The limited edition Valour features a retro-inspired design as well as a twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12 engine that is connected to a six-speed manual
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Aston Martin is celebrating its 110th anniversary by unveiling a limited edition sports car known as the Valour.
Looking like nothing else in the lineup, the model has a retro-inspired design that draws inspiration from the original V8 Vantage as well as the RHAM/1 ‘Muncher’ Le Mans racer from 1980.
While the pictures unfortunately don’t do the car justice, the Valour features carbon fiber bodywork and a clamshell hood with a ‘horse shoe’ vent as well as twin NACA ducts. Further below, there are circular LED headlights, a wide grille, and vertical air curtains. They’re joined by a prominent splitter and exposed carbon fiber accents.
More: Aston Martin Gives The V12 Vantage A 690 HP, 200 MPH Send Off
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Moving down the sides, we can see pronounced front fenders with functional vents. The model also sports streamlined bodywork, muscular rear haunches, and a double bubble roof. One of the most eye-catching details are the 21-inch forged alloy wheels, which have a honeycomb design as well as Aston Martin specific Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tires. They’re backed up by a carbon ceramic braking system that has discs measuring 16.1 inches (410 mm) front and 14.2 inches (360 mm) rear.
Out back, there’s a distinctive Kamm tail and “vortex generating exoblades.” Aston Martin also installed a center-mounted triple tailpipe exhaust system, which is flanked by a prominent diffuser. Other highlights include LED taillight blades and a full-width aluminum accent.
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A Minimalist And Slightly Retro Interior
The cabin echoes the standard Vantage, but it features a revised center stack with new air vents and updated switchgear. Elsewhere, the center console is all-new as it had to be redesigned to incorporate the car’s six-speed manual transmission. The latter is controlled by a fancy shifter, which features a wooden ball and high-end details.
The company didn’t go into many specifics, but the car has carbon fiber door panels with pull straps. They’re joined by carbon fiber shelled sport seats, which have “woollen tweed” upholstery inspired by the seat coverings used in the Le Mans-winning DBR1 from 1959.
A Twin-Turbo 5.2-Liter V12 With 705 HP
Getting back to the powertrain, the Valour features a twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12 producing 705 hp (526 kW / 715 PS) and 555 lb-ft (753 Nm) of torque. That’s a slight increase over the V12 Vantage, which packs 690 hp (515 kW / 700 PS) and the same amount of torque.
The engine is connected to the aforementioned manual and it sends power to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential. Aston Martin didn’t delve into specifics, but the V12 Vantage can rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.4 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 200 mph (322 km/h).
While the automaker was coy on numbers, they confirmed the car has Sport, Sport+, and Track modes with “meticulously judged throttle response, torque management, and sound character.” The company added the model has a new steering system as well as a “bespoke suspension with adaptive dampers, springs, and anti-roll bars all honed specifically to the car.” Aston Martin went on to say the Valour benefits from a custom body structure that features front and rear shear panels, a rear strut tower brace, and fuel tank bracing for optimal stiffness.
While the automaker clearly focused on performance, it appears they didn’t forget about comfort as they noted the model is a “road car first and foremost.” As such, it promises to deliver excellent driving dynamics and enough “compliance to shine on great driving roads.”
Production Begins Later This Year
The Valour is set to become “amongst the most collectable of all Aston Martins” and production will be limited to 110 units globally. There’s no word on pricing, but the first deliveries are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.
Aston Martin Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll remarked, “Valour is a celebration of Aston Martin’s passion for driving and extraordinary heritage, but it is also emblematic of today’s vibrant and revitalized brand. A modern icon that fuses classic character with contemporary execution, Valour captures the essence of excitement and exclusivity that defines this storied automotive marque.”
