Save for the fictional Aston Martin Dreadnought, Aston Martins of recent decades have kind of looked the same, thanks to the distinctive inverted-T/DB grille. So, for petrolheads and fans who have been longing for changes that are not limited to the track, the just-unveiled Aston Martin Valen may come as a refreshing change.
Created by Q by Aston Martin and the company’s new Special Vehicle Operations department, the Valen is billed as the world’s most powerful front-engined production car and the most powerful front-engined Aston Martin in the marque’s 113-year history.
It is a rear-wheel-drive V12 supercar powered by a 5.2L twin-turbocharged V12 producing 850 PS (838 hp) and 1,000 Nm (738 lb-ft) of torque from 2,500 rpm. The engine is mated to a recalibrated eight-speed ZF automatic transmission featuring shift strategies borrowed from the Vantage GT4 race car.
The engine is hooked up to a titanium exhaust ending in four 3D-printed titanium tailpipes. Interestingly, the upper pair remains permanently open, while valves control the lower two according to the selected driving mode. This car is not about subtlety.
The Valen rockets from naught to 60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 3.0 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 214 mph (344 km/h).
The vehicle incorporates carbon fiber, aluminum, titanium, and magnesium components, helping it shed up to 110 kg (243 lb) compared with Aston Martin’s existing core V12 platform. An optional lightweight package saves another 16.9 kg (37.3 lb) with machined-aluminum suspension components and titanium chassis bolts.
The new Valen rocks a full carbon-fiber body boasting deeply recessed headlights, large functional vents, vortex-generating side sills, and a solid rear tailgate incorporating an aerodynamic wing. Notwithstanding the drama, this beautiful automobile still has a usable 170-liter (6-cu-ft) luggage compartment and an optional fitted luggage set.
Handling benefits from magnesium wheels, bespoke Pirelli P Zero R tires with Cyber Tyre technology, independent suspension with Bilstein DTX semi-active dampers, a solid-mounted rear subframe, and carbon-ceramic brakes measuring 410 mm up front and 360 mm at the rear. Behind the wheel, drivers get Sport, Sport+, and Track modes, each with its own throttle behavior.
Inside, a slim 3D-printed center console borrows controls from the Valhalla. Buyers can choose Sports Plus seats or lightweight carbon-fiber performance seats, along with extensive leather, Alcantara, color, trim, and exposed-carbon customization through Q by Aston Martin.
Now for the most exciting part of this news: yes, it is a car money can buy. As a matter of fact, it is available to configure as we speak. How much it will cost, though, has not been announced. But I believe money is not the biggest hurdle. The biggest hurdle is the limited run of just 150 examples. And so, the question is: will you be one of the 150 buyers?
Images: Aston Martin.
