Retro-Styled Aston Martin Valour Debuts with a Manual Gearbox
The latest Aston Martin Valour certainly is a special model, created to celebrate the brand’s 110th anniversary.
Besides its spectacular looks, it draws inspiration from the brand’s past models, such as the Victor model of 2020 but includes a welcome retro detail: a manual gearbox. Naturally, we approve.
Let’s get straight to the point. Aston Martin says it will only produce 110 Valour units, each powered by a 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged 12-cylinder octane-eating unit with 525kW and 753Nm. All that power is accessed via a bespoke 6-speed manual transmission.
If we’re honest, as much as electrification is becoming a focal point at Aston Martin, nothing beats the nostalgia of manually shifting cogs in a retro-styled supercar.
Aston Martin has fitted the Valour with a mechanical limited-slip differential plus three driving modes; Sport, Sport+ and Track. There’s no mention of acceleration or top speed figures, but we can imagine what that amount of power is capable of.
The Valour’s stopping power comes from sizeable standard carbon ceramic brakes that measure 410mm x 38mm and are gripped by 6-piston callipers at the front and 360mm x 32mm discs with 4-pistons at the rear.
These are housed within 21-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels wrapped with the latest AML-specific Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tyres that measure 275/35 R21 at the front and 325/30 R21 at the back axle.
The 2-seater interior has been handed a dose of classically-styled elements, courtesy of a gear lever that can be had in machined aluminium, titanium, carbon fibre or walnut, plus an exposed shift mechanism. Other bespoke features include carbon fibre inserts, lightweight seats, and classic woollen tweed, adding to its vintage appeal.
Aston Martin plans to put the Valour into production in the 3rd quarter of 2023 at its Gaydon headquarters, and first deliveries are earmarked to begin in the fourth quarter.
All 110 examples are reportedly sold out, and though the carmaker doesn’t list the price tag of each, the Valour is likely the last V12 paired with a manual transmission in this day and age. That alone makes it priceless.
The Valour is the perfect way to toast to 110 years of history.
