Aston Martin's new £2m retro hypercar: Just 38 examples of the F1-derived Valiant will be made - but you can't have one!

Described as track-focused but road-legal, the F1-derived Aston Martin Valiant is an extreme two-seaterPowered by a monumental 745 horsepower 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine with a 200mph top speed

Aston Martin has unleashed its latest exclusive limited edition hypercar – the £2million Valiant.

Described as track-focused but road-legal, the F1-derived Valiant is an extreme two-seater powered by 745 horsepower 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine and retro looks.

Described as a 'champion of pure driving passion', there will be just 38 Aston Martin Valiants built for customers around the globe – and all are already sold out.

A Valiant effort: Feast your eyes on Aston Martin's new limited edition hypercar. It costs £2million and just 38 are being built

A Valiant effort: Feast your eyes on Aston Martin's new limited edition hypercar. It costs £2million and just 38 are being built

First deliveries will be in autumn this year following Valiant's public debut at next month's Goodwood Festival of Speed, with Aston Martin F1 driver Fernando Alonso – and first customer - driving it up the famous Hill Climb course.

Although no performance figures have been issued, expect 0-to-60mph acceleration in around three seconds and a top speed in excess of 200mph.

With its spectacular aerodynamic carbon fibre bodywork and four large diameter titanium exhaust pipes at the rear, the Valiant originated from a personal commission by Aston's F1 driver Alonso and was developed through the British firm's bespoke 'Q by Aston Martin' division.

And should you be in any doubt about its bad boy credentials, the accompanying launch video carries the strapline: 'For your sins.'

HOW THIS IS MONEY CAN HELP

  • How to save money on car insurance: Ten top tips to cut the cost in just a few minutes

Described as track-focused but road-legal, the F1-derived Valiant is an extreme two-seater powered by 745 horsepower 5.2 litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine

Described as track-focused but road-legal, the F1-derived Valiant is an extreme two-seater powered by 745 horsepower 5.2 litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine

Described as a 'champion of pure driving passion', there will be just 38 Aston Martin Valiants built for customers around the globe ¿ and all are already sold out

Described as a 'champion of pure driving passion', there will be just 38 Aston Martin Valiants built for customers around the globe – and all are already sold out

First deliveries will be in autumn this year following Valiant's public debut at next month's Goodwood Festival of Speed, with Aston Martin F1 driver Fernando Alonso ¿ and first customer - driving it up the famous Hill Climb course

First deliveries will be in autumn this year following Valiant's public debut at next month's Goodwood Festival of Speed, with Aston Martin F1 driver Fernando Alonso – and first customer - driving it up the famous Hill Climb course

Using cutting edge materials and technology, the stunning styling reimagines the legendary 1980 Aston Martin Le Mans racer dubbed 'Muncher'.

The potent 5.2 litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine was also used in the 2016 DB11 coupe – but much more horsepower is being squeezed out of the Valiant version.

Aston Martin said the ferocious front-engined Valiant has been developed to deliver its best on-track, while remaining fully homologated for road use.

Ditching any pretence of understatement, Aston said: 'Combining the brutal style and blistering performance of a bygone evocative era of brutal V12 performance with state-of-the-art contemporary engineering, lightweight materials and spectacular design, Valiant pushes the boundaries of performance and engagement to evolve, intensify and reimagine the ultimate Aston Martin driver's car.

Read More

Who is Aston Martin's new chief executive? Carmaker poaches Bentley Motors boss Adrian Hallmark

article image

'One born to thrive on the racetrack and thrill on the road.'

Fortunately, Valiant also features standard-fit carbon ceramic brakes to ensure 'immense fade-free stopping power'.

The aerodynamic carbon fibre body reduces weight and increases downforce: 'Every inch of the Valiant's immaculately sculpted form serves an aesthetic and aerodynamic function,' says Aston.

A series of innovative engineering solutions help reduce weight further, including the adoption of a 3D-printed rear subframe saves 3kg with no reduction in stiffness.

Riding on lightweight 21-inch magnesium wheels helps improve steering response and wheel control and saves 14kg. A motorsport-spec lithium-ion battery saves a further 11.5kg.

