Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin Valiant: A Bespoke Supercar

What happens when Fernando Alonso, the acclaimed Formula One driver and two-time World Champion, approaches Aston Martin with a vision for a new street car? The result is the Aston Martin Valiant, an exclusive and bespoke supercar that combines track-focused performance with road legality. This extraordinary vehicle comes from Q, Aston Martin’s distinguished bespoke commissions department, renowned for crafting one-of-a-kind automobiles tailored to individual specifications.

The Valiant represents the pinnacle of Aston Martin’s engineering prowess, building upon the foundation laid by the Valour, which made its debut a year prior. Both cars are powered by the same formidable 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine, but the Valiant takes performance to a new level with a significant power boost. The engine now produces an impressive 735 horsepower, an increase that highlights Aston Martin’s commitment to delivering unparalleled driving experiences. To complement this power boost, the Valiant has undergone extensive weight reduction measures. The car incorporates cutting-edge materials such as magnesium and titanium, alongside advanced 3D printing technology, to minimize weight without compromising structural integrity. The body of the Valiant is crafted entirely from carbon fiber, a material known for its strength and lightness. Design inspiration for the Valiant’s muscular and aerodynamic body was drawn from the iconic 1980 Le Mans racer, affectionately dubbed ‘Muncher’ by Aston Martin.

Exclusivity is a hallmark of the Valiant, with Aston Martin committing to producing only 38 units. This limited production run ensures that each Valiant will be a rare and coveted possession. The car is set to make its highly anticipated public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in southern England next month, with Fernando Alonso himself showcasing the Valiant’s capabilities and driving dynamics to an international audience.

At the heart of the Valiant’s performance is its robust 5.2-liter V12 engine, which is paired with a bespoke six-speed manual transmission. This combination is a rare find in today’s automotive landscape, particularly in track-oriented supercars. The manual transmission not only enhances the driving experience but also allows drivers to fully engage with the car’s performance. The engine generates a formidable 482 lb-ft of torque, translating to exhilarating acceleration and power delivery. Although Aston Martin has not yet disclosed specific figures for the Valiant’s 0-60 mph acceleration time and top speed, enthusiasts can reasonably expect impressive figures, with expectations set at starting with a three and a two, respectively.

Aston Martin’s design philosophy for the Valiant is to merge the raw, visceral style and performance of classic V12-powered cars with the latest advancements in technology and engineering. The Valiant is described as embodying the “brutal style and blistering performance” of a previous era, while integrating “state-of-the-art contemporary engineering, lightweight materials, and spectacular design.” This blend of old and new is evident in every aspect of the Valiant, from its performance capabilities to its aesthetic design.

The Valiant is equipped with a range of high-performance features designed to enhance its track capabilities. Standard equipment includes carbon-ceramic brakes, which feature large 410 mm rotors at the front and 360 mm rotors at the rear. These brakes provide exceptional stopping power and heat dissipation. Aston Martin’s use of 3D printing technology has allowed for significant weight savings, including a reduction of 6.6 lbs from the rear subframe. Additionally, the incorporation of a magnesium torque tube has reduced mass at the car’s central point by nearly 19 lbs. The Valiant’s 21-inch wheels, also made from magnesium, contribute to a reduction in unsprung mass by approximately 31 lbs. Further weight reduction is achieved through the use of a motorsport-spec lithium-ion battery, which saves an additional 25 lbs from the car’s ancillary electrical system.

One of the key innovations in the Valiant is its advanced suspension system. The car features the Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve suspension, a motorsport-grade system capable of adjusting each damper to one of 32 distinct curves in under six milliseconds. This advanced suspension technology, derived from motorsport applications and not available on the public aftermarket, provides Aston Martin’s engineers with “almost limitless scope for tuning ride and handling characteristics.” This level of precision and adaptability ensures that the Valiant delivers an exceptional driving experience, whether on the track or the road.

According to Simon Newton, Director of Vehicle Performance at Aston Martin, the Valiant represents a shift in focus towards enhanced track capability while retaining enough usability for enjoyable road driving. “With Valiant, we’ve shifted the emphasis towards much increased track capability while retaining enough usability to remain enjoyable on the road. It all combines to create an amazing experience Valiant owners won’t find in any other car,” Newton explained.

The Valiant’s rear end design sets it apart from the Valour, featuring a large, fixed wing mounted above the upward-sweeping ‘Kamm’ tail. This design element not only enhances aerodynamics but also contributes to the car’s distinctive appearance. The rear of the Valiant also includes a fixed, one-piece clamshell opening, which houses a hinged rear screen panel. This panel provides access to a stowage area designed to accommodate helmets and race suits, reflecting the car’s racing heritage.

Another notable feature is the Valiant’s prominent exhaust system, which includes four titanium tailpipes designed for maximum visual impact. Inside, the Valiant’s cockpit is a showcase of exposed carbon fiber with a satin finish. The interior features a unique steering wheel with a slim-diameter rim, a half-cage with anchor points for a four-point race harness, and an H-pattern shifter for the manual transmission. These elements emphasize the car’s performance-oriented design and racing lineage.

Aston Martin has announced that deliveries of the Valiant will commence in the fourth quarter of 2024. Fernando Alonso, who played a pivotal role in the development of this exceptional supercar, will receive the first Valiant, marking a significant moment for both the driver and the brand. The Aston Martin Valiant stands as a testament to the fusion of high-performance engineering and bespoke design, embodying Fernando Alonso’s vision and Aston Martin’s commitment to excellence.