A year after the release of the Valour to celebrate Aston Martin’s 110th anniversary, the British brand has unveiled a more focused, track-oriented version called the Valiant. With only 38 units available worldwide, this Q-developed model is based on a personal request from Fernando Alonso, who desired a more extreme, track-honed variation of the Valour. The model is set to make its debut at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, with Alonso himself behind the wheel.
While the Valiant remains road legal, it incorporates insights from the Valkyrie and Vantage GT3 race car development. Equipped with Multimatic’s ASV dampers, an exterior design prioritizing downforce over aesthetics, and a stripped-back cabin, the Valiant also emphasizes lightweight materials and safety. A standard half-cage is installed, and components are crafted from magnesium and titanium for enhanced lightness.
Powered by the same 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine as the Valour, the Valiant boasts an additional 30bhp for a total of 735bhp, while maintaining 555lb ft of torque. Despite its track focus, the new model retains the bespoke six-speed manual gearbox, now featuring a spherical gear knob and exposed linkage.
The Valiant’s design shares similarities with the Valour but introduces aero-centric carbon fibre bodywork to increase downforce. Features such as a prominent front splitter with end planes, full-width front grille, redesigned side skirts with vortex generators, and a new rear wing mounted above the central quad-exit titanium exhaust system enhance the model’s aerodynamics. The 21-inch magnesium wheels, incorporating carbon fibre aero discs inspired by the ’80s RHAM/1 ‘Muncher’ Le Mans racer, contribute to the overall aero balance.
Weight reduction plays a crucial role in the Valiant’s performance enhancements. A 3D-printed rear subframe saves 3kg, a magnesium torque tube reduces mass by 8.6kg, and a motorsport-spec lithium-ion battery trims kerbweight by 11.5kg. The standard four-point harness mounted to the half cage, redesigned steering wheel, and Recaro Podium seats, retrimmed in Alcantara or semi-aniline leather, prioritize the perfect balance of weight savings and comfort.
Alonso expressed his excitement for the Valiant, stating, “Valour was a spectacular celebration of Aston Martin’s 110th anniversary, and stirred me to create a more extreme, race car inspired version that was track focused, 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.”
The Aston Martin Valiant is set to hit the road in Q4 2024, with all 38 units already spoken for. The model will premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, with Fernando Alonso showcasing its capabilities.