Aston Martin Valiant, the incredible order from Fernando Alonso

Powered by a 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 producing 745 hp paired with a six-speed manual transmission, Valiant is a unique tool for happiness.

Valiant was born from a very special request made by the driver of the Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 team, Fernando Alonso. A purist, he wanted a lighter, more extreme, race-oriented version of the already spectacular Aston Martin Valour. A concentrate of sportiness and noble mechanics, more usable on a daily basis than the hypercar Valkyrie.

To satisfy a driver of Fernando Alonso’s caliber, nothing less than the combination of an incredible 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 developing 745 hp and 753 Nm of torque, along with a six-speed manual transmission, is required. Valiant also comes standard with carbon-ceramic brakes measuring 410 mm x 38 mm at the front and 360 mm x 32 mm at the rear, ensuring immense demands on the neck with every press of the brake pedal.

But the chase for sensations naturally involves a reduction in weight. The adoption of a 3D-printed rear sub-frame saves 3 kg without reducing stiffness, while a magnesium torsion tube reduces the mass at the car’s central point by 8.6 kg. Lightweight 21-inch magnesium wheels, equipped with 275/35 tires in front and 325/30 in the rear, improve steering response and vehicle control, reducing unsprung mass by 14 kg. A lithium-ion battery derived from F1 technology has been installed to save an additional 11.5 kg.

According to its designers, every square centimeter of Valiant’s streamlined body serves an aesthetic and aerodynamic purpose. Cutting through the air, the front splitter keeps the nose glued to the tarmac. Its ends feature modern Formula 1-style fins that guide airflow around the front wheels. Inspired by the hubcaps mounted on the legendary RHAM/1 “Muncher” from Le Mans in 1980 and directly attached to the lightweight forged magnesium wheels, aerodynamic plates reduce the turbulence and drag created by the rotating wheels. The rear of Valiant is just as efficient and spectacular, with a sleek prow topped by a prominent fixed wing. No frills or active devices, just brutality. The carbon rear diffuser completes the aerodynamic package. It perfectly frames Valiant’s spectacular titanium quad-exit exhaust system, designed for maximum visual impact and finely tuned to enhance the V12’s soundtrack.

To make the most of this optimized chassis, each of Valiant’s driving modes, Sport, Sport+, and Track, has been recalibrated to help the driver gradually explore all the car’s performance capabilities.

Only 38 units will be produced, and all have already been allocated to loyal brand customers. The price is of course kept secret, and we will have to wait for the first units to be resold to get an estimate. While deliveries are expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2024, Valiant will make its grand public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed next July. Who will be in charge of this first presentation run? The first customer of Valiant and double Formula 1 world champion, Fernando Alonso, of course!

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