Aston Martin has unveiled the most extreme front-engine road car they have ever built, and whilst road legal, it's ethos is very much on the race track.
If you're thinking it looks a lot like the Valour, that's because it essentially is, and it is a personal commission for Fernando Alonso which led to this car, building on the already hardcore Valour.
At the heart of the Valiant is a 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 with 745hp, up from 715 in the Valour, and 753Nm torque which is unchanged. But the engine isn't where the real changes lie, with more focus applied to the chassis, saving weight and aerodynamics. Race-bred Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve dampers allow huge adjustments in ride and handling in the blink of an eye, and the different driving modes have been recalibrated to suit.
As for aero, the Valiant has a new front splitter, with aggressive-looking end planes, a huge carbon grille, contoured wings, vortex generators in the side skirts ahead of the rear wheels and a new rear diffuser. Most notable is the hefty rear spoiler, all of which come together to generate up to 383kg downforce.
Weight is saved with a lithium-ion battery, a magnesium torque tube, a 3D-printed rear subframe, magnesium 21-inch wheels and a titanium exhaust system. Inside, the track theme continues with a half roll cage, Recaro Podium seats, and the manual 'box from the Valour remains with a beautiful exposed linkage.
The man himself, Fernando Alonso, says: "Valiant is born from my passion for driving at the limit. From Valour I wanted to create a more extreme, race car inspired version that was track focused, while also delivering a thrilling drive on-road. Working with the Q by Aston Martin team, I believe we have created a masterpiece".
Valiant will be making its dynamic debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed in a couple of week's time, and since just 38 will be built, it's a pretty rare opportunity to get up close with it.
