When Aston Martin Formula 1 team racing driver Fernando Alonso was looking to spec his own version of the limited-edition, 705-hp Aston Martin Valour, he wanted a few things changed. Actually, he wanted more than just a few things changed. And the radical new car you see here—the 2025 Aston Martin Valiant—is the ultimate, epic result.
Created with the help of Aston Martin’s bespoke division, Q by Aston Martin, the Aston Martin Valiant is a lighter, more powerful, more track-focused version of the V-12-powered, six-speed manual transmission Valour. And it isn’t just a one-off toy for Alonso, who is a two-time F1 world champion. Aston is building 38 mechanically identical Valiants, all of which are already sold, despite a price of about $3 million per car.
The Valiant’s turbocharged 5.2-liter V-12 boasts 735 horsepower, an increase of 30 hp over the Valour-spec version. This additional horsepower is achieved through advanced software adjustments. The engine, which drives the rear wheels through a Graziano six-speed manual transmission, is mechanically identical, while its peak torque output of 555 lb-ft remains the same as in the Valour.
The Valiant’s bold, full-width carbon fiber grille serves a dual purpose: enhancing cooling airflow to the engine while reducing mass ahead of the front axle, thus improving weight distribution.
The Valiant’s carbon-ceramic brake setup, comprising 16.1-inch rotors at the front and 14.2-inch units at the rear, is also identical to that of the Valour. The car’s 21-inch wheels are hidden behind carbon fiber aero covers and