Aston Martin Unveils Homage to V12 Powertrain
Aston Martin has unveiled a limited edition hypercar to celebrate its 110th birthday in the shape of the delicious V12 Valour.
With production suitably limited to just 110 cars globally, the automaker says the homage to ICE V12 powerplants marks the end-of-an-era. Using its 5.2-liter V12 boasting 705bhp and 555ft-lbs of torque the powertrain is married to a bespoke six-speed manual transmission for the very first time to follow in the wheel tracks of previous V12 halo cars from the brand.
A mechanical limited-slip differential enhances the sense of direct analogue connection between car and driver, albeit with the added support of electronic traction and stability control systems. Valour’s Driving Modes – Sport, Sport+ and Track – have also been tuned for throttle response, torque management and sound character.
With standard-fit carbon ceramic brakes, Valour has ample stopping power courtesy of front discs measuring 410mm x 38mm and gripped by 6-piston calipers. At the rear 360mm x 32mm discs are paired with 4-piston calipers. Offering increased braking performance and a significant 23kg (50.6lbs) reduction in un-sprung mass versus steel brakes, these discs are engineered to resist brake fade at temperatures up to 800 degrees.
Simon Newton, Aston Martin’s director of vehicle performance, said: “Inspired by the iconic, muscle cars from our past, we have endowed Valour with an abundance of power and torque, while using modern technology and engineering to make that performance more exploitable and enjoyable. A big part of honoring that driver-pleasing character was mating our fabulous V12 engine to a manual transmission. It was a unique part of the brief and the end result is something truly unforgettable; a state-of-the-art driver’s car that thrives on being pushed to its limits and has the true heart and soul of a timeless analogue classic.”
It is understood prices start will start from £830,000 and Valour production is due to commence at Aston Martin’s Gaydon Headquarters in Q3 of 2023, with first deliveries scheduled to begin during Q4 2023.
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_ and Threads
