Aston Martin unveiled the Valour, a limited edition sports vehicle, to mark its 110th anniversary.
The vehicle boasts a retro-inspired look unlike anything else in the lineup and is modelled after the 1980 RHAM/1 'Muncher' Le Mans racer and the original V8 Vantage.
The Valour has carbon fibre bodywork, a clamshell hood with a "horseshoe" vent and twin NACA ducts, though the photographs don't do the car credit. A large grille, vertical air curtains, and round LED headlamps are farther down. A noticeable splitter and accents made of exposed carbon fibre connect them.
As we move down the sides, we notice prominent front fenders with functional vents. The vehicle also has a double bubble canopy, powerful rear haunches, and streamlined bodywork. The 21-inch forged alloy wheels with a honeycomb pattern and Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tires explicitly designed for Aston Martin are one of the vehicle's most striking features. They are supported by a braking system made of carbon ceramic with front discs that are 16.1 inches (410 mm) and rear discs that are 14.2 inches (360 mm) in size.
Back there is a characteristic Kamm tail and "vortex-generating exoblades." Additionally, Aston Martin added a conspicuous diffuser and a centre-mounted triple exhaust system. A full-width metal accent and LED taillight blades are further features.
The inside is similar to the normal Vantage, but the centre stack has been modified with additional air vents and switchgear. The centre console, on the other hand, is entirely new since it had to be developed to accommodate the six-speed manual transmission of the vehicle. A stylish shifter with a hardwood ball and upscale accents manages the latter.
The automobile boasts carbon fibre door panels with pull straps. However, the manufacturer didn't provide any further details. They are connected by carbon fibre-shelled sport seats with "woollen tweed" fabric modelled after the 1959 Le Mans-winning DBR1 seats.
Returning to Valour's drivetrain, it has a twin-turbo 5.2-litre V12 that generates 705 horsepower (526 kW / 715 PS) and 555 lb-ft (753 Nm) of torque. That is a slight improvement over the V12 Vantage's 690 horsepower (515 kW/700 PS) and equivalent torque.
The engine is coupled to the manual transmission, and a limited-slip differential transfers power from the engine to the rear wheels. Aston Martin omitted specifications, but the V12 Vantage can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour (0 to 96 kilometres per hour) in only 3.4 seconds and reach a peak speed of 200 miles per hour (322 km/h).
The carmaker declined to provide specific figures but stated that the vehicle includes Sport, Sport+, and Track modes with "meticulously judged throttle response, torque management, and sound character." The manufacturer also noted that the vehicle includes a new steering system and "bespoke suspension with adaptive dampers, springs, and anti-roll bars all honed specifically to the car." The Valour, according to Aston Martin, has a unique body construction that includes front and rear shear panels, a brace for the rear strut tower, and bracing for the fuel tank for maximum rigidity.
Although the carmaker was performance-focused, they did not neglect comfort as they stated that the vehicle is a "road car first and foremost." Therefore, it guarantees exceptional driving dynamics and sufficient "compliance to shine on great driving roads."
The Valour will only be produced in 110 copies worldwide, making it "among the most collectable of all Aston Martins." Although prices have not been disclosed, the first deliveries are anticipated to start in the fourth quarter of this year.
"Valour is a celebration of Aston Martin's passion for driving and extraordinary heritage, but it is also emblematic of today's vibrant and revitalised brand," said Aston Martin Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll. The modern icon Valour epitomises the thrill and luxury that distinguish this illustrious car brand by fusing vintage characters with modern execution.
