Aston Martin, the legendary British automaker, celebrated its 110th anniversary this year with the launch of a powerful V-12 sports car called the Valour. This limited-edition vehicle is set to arrive for the 2024 model year, with only 110 examples being built for worldwide sale. It comes as no surprise that all build slots have already been claimed by eager buyers.
The Valour draws inspiration from Aston Martin’s Victor supercar, which was unveiled in 2020 as a unique creation based on the platform of the iconic One-77 supercar. Like the Victor, the Valour features retro styling that pays homage to the muscular V8 Vantage of the 1970s and ’80s, as well as the DBS V8-based RHAM/1 race car known as the Muncher that competed in multiple 24 Hours of Le Mans races during that era.
Miles Nurnberger, Aston Martin’s director of design, expressed the company’s approach to celebrating their significant milestone with the Valour, stating, “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.”
Under the hood, the Valour houses Aston Martin’s turbocharged 5.2-liter V-12 engine, which has been tuned to deliver an impressive 705 horsepower. Setting it apart from other models, the Valour comes equipped with a bespoke 6-speed manual transmission, harking back to a golden era of driving. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a mechanical limited-slip differential, further enhancing the car’s performance.
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In addition to the powerful drivetrain, the Valour benefits from a unique suspension setup with adaptive dampers, springs, and anti-roll bars. The car’s stability and traction control systems have also been specifically tuned, and various drive modes are available to provide drivers with a tailored experience. The chassis has been reinforced with shear panels, bracing around the gas tank, and a rear strut tower brace to enhance the car’s rigidity and handling.
Providing ample stopping power, the Valour is equipped with carbon-ceramic brake rotors and six-piston calipers in the front, and four-piston calipers in the rear. The brakes are housed within 21-inch wheels featuring a pattern similar to those found on Aston Martin’s DBS 770 Ultimate model. The tires are the new Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tires, introduced on the recently launched DB12, with a substantial size of 325/30 at the rear and 275/35 at the front.
The body of the Valour is predominately constructed from lightweight carbon fiber, which not only adds to its performance but also contributes to its striking aesthetics. The exterior features a large clamshell hood with a horseshoe vent and twin NACA ducts. Carbon fiber is also exposed in the interior, adorning the doors and center console. To further enhance the interior, classic materials such as woollen tweed inspired by the coverings of Aston Martin’s victorious 1959 Le Mans-winning DBR1 have been incorporated. The company also offers various customization options, including hand-painted liveries, to allow buyers to personalize their Valour according to their preferences.
Production of the Valour is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of the year, with the first deliveries expected before the end of 2023. Unfortunately, details regarding pricing have not yet been announced. Given the limited production run and the car’s exceptional features, it is expected to come with a considerable price tag.
In conclusion, Aston Martin’s Valour is a tribute to the brand’s illustrious history and marks a significant milestone in its journey. This limited-edition V-12 sports car combines retro-inspired styling with cutting-edge performance technologies, resulting in a truly remarkable driving experience. With only 110 examples available to enthusiasts around the world, the Valour is set to become a coveted collector’s item for automotive enthusiasts and Aston Martin fans alike.
