To celebrate its 110th anniversary, the marque is making 110 editions of its new car, the Aston Martin Valour. On the inside, the Valour has a 5.2L twin-turbo V12 engine that produces 705 hp and 555 lb-ft. of torque… on the outside, it’s a retrofuturistic beast that celebrates not the future, but rather the past with a design that rejects the modern and embraces the muscle.
An intimidatingly beautiful automobile, the Valour has the raw, rugged appeal of some of the company’s older cars from the 70s – the V8 Vantage comes to mind. “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,” explains Aston’s design director Miles Nurnberger.
Designer: Aston Martin
In a world moving towards automated driving and electric powertrains, the Valour rejects convention by quite literally looking into the rearview mirror. Designed specifically for those who crave an immersive driving experience, Valour’s dedication to delivering unparalleled performance and excitement is unrivaled. As the sole front-engined V12 sports car equipped with a manual transmission, its devotion to purity stands out in the year 2023, paying homage to a thrilling era of driving.
“With its front-engine, sports car silhouette, short overhangs, and planted stance, Valour is intimidatingly beautiful,” says an Aston Martin spokesperson. The Aston Martin Valour’s commanding presence and exhilarating driving dynamics are beautifully showcased through its wide stance and meticulously sculpted body. Crafted entirely from carbon fiber, the exterior design seamlessly blends Aston Martin’s modern aesthetic with iconic elements reminiscent of the legendary 1970s V8 Vantage. The outcome is a striking and instantly recognizable masterpiece, exuding confidence and allure from every perspective.
The strikingly elegant design of Valour is accentuated by its wild and fierce cut-off Kamm-tail, which not only adds to its beauty but also generates substantial rear downforce, ensuring a well-balanced and stable performance.
The backside of the vehicle also showcases a striking arrangement of 6-part tail lights, drawing inspiration from the revolutionary Valkyrie hypercar. These lights consist of six LED light blades on each side, creating a captivating visual effect. Adding to the allure, a sleek strip of aluminum stretches across the entire width of the rear, meticulously crafted from a solid billet and polished to perfection. This elegant accent serves to separate the upper and lower sections, resulting in a truly dramatic aesthetic. Nestled amidst the elements of the rear diffuser lies the centerpiece of Valour’s remarkable rear design: a triple tailpipe exhaust system constructed from lightweight stainless steel.
The Aston Martin Valour is equipped with a remarkable array of features, including stunning 21″ lightweight forged alloy ‘Honeycomb’ wheels. These wheels are paired with the latest AML-specific Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tires, with 275/35 R21 front tires and 325/30 R21 rear tires. This combination ensures exceptional handling and road grip, whether driving in wet or dry conditions.
Production of the Valour will begin at Aston Martin’s Gaydon Headquarters in the third quarter of 2023, and customers can expect to receive their first deliveries in the fourth quarter of the same year. As one of Aston Martin’s highly sought-after front-engined special series sports cars, the Valour is a valuable collector’s item that’s designed to be driven, rather than be a caged beast sitting in a garage. Aston Martin plans on manufacturing only 110 units of the Valour, and chances are they’ve already sold out, so you can keep those kidneys of yours!