The 2025 Aston Martin Valiant has made its global debut, answering all of our burning questions about the hard-core special-edition British super-coupe, just 38 examples of which are set to be built.
Based on the ultra-exclusive Aston Martin Valour, the racetrack-focussed, six-speed manual Valiant is powered by a 549kW/753Nm V12 and created to be the ultimate expression of a pure driver’s car.
The project stems from a personal commission from Aston Martin F1 driver Fernando Alonso for a lightweight, more extreme version of the Valour.
That’s exactly what he got, given the Valiant packs 23kW more than the Valour but tips the scales at least 40kg lighter – an exact kerb weight hasn’t been provided.
Along the plethora of bespoke weight-saving upgrades are an all-new 3D-printed rear sub-frame, a magnesium torque tube, 21-inch wheels, lithium-ion battery and carbon-ceramic brakes measuring 410x38mm up front and 360x32mm at the rear.
Carbon-fibre is used extensive throughout the platform, body and interior, but according to Aston Martin the big upgrades are the Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve dampers and redesigned body, which not only looks more imposing but also increases downforce substantially.
Exact aerodynamic improvements over the Valour haven’t been revealed and nor has Aston Martin made any performance claims.
The whole package is optimised by pre-set Sport, Sport+ and Track drive modes, the calibration of which is unique within the Aston Martin portfolio.
“With Valiant we’ve shifted the emphasis towards much increased track capability while retaining enough useability to remain enjoyable on the road,” said Aston Martin vehicle performance director Simon Newton.
“We’ve moved the dial in every key area to extract greater performance and deliver more excitement; increased power delivery from the V12 to develop 745PS; perfecting the chassis set-up with Multimatic ASV dampers; re-sculpting the body to produce more downforce; and employing lightweight materials and processes to reduce mass.
“Above all we have put the driver right at the heart of the action; honing control weights for maximum satisfaction; perfecting the shift action of the manual transmission; ensuring the increased handling limits remain accessible and rewarding.
“It all combines to create an amazing experience Valiant owners won’t find in any other car.”
Inside the cabin you’ll find myriad upgrades over the Valour – as per the exterior – with highlights including a new steering wheel, cut-away centre console showcasing the exposed gear linkages and shifter mechanism, a bespoke gear shifter and action, Recaro Podium seats, steel half-cage and satin-finish carbon-fibre trim.
“Valour was a spectacular celebration of Aston Martin’s 110th anniversary, and stirred me to create a more extreme, race car inspired version that was track focussed, while also delivering a thrilling drive on-road,” said project mastermind Alonso.
“Valiant is born from my passion for driving at the limit and I have enjoyed working closely with the Q by Aston Martin team on both the design and technical specification and believe we have created a masterpiece.”
Alonso will be the first customer to receive their Valiant and will pilot the retro-inspired coupe up the iconic Goodwood hillclimb course next month in what will be the vehicle’s first public dynamic demonstration.
There’s been no indication of how much the 38 lucky and well-connected customers will be asked to pay for their Valiants, but odds are the price tag will run into several millions.
First deliveries are set to start in the final quarter of 2024.