Is the Aston Martin Valiant the Ultimate Road-Legal Race Car? Meet the Beast That's Redefining Speed
Finding an Aston Martin that suits your driving desires isn’t hard—if you’re ready to shell out for one of these British luxuries. But if you're aiming to truly turn heads, then a bespoke creation by Q by Aston Martin is the ultimate route.
Q by Aston Martin specializes in crafting special editions of existing models and executing customized builds based on whatever whimsical demands their wealthy clientele conjure up. Perhaps the standout creation from Q’s portfolio is the Valour—a special edition released to celebrate Aston Martin’s 110th anniversary. This masterpiece housed a 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 engine, a six-speed manual transmission, and was limited to just 110 units.
Now, Q has taken another leap forward. One of their latest marvels is the Valiant, a personal project for Fernando Alonso of the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team. This isn’t just another car; it’s a union of the legendary Valour and Alonso’s specific desires, resulting in a street-legal, track-focused beast.
Power and Performance
The Valiant isn’t just built to impress aesthetically. It’s equipped with the Valour’s powerhouse—a 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12—though it boasts additional tweaks. This engine now produces a staggering 735 horsepower, a bump over the Valour’s already-impressive 705 hp. With 753 Nm of torque remaining constant, it’s built for sheer performance.
This power increase, combined with aerodynamic and weight-saving modifications, ensures that the Valiant is not just a looker but also a track monster. How has Aston Martin managed this weight loss? By integrating a 3D-printed rear subframe, a magnesium torque tube, a motorsport-spec lithium-ion battery, and lightweight 21-inch magnesium wheels, the Valiant sheds 82 pounds (37 kg) from its total weight.
Aerodynamic Enhancements
The aerodynamic profile has been meticulously crafted with carbon fiber, and the differences are immediately visible. New front splitters, a full-width grille, and innovative wheel aero discs help reduce turbulence and drag. These design elements were inspired by the aero discs from the iconic 1980 RHAM/1 Muncher Le Mans racer.
The Valiant’s bold exterior doesn’t just serve aesthetics but also significantly enhances performance. Scalloped side fenders, side skirts, and upswept vortex generators all feature to slash drag and improve downforce. At the rear, an upswept deck lid culminates in a massive fixed wing, enhancing the car's stability and performance at high speeds.
Advanced Cooling and Braking
Given the Valiant’s racetrack inclinations, superior cooling and stopping power were essential. Aston Martin equipped it with carbon ceramic brakes cooled by six inlets that guide air over them, plus apertures around the wheel circumference for heat dissipation. This dual cooling system ensures the Valiant can stop on a dime, crucial for any serious track-day machine.
Exclusive Suspension System
The Valiant boasts a state-of-the-art suspension system unavailable on the open market. Aston Martin’s Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) dampers are a marvel of engineering, automatically adjusting each damper to one of thirty-two curves in a matter of milliseconds. This results in unmatched cornering stability and performance.
Racing-Inspired Interior
Inside, the Valiant remains unashamedly focused on performance. The cabin houses Recaro Podium seats and a half-cage with anchor points for four-point race harnesses. Aston Martin has spared no detail, even designing a unique, switch-free steering wheel for intuitive control.
A cutaway in the transmission tunnel gives drivers an uninterrupted view of the gear linkage, driving home the connection between car and driver. Specialized features like these make the Valiant a unique, one-of-a-kind driving experience.
Only 38 of these masterpieces will be made, and unsurprisingly, they’re all spoken for. Prices remain undisclosed, but the exclusivity and performance make it clear these machines are reserved for the world’s elite.
Ready for Prime Time
The Valiant will begin reaching its new owners in the fourth quarter of this year. If you're impatient, you can catch a glimpse at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, where Fernando Alonso will take the wheel for dynamic demonstrations on the iconic Hill Climb course. It’s set to be one of the highlights of the automotive calendar.
In the Aston Martin Valiant, the brand has not just built a machine—they’ve crafted a legend, a car that will undoubtedly influence the future of road-legal racecars. This ultimate driving machine encapsulates the pinnacle of luxury, performance, and exclusivity.