aston martin reveals ‘valiant,’ a road-legal track car with magnesium wheels & 3D printed rear
2024-06-25
Aston Martin Valiant: The Ultimate Road-Legal and Track-Focused Masterpiece
Aston Martin, the renowned British luxury automaker, has unveiled its latest creation, the Valiant, a road-legal and track-focused car that promises to redefine the boundaries of performance and exclusivity. Designed to cater to the needs of discerning enthusiasts, the Valiant is the result of a collaboration between the brand's specialized team, 'Q by Aston Martin,' and Formula One driver Fernando Alonso, who sought a lighter and more race-inspired version of the Aston Martin Valour.
Unleashing the Power of Precision and Passion
Lightweight Carbon Fiber Dominance
The Aston Martin Valiant is a testament to the brand's commitment to innovation and engineering excellence. Crafted predominantly from carbon fiber, the Valiant's bodywork is designed to be both lightweight and visually striking. The broad, muscular stance and sharp features of the car not only enhance its aerodynamic performance but also contribute to its commanding presence on the road or track. The use of carbon fiber extends to the front grille, allowing for improved airflow and engine cooling, while the deeply sculpted side fenders and carbon-fiber wheel covers further streamline the airflow, reducing drag and lift to keep the Valiant stable and grounded at high speeds.
Precision-Engineered for Uncompromising Performance
Aston Martin's engineers have meticulously engineered the Valiant to strike the perfect balance between road-legal and track-focused capabilities. The incorporation of a 3D-printed rear subframe shaves 3 kilograms off the vehicle's weight without compromising its structural integrity, while the magnesium torque tube reduces the overall weight by an impressive 8.6 kilograms, enhancing the car's handling and agility. The 21-inch magnesium wheels, specially sized to reduce weight by 14 kilograms, further contribute to the Valiant's nimble and responsive driving dynamics.
Aerodynamic Mastery: Kamm Tail and Rear Spoiler
The Valiant's aerodynamic prowess is showcased in its distinctive design features. The sharp, flat "Kamm tail" at the rear, combined with the upward-angled rear deck, not only creates a striking visual statement but also plays a crucial role in generating downforce to keep the car stable and planted at high speeds. The prominent fixed rear wing further enhances the Valiant's aerodynamic performance, providing additional downforce to ensure exceptional stability and control during high-speed maneuvers.
Cockpit Crafted for the Enthusiast
Step inside the Valiant, and you'll be greeted by a cockpit that exudes a perfect blend of race-inspired functionality and luxurious refinement. The exposed satin-finish carbon fiber throughout the cabin keeps the weight down, while the Recaro Podium seats provide exceptional support and comfort for the driver and passenger. The new steering wheel, tailored specifically for the Valiant, features a slimmer rim and a clean, switch-free design, offering an intuitive and distraction-free driving experience. The gearshift has also been meticulously engineered, with a spherical gear knob and an H-pattern shifting mechanism for precise and satisfying gear changes.
Uncompromising Power and Control
At the heart of the Aston Martin Valiant lies a potent 5.2-liter V12 engine, equipped with twin turbochargers and delivering an impressive 745 horsepower and 753 Nm of torque. Paired with a six-speed manual transmission, the Valiant offers the driver a more engaging and connected driving experience, with the ability to precisely control the power delivery. The carbon ceramic brakes ensure exceptional stopping power, even under the most demanding conditions, providing the driver with the confidence to push the limits on the racetrack.
Race-Ready Capabilities
While the Valiant is designed to be road-legal, Aston Martin has not compromised its track-focused credentials. The inclusion of a built-in half-cage made of steel provides an added layer of safety and serves as a sturdy anchor point for the 4-point race harnesses, keeping the driver securely in place during high-speed maneuvers. The passive thorax ventilation in the Recaro Podium seats further enhances the driver's comfort and endurance during intense track sessions.As Aston Martin prepares to deliver the first units of the Valiant in the fourth quarter of 2024, enthusiasts and collectors alike eagerly await the opportunity to experience this extraordinary road-legal and track-focused masterpiece. With its stunning design, uncompromising performance, and race-inspired features, the Aston Martin Valiant promises to redefine the boundaries of what a road-legal car can achieve, captivating the hearts and minds of driving enthusiasts around the world.