Aston Martin Valour debuts with 705-hp V12, six-speed manual gearbox

Aston Martin has brought out many surprises in celebration of its 110th anniversary. But perhaps the biggest one yet is the all-new Valour, a V12-engined limited edition with a manual transmission.

Aston Martin unveils the Valour

Limited to 110 examples, the Aston Martin Valour aims to delight purists who crave "undiluted and visceral driving experience." It is likely the final AM model powered by a V12 with a manual transmission following the announcement that the Vantage is the brand's last V12-powered model.

"Valour is a celebration of Aston Martin's passion for driving and extraordinary heritage, but it is also emblematic of today's vibrant and revitalized brand," said Aston Martin Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll.

Aston Martin Valour

Inspired by the original V8 Vantage from the 70s, the limited edition Valour exudes a retro look but with the addition of modern design cues for aerodynamics. It comes with a large 'horseshoe' vent and twin NACA ducts to provide ventilation for the V12 engine. The Valor runs on 21-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels in Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tires.

In true sports car fashion, the AM Valour comes as a two-seater only, with customers getting to choose a specification they wish. One example is a traditional woolen tweed inspired by the seat coverings of Aston Martin's 1959 Le Mans-winning DBR1.

The Valour gets a manual gearbox

The highlight of the sports car lies under the hood. It is powered by a 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 engine mated to a bespoke six-speed manual gearbox, making 705 horsepower and 753 Nm of torque. The driving experience is complemented by a mechanical limited-slip differential, along with three drive modes (Sport, Sport+, and Track).

Aston Martin installed standard-fit carbon ceramic brakes, which are said to provide a 23 kg reduction in unsprung mass. The Valour then gets a bespoke suspension system with adaptive dampers, springs, and anti-roll bars. 

"At Aston Martin, our design is always progressive, but when it comes to celebrating a significant milestone - in this instance our 110th birthday - we allow ourselves a little latitude. Consequently, Valour is gloriously unapologetic; an old-school brute refined and reimagined through the lens of 2023," said Aston Martin's Director of Design Miles Nurnberger.

The AM Valour is limited to 110 units

Production is expected to begin at Aston Martin's Gaydon Headquarters in Q3 in 2023. While all 110 examples most probably have been sold, we can only hope at least one makes its way onto our roads. It represents not only the long, rich history of Aston Martin but also how the brand continues to deliver exciting sports cars.

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