two-seater cockpit of uncommon simplicity and seductive tactility. Central to this is the manual transmission gear lever.
With a choice of machined aluminium, titanium, carbon fibre or walnut for the gear knob, and an exposed shift mechanism, the Valour majors on delivering the physical and emotional engagement that has been lost to progress.
Traditional woollen tweed seat coverings provide a wonderful contrast against the high-tech weave of carbon fibre used to form the shells of Valour’s lightweight performance seats, bespoke door cards, fascia air vents, upper centre console and transmission tunnel.
Buyers can personalise their ride with an extensive array of hand-painted stripes and graphics designs, which can be applied in any one of 21 paint colours. Custom interior trims are also available.
Valour production is due to commence at Aston Martin’s Gaydon Headquarters in Q3 of 2023, with first deliveries scheduled to begin during Q4 of this year. Further details, including local pricing, are available from your local Aston Martin dealer.
