The Aston Martin Valour is the newest car unveiled by Aston Martin to commemorate its 110th anniversary. It is a production version of the one-off Victor coupe revealed in 2020. The Valour retains many design elements from the Victor, which pays homage to Aston Martin’s Vantage models from the 1970s and 1980s.
Here are some of the key features of the Aston Martin Valour:
- 5.2-liter twin-turbo V-12 engine
- 705 hp and 555 lb-ft of torque
- Six-speed manual transmission
- Bespoke suspension setup
- 21-inch forged alloy wheels
- Carbon-ceramic brakes
- Tweed-covered bucket seats
- Carbon interior trim
- Limited to 110 units
Victor
The available photos show Valour shares most of its panels with Victor, with a few notable changes. The side-exit exhaust pipes have been replaced with rear-exit pipes, and the rear window has been replaced with a body-colored panel featuring three slats. The interior remains mostly unchanged, except for the steering wheel, which now has a more traditional round shape compared to the race-inspired horseshoe-like unit in the Victor.
Powerful drivetrain
The Valour maintains its powerful drivetrain, featuring Aston Martin’s 5.2-litre twin-turbo V-12 engine. It produces 705 horsepower and 555 lb-ft of torque. Notably, the Valour is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, making it the first Aston Martin to pair this engine with a three-pedal setup.
Underneath, the Valour has a bespoke suspension setup with adaptive dampers and specific springs, prioritizing a compliant and precise ride for road use. It features 21-inch forged alloy wheels in a honeycomb pattern, covering carbon-ceramic brakes with six-piston callipers at the front and four at the rear.
Interior
Inside the cabin, the two-seater Valour offers tweed-covered bucket seats with carbon shells. Carbon fibre is also used on door cards, air vents, transmission tunnel, and centre console parts. The shifter knob is available in different materials, including machined aluminium, titanium, carbon fibre, or walnut.
Aston Martin plans to produce only 110 units of the Valour globally, with production starting in the third quarter of 2023 and deliveries expected to commence in the fourth quarter. While pricing details have not been disclosed, the Valour is anticipated to be priced higher than the average Aston Martin DBS.
Pros of the Aston Martin Valour:
- Unique Design: The Valour features a distinctive design that pays homage to Aston Martin’s heritage, particularly the Vantage models of the 1970s and 1980s. It offers a visually striking and exclusive appearance.
- Powerful Engine: Equipped with Aston Martin’s 5.2-litre twin-turbo V-12 engine, the Valour delivers 705 horsepower and 555 lb-ft of torque. This ensures impressive performance and exhilarating driving experiences.
- Manual Transmission: The Valour is the first Aston Martin to pair the twin-turbo V-12 engine with a six-speed manual transmission. This offers a more engaging and connected driving experience for enthusiasts who enjoy shifting gears.
- Limited Production: With only 110 units planned for production, the Valour is an exclusive and rare vehicle. Owning one would provide a sense of exclusivity and collectability.
- Bespoke Suspension: The Valour features a bespoke suspension setup with adaptive dampers and specific springs. This allows for a compliant and precise ride, ensuring a balance between comfort and performance.
Cons of the Aston Martin Valour:
- Limited Availability: Due to its limited production run, the Aston Martin Valour may be difficult to acquire, and potential buyers may face challenges securing a unit.
- High Price: As a limited-edition Aston Martin with unique features and exclusivity, the Valour will likely come with a significant price tag. It will likely be more expensive than the average Aston Martin DBS, making it less accessible to a wider range of buyers.
- Rear Window Deletion: The Valour has replaced the rear window with a body-colored panel featuring slats. While this contributes to the car’s distinctive design, it may compromise rear visibility for the driver.
- Lack of Rear Seats: The Valour is a two-seater sports car, which does not provide rear seats. This limits the practicality and passenger-carrying capacity of the vehicle, making it less suitable for those who require additional seating.
- Limited Practicality: Sports cars like the Valour often prioritizes performance and driving experience over practicality. This means limited cargo space and potentially compromised comfort for longer journeys.
Conclusion
The Aston Martin Valour is an exciting new car that celebrates Aston Martin’s 110th anniversary. It offers a unique design, a powerful engine, and the inclusion of a manual transmission, which will appeal to enthusiasts who appreciate a more engaging driving experience. The limited production run adds exclusivity and collectability to Valour.
However, potential drawbacks include the limited availability and high price, which may make it challenging for some buyers to acquire. The rear window deletion could impact rear visibility, and the lack of rear seats limits the practicality and passenger capacity of the vehicle. Additionally, being a sports car, the Valour may prioritize performance over practicality, with limited cargo space and potentially compromised comfort.
Ultimately, the Aston Martin Valour is an exceptional vehicle for those seeking a unique, high-performance driving experience. However, individual preferences and requirements should be considered when evaluating whether it suits a particular buyer’s needs and budget.
