V12 Beasts and Manual Thrills: Aston Martin Valor vs. Porsche 911 S-T - A Game Changer or Mere Nostalgia?

The year 2024 is proving to be a beacon of hope for automobile enthusiasts, thanks to the rise of indomitable V12 engines and, quite surprisingly, the revival of manual gearboxes. This seismic shift is heralded by two stunning examples of machinery: the Aston Martin Valour and the Porsche 911 S-T.

Meet the Aston Martin Valour

Before we dive deep into the intricacies of the Valour, it's essential to take a step back and reintroduce ourselves to the Aston Martin Victor. Back in 2021, Aston Martin showed off this modern marvel, a retro re-body of the iconic 177 supercar. With a majestic Cosworth-enhanced V12 outputting a monstrous 836 brake horsepower, the Victor was not just eye-candy; it was a powerhouse. However, its true charm lay in its manual transmission - a choice made by its affluent Belgian owner who yearned for the tactile pleasure only a clutch pedal can provide.

The Victor, though a limited piece, seemingly piqued the interest of many collectors. Aston Martin, always in tune with its audience, responded with the Valour. Utilizing the structural foundation of a V12 Vantage, Aston draped it in Victor-inspired carbon fiber. Though it doesn't boast the Victor's unique engine, the twin-turbo 5.2-litre V12 is no slouch, pumping out an impressive 705 brake horsepower. Most notably, this engine has never before been paired with a manual gearbox.

Details and Design

The Valour stands as a testament to automotive beauty and functionality. Its aesthetic speaks of power and sophistication with a massive V12 nestled beneath an artfully designed monster bonnet, complete with an extractor vent for cooling efficiency. The car's design shimmers in a way that almost feels alive, its paint job reminiscent of something you'd only find in nature. The wheels, inspired by the Valkyrie, combine elegance with a touch of Spiderman-esque flair.

The interior of the Valour is no less enchanting. Equipped with a manually operated metal-milled gear knob and exposed linkage, it screams raw, undiluted driving charm. However, one needs to be cautious when maneuvering inside - the carbon fiber door and seat bolster are as rigid as they come, enhancing the driving experience but requiring a careful touch.

On the Road

Taking the Valour out on Welsh roads reveals its true character. Despite lacking a rear window, its practicality isn't compromised. A rear-view camera takes the visual route, perfectly capturing everything behind. The luggage space is another surprise - spacious and thoughtfully designed with a British touch, complete with an umbrella storage compartment.

Handling this beast on the road, especially public ones, is an experience unto itself. The lack of a rear window, combined with the high carbon fiber door tops, creates an intimate, almost cocooned driving space. It feels powerful but grounded, thanks to numerous tweaks in suspension and steering, which Aston Martin painstakingly modified to ensure thrilling yet manageable driving dynamics.

Enter the Porsche 911 S-T

Now, what about the Porsche 911 S-T? At a more 'modest' price of around £230,000, this masterpiece brings manual thrill without breaking the bank. With a 518 brake horsepower, 4-litre flat-six engine, and a rev-happy character thanks to a lighter flywheel, the 911 S-T is a purist's dream.

The 911 S-T might be an evolution of the GT3 RS or GT3 Touring - depending on one's perspective. However, it's more than the sum of its parts. It's lighter, nimbler, and the driving experience it offers transcends pure performance figures. Andreas Preuninger, the man behind Porsche's GT department, calls it the perfect blend of technology and emotional driver appeal.

The Driving Experience

On the open road, the 911 S-T is pure joy. Its six-speed manual gearbox, shorter final drive ratio, and finely tuned steering make every shift and turn a pleasure. This is about more than raw speed - it's about the feel, about becoming one with the machine as you push it through its paces.

Despite only having six cylinders against the Valour's twelve, the experience is no less thrilling. The sound of the engine, the smoothness of the gear changes, and the lightness of the car make it feel like a natural extension of the driver.

Conclusion: A Clash of Titans

The Aston Martin Valour and Porsche 911 S-T represent two sides of the same coin in the grand narrative of 2024's automotive landscape. Both are a testament to the joy of driving and the timeless appeal of manual transmissions. Whether you're inclined towards the robust growl of the V12 Valour or the precision and agility of the 911 S-T, one thing's for sure - manual gearboxes are making a glorious comeback, and the ride has never been more exciting.