The minimalist, pared-back, lightweight interior enhances driver connection and driver.

For the more technically-minded, Aston Martin says the most influential change in the character of Valiant comes from fitting motor sport-level Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) suspension, which simultaneously adjusts each damper in less than six milliseconds.

This provides engineers with 'almost limitless scope for tuning ride and handling characteristics'.

Although no performance figures have been issued, expect 0-to-60mph acceleration in around three seconds and a top speed in excess of 200mph

Although no performance figures have been issued, expect 0-to-60mph acceleration in around three seconds and a top speed in excess of 200mph

With its spectacular aerodynamic carbon fibre bodywork and four large diameter titanium exhaust pipes at the rear, the Valiant originated from a personal commission by Aston's F1 driver Alonso and was developed through the British firm's bespoke 'Q by Aston Martin' division

With its spectacular aerodynamic carbon fibre bodywork and four large diameter titanium exhaust pipes at the rear, the Valiant originated from a personal commission by Aston's F1 driver Alonso and was developed through the British firm's bespoke 'Q by Aston Martin' division

The potent 5.2 litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine was also used in the 2016 DB11 coupe ¿ but much more horsepower is being squeezed out of the Valiant

The potent 5.2 litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine was also used in the 2016 DB11 coupe – but much more horsepower is being squeezed out of the Valiant

Aston Martin said the Valiant was created to 'appeal to true driving connoisseurs' – and clearly those who can afford the £2m price tag.

It noted: 'Valiant was originally conceived from a personal commission from Aston Martin Aramco F1 team driver, Fernando Alonso for a lightweight, more extreme, race car inspired version of the spectacular, Aston Martin Valour.

'It embodies Aston Martin's commitment to building pure driver's cars. Production is strictly limited to just 38 cars globally with all fully allocated.'

The company based at Gaydon in Warwickshire says Valiant continues a long tradition and strong lineage of Aston Martins developing highly collectable special edition models and cars that 'deliver true driving intensity both on-road and on-track'.

It cited the hypercar Valkyrie, Vantage sports car, the Vantage GT3 race car, the retro-inspired Valour, and forthcoming Valhalla mid-engine supercar, as examples of its limited run specials in recent years.

Valiant's interior combines race-bred functionality and eye-catching design flourishes. The strictly two-seat cockpit features extensive use of exposed satin-finish carbon fibre underpinning Valiant's focus on lightweight material

Valiant's interior combines race-bred functionality and eye-catching design flourishes. The strictly two-seat cockpit features extensive use of exposed satin-finish carbon fibre underpinning Valiant's focus on lightweight material

To highlight the mechanical nature of the manual gearbox, a cutaway in the transmission tunnel exposes the gear linkage running rearward to the six-speed transaxle

To highlight the mechanical nature of the manual gearbox, a cutaway in the transmission tunnel exposes the gear linkage running rearward to the six-speed transaxle

This isn't a stripped-out spartan track car. Strategic placement of seat padding and finely-tailored, lightweight upholstery add targeted comfort, luxury and tactility

This isn't a stripped-out spartan track car. Strategic placement of seat padding and finely-tailored, lightweight upholstery add targeted comfort, luxury and tactility

Riding on lightweight 21-inch magnesium wheels helps improve steering response and wheel control and saves 14kg. A motorsport-spec lithium-ion battery saves a further 11.5kg

Riding on lightweight 21-inch magnesium wheels helps improve steering response and wheel control and saves 14kg. A motorsport-spec lithium-ion battery saves a further 11.5kg

Valiant's interior combines race-bred functionality and eye-catching design flourishes. The strictly two-seat cockpit features extensive use of exposed satin-finish carbon fibre underpinning Valiant's focus on lightweight material.

But it's not totally Spartan. Strategic placement of seat padding and finely-tailored, lightweight upholstery add targeted comfort, luxury and tactility.

To highlight the mechanical nature of the manual gearbox, a cutaway in the transmission tunnel exposes the gear linkage running rearward to the six-speed transaxle.

As driver comfort and safety are paramount for track use, Valiant features a built-in half-cage as-standard together with bespoke trimmed Recaro Podium seats.

Aston F1 driver and first customer Fernando Alonso said: '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.'

CARS & MOTORING: ON TEST

OTHER NEWS

9 minutes ago

Why Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley doesn't fear for his future despite three-game losing streak - 'if it was too fatiguing, I wouldn't be here'

13 minutes ago

The White House wants $4 billion to rebuild Key Bridge in Baltimore and respond to other disasters

14 minutes ago

Katherine Schwarzenegger pregnant, expecting 3rd baby with Chris Pratt

14 minutes ago

WWE's Logan Paul trolls New Yorkers by bringing Pacers star and hated Knicks rival Tyrese Haliburton into the ring... before local hero Jalen Brunson chases them out with a folding chair

14 minutes ago

Amazon is doubling value of credits for some startups to build on AWS as Microsoft cloud gains ground

14 minutes ago

‘Made sure we stayed safe:' Emergency crews honored for response to Matteson train derailment

19 minutes ago

‘It’s going to be tight’: Macron’s centrists struggle to deter voters from backing far right

19 minutes ago

Lionel Messi's five-year streak set to end as Argentina handed double Copa America blow

19 minutes ago

Wambiana Station grazing trial ties managing native pastures with economic outcomes

19 minutes ago

Wexford soccer group helps refugee youth adjust to life in Toronto

20 minutes ago

Biden addresses NYC’s LGBTQ community hours after poor debate performance

20 minutes ago

The New York Times editorial board calls for Biden to drop out of the presidential race

20 minutes ago

Mavericks trading Hardaway to Pistons for Grimes, AP source says, getting some financial flexibility

20 minutes ago

Albert Suárez outduels Max Scherzer to help Orioles beat Rangers

20 minutes ago

NBC 5 Responds helps Fort Worth family pay tribute to loving mother

20 minutes ago

The first hurricane of the Atlantic season could develop this weekend

20 minutes ago

Fort Worth city, police leaders discuss alleged police brutality incident behind closed doors

20 minutes ago

Simone Biles moves closer to 3rd Olympic trip as injuries mount behind her at US trials

20 minutes ago

'Rest easy, perfect girl' | Connie the Container Dog has died from extremely rare infection, animal rescue says

20 minutes ago

Martin Mull, hip comic and actor from 'Fernwood 2 Night' and 'Roseanne,' dies at 80

20 minutes ago

Houston-area lawmaker among first to call for President Biden to be replaced at convention

20 minutes ago

Matthew McConaughey Had To Quit Hollywood For 2 Years For One Important Reason

20 minutes ago

Walker's Jared Padalecki Slams The CW: 'F**k It. They Can't Fire Me Again'

20 minutes ago

Clue And Roseanne Star Martin Mull Dead At 80

20 minutes ago

Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie announces the death of his wife, Rhonda Massie

20 minutes ago

Martin Mull, beloved comedic actor who starred in 'Roseanne,' 'Arrested Development' and 'Fernwood 2 Night,' dies at 80

20 minutes ago

ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale says on social media he has been diagnosed with cancer for a fourth time

20 minutes ago

ESPN’s Dick Vitale diagnosed with cancer for a 4th time with surgery scheduled for Tuesday

20 minutes ago

Simone Biles hopes to dazzle at US Olympic gymnastic trials in Minneapolis ahead of Paris games

20 minutes ago

Lakers reveal Bronny James' new jersey number

20 minutes ago

Simone Biles and ... whoever is left standing for Paris? | Opinion

20 minutes ago

Sha'Carri Richardson, Gabby Thomas set up showdown in 200 final at Olympic track trials

20 minutes ago

Surprise! Lolo Jones competes in hurdles at US Olympic track and field trials

20 minutes ago

Doping-Sports body clears hurdler Amusan of doping charge

20 minutes ago

Colombia's Cordoba crucial in Costa Rica's crushing defeat

20 minutes ago

Gymnastics-DiCello injured at US trials, ending Olympic hopes

20 minutes ago

Man dies after alleged assault on Frankston Pier

20 minutes ago

Shania Twain: Performing at Glastonbury will feel surreal

20 minutes ago

Hawks, Pelicans Agree to Blockbuster Trade to Send Dejounte Murray to New Orleans

20 minutes ago

Albanese on King Charles' decision to award Ben-Roberts Smith