Aston Martin Valour: A spectacular celebration of 110 years of history

* Valour celebrates Aston Martin’s 110th anniversary by honouring its unique tradition of superlative special edition front-engined sportscars
* Bespoke 6-speed manual transmission uniquely mated to a 5.2 litre Twin Turbo V12 for maximum driver engagement and timeless classic appeal
* The last of an era, Valour fuses unmistakable looks, relentless performance and intense dynamic character to delight purists with the ultimate visceral driving experience
* Production limited to 110 units globally
* Spectacular styling reimagines iconic 1970s/1980s V8 Vantage and legendary ‘Muncher’ Le Mans racer using cutting edge materials and technology

11 July 2023, Gaydon, UK: In celebration of its 110th anniversary Aston Martin is proud to reveal Valour – a spectacular, ultra-exclusive V12-engined, manual transmission special edition built to honour the marque’s long tradition of superlative front-engined sports cars and delight purists who crave undiluted and visceral driving experiences.

Aimed squarely at those who relish a truly involving driving experience, Valour’s commitment to era-defining performance and stimulation is second to none. The only front-engined V12 sports car available with a manual transmission, its purist approach is unique in 2023 and a thrilling tribute to a golden era of driving.

Valour’s bloodline is second-to-none. Inspired by the original V8 Vantage and magnificent Vantage-based RHAM/1 ‘Muncher’ Le Mans racer from 1980, it boasts the unbridled brawn so typical of Aston Martin’s ultimate sports cars. Machines like the 1990s twin supercharged V600 Vantage; for a time the world’s most powerful production car. Immaculate design and flawless execution echoes that of the exquisite One-77 supercar, while its intense driver-centric character connects Valour to the one-off Victor.

With production limited to just 110 cars globally, Valour’s rarity ensures it will be amongst the most collectable of all Aston Martins. A mouth-watering end-of-an-era specification - which mates the epic 715PS/753Nm twin-turbocharged 5.2-litre V12 to a bespoke six-speed manual transmission for the very first time - guarantees a truly absorbing experience and secures Valour’s place in the pantheon of all-time great driver’s cars.

Benefitting from a unique powertrain calibration, Valour’s immense power and torque outputs are unrestrained, offering the driver full performance and utmost control in every gear. A mechanical limited-slip differential enhances the sense of direct analogue connection between car and driver, with the added support and reassurance of electronic traction and stability control systems. Valour’s Driving Modes – Sport, Sport+ and Track – have also been tuned to offer meticulously judged throttle response, torque management and sound character.

With standard-fit Carbon Ceramic Brakes, Valour has ample stopping power courtesy of 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. Offering increased braking performance and a significant 23kg reduction in un-sprung mass versus steel brakes, these CCB discs are engineered to resist brake fade at temperatures up to 800 degrees, enabling the driver to explore Valour’s full performance potential with maximum confidence and precise control.

Completing Valour’s impressive hardware package are a set of beautiful 21” lightweight forged alloy ‘Honeycomb’ wheels, which are fitted with the very latest AML-specific Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tyres - 275/35 R21 front tyres and 325/30 R21 on the rear - for inspired handling and road-holding in wet or dry conditions.

The clamshell bonnet features a large ‘horse shoe’ vent and twin NACA ducts to provide ample ventilation for the twin-turbocharged V12 that sits beneath. Aston Martin’s iconic grille shape has been evolved to enhance both form and function. Its 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 Valour and which sit beneath rakish eyebrow-like grille with menacing effect.

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. A full-width aluminium accent – milled from a solid billet and polished to a flawless finish – delineates the rear-end, separating the upper and lower sections to dramatic effect. Positioned between the deep elements of the rear diffuser is the centrepiece of Valour’s extraordinary rear design; 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 a gloriously heavyweight soundtrack.

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 gearknob, and an exposed shift mechanism to emphasise the mechanical connection, Valour majors on delivering the physical and emotional engagement that has been lost to progress.

Masterful use of materials has long been an Aston Martin hallmark, so it’s no surprise to find Valour’s interior shines with original and highly effective combinations from which customers can create their own unique specification. For example, traditional woollen tweed inspired by the seat coverings of Aston Martin’s 1959 Le Mans-winning DBR1 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.

Further personalisation comes in the form of a flexible method of livery customisation. Separating Valour’s body into four areas – front, bonnet, sides and rear – clients may choose from an extensive array of hand-painted stripes and graphics designs, which can be applied in any one of 21 paint colours.

Should a customer wish to go beyond the standard palette of Valour options then they may engage the services of Q by Aston Martin to create a truly bespoke specification. Examples of this include design of a one-off livery, fully exposed 2x2 twill carbon fibre bodywork with a choice of red, blue or green tint, painted wheels, Mokume carbon fibre interior detailing or a choice of Johnsons of Elgin tweed and cashmere fabrics for the seats and headlining.

source: Aston Martin Media

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