Exclusive Ride: How Alonso Pushed Aston Martin to Create the Ultimate V-12 Manual Supercar
When you're a legendary racing driver like Fernando Alonso, your requests don't just get heard—they get acted upon. And when it's a request involving a high-profile manufacturer like Aston Martin, you're not just getting a car built; you're getting a masterpiece. When Alonso went to Aston Martin wanting a more extreme take on their recent road-going track-focused-valour">supercar, the Valour, it set the wheels in motion for an extraordinary creation.
The insistence of Alonso for something lighter, more powerful, and more track-focused resonated deeply within Aston Martin’s customization program, dubbed Q. The outcome was the Valiant, a bespoke model conceived in celebration of Aston Martin's incredible 110-year legacy. The goal was simple yet ambitious: take the Valour, and elevate it to heights yet unseen.
The Heart-Racing Specs
Meet the Valiant—a phoenix born from the Valour's ashes. Under the hood, it's armed with a V-12 engine strapped with twin turbochargers and paired with a six-speed manual transmission. This powerhouse now delivers an awe-inspiring 745 hp and 555 lb-ft of torque, a staggering 40 hp leap from the Valour. Bringing this brute force to a halt are carbon-ceramic brake rotors with six-piston calipers, ensuring you have the stopping power to match.
While the engine specs might take your breath away, the real magic lies in its sophisticated suspension system. Each corner is equipped with Multimatic’s Adaptive Spool Valve dampers, an engineering marvel experienced firsthand by those who've driven the Ford GT and other high-performance Aston Martin models such as the One-77 and Vanquish Zagato.
Shedding the Extra Weight
The Valiant isn't just about raw power—it’s about optimized performance. Thanks to a litany of weight-saving measures, its prowess on the track is unparalleled. Features like a 3D-printed rear subframe trim off 6.6 pounds, a magnesium torque tube shaves another 19 pounds, and magnesium wheels save a hefty 31 pounds. Add a motorsport-spec lithium-ion battery that lops off 25 pounds, and you’re looking at an overall lighter, more agile beast.
Aerodynamics That Woo
The Valiant's bodywork received a meticulous overhaul to enhance aerodynamics. You'll find a new front splitter, a carbon fiber rear diffuser, and an upswept deck lid crowned with a fixed wing. All these elements converge to substantially increase downforce. Across its chassis, aero discs on the wheels, end planes, side sills, and vortex generators affirm its aerodynamic genius, allowing air to glides smoothly over its surfaces.
Exclusive Features Fit for a Legend
The exclusivity of the Valiant extends to its finer details. Four titanium exhaust tips protrude from the rear, unique to this model. The steering wheel is custom-made and devoid of clutter, with no controls on its spokes, epitomizing the pure driving experience. Inside, a half-roll cage made of steel adds to the car's safety and structural rigidity.
The Future of Collectibles
Has Aston Martin succeeded in crafting a true collectible? The Valiant, with its motorsport underpinnings and street-legal marvel, echoes the vibes of the Ford GT Heritage Editions. Its value on the secondary market is yet to be determined, but much hinges on Aston Martin's ongoing performance in the racing spotlight, be it Formula 1 or sports-car racing.
As Alonso revels in his drive, one might wonder if he wishes that his exclusive creation remained just that—exclusively his. The Valiant is a masterpiece destined to captivate, excite, and, quite possibly, define a collectible era.
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