Drop Dead Gorgeous: The Aston Martin Valour

In a surprise unveiling, Aston Martin has taken the automotive world by storm with the introduction of the Aston Martin Valour, a limited-edition masterpiece created to commemorate the company’s 110th anniversary. Drawing inspiration from the brand’s illustrious past, this extraordinary vehicle blends iconic design elements with uncompromising performance. However, what truly sets the Valour apart is its now rare manual 6-speed transmission paired with a plentiful 705 horsepower twin-turbo V12 engine.

Leading the design team behind the Valour is Miles Nurnberger, Aston Martin’s director of design, renowned for his visionary work on the celebrated CC100 Speedster concept, which was crafted to honor Aston Martin’s centennial milestone. While the CC100 embraced a minimalist and open-top design, the Valour takes a bold departure as a muscular coupe, paying homage to the square-rigged V8 Vantage that graced the roads from 1977 to 1989. Additionally, it bears a striking resemblance to the awe-inspiring Victor, a bespoke creation by Aston Martin’s Q division in 2020, based on the track-focused One-77.

The Valour’s aesthetic appeal is a testament to its heritage, showcasing a muscular stance and proportions reminiscent of Aston Martin’s distinguished lineage. The distinctive LED headlights and taillights, along with the twin NACA ducts on the bonnet, are exquisite details that honor the brand’s past while embracing modern technology. At the rear, a steeply raked integral ski-ramp Kamm tail adds a touch of aggression, accompanied by a louvered rear screen that, upon closer inspection, reveals itself to be a camera system rather than traditional glazing. With its exterior bodywork entirely composed of carbon fiber, the Valour exudes a sense of power and sophistication in every curve.

Under the hood, the Aston Martin Valour harnesses the might of a modified 5.2-liter V-12 engine borrowed from the outgoing DBS Superleggera. This extraordinary powerplant delivers a formidable 705 horsepower and 555 pound-feet of torque. While these figures may appear modest compared to the DBS 770 Ultimate edition, the slight reduction is a trade-off for the introduction of the highly sought-after six-speed manual gearbox. Aston Martin enthusiasts will rejoice at this rare occurrence, as it marks the first time a manual transmission has graced one of Aston’s “torque tube” models since the discontinuation of the DB9’s manual option in 2013.

While precise performance figures and weight specifications are yet to be disclosed, it is anticipated that the Aston Martin Valour will match the DBS Superleggera’s impressive performance. This would entail an exhilarating 0-60 mph sprint in the mid-3.0-second range and a top speed surpassing the 200 mph mark, truly embodying the spirit of Aston Martin’s legacy.

Inside the cabin, the Valour exudes elegance and sophistication. The meticulous craftsmanship is showcased by the beautiful wood and metal selector for the new gearbox, tastefully enveloped within a carbon-fiber surround. However, it should be noted that Aston Martin has opted to utilize its existing cabin architecture, as evidenced by the buttons borrowed from the soon-to-retire Vantage and the heating and ventilation dials. In an era of touchscreen interfaces, the Valour maintains a touch of tradition with its turn-and-click controller to operate the center screen.

The cabin also offers a myriad of delightful details, with the show car featuring exquisite tweed fabric reminiscent of the one used in the iconic 1959 DBR1 race car, a Le Mans 24 Hours winner. Furthermore, buyers can choose from 21 standard exterior colors, but for those seeking the ultimate personalization, Aston Martin’s esteemed Q Division will craft a unique, one-off shade for a significant premium.

With a starting price of £830,000 before taxes (equivalent to over $1 million USD), the Aston Martin Valour represents a substantial investment in automotive excellence. Aston Martin anticipates producing just 110 units for the global market, and all allocations have already been claimed by eager customers. The Valour destined for the United States will undergo full federal homologation, ensuring compliance with regulations. Customer deliveries are scheduled to commence in the final quarter of this year.

As Aston Martin commemorates 110 years of automotive artistry, the Valour stands as a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to unparalleled performance, exquisite craftsmanship, and timeless design. This limited-edition masterpiece will undoubtedly hold a cherished place in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts and collectors alike, solidifying Aston Martin’s legacy as a quintessentially British marque synonymous with luxury, elegance, and automotive brilliance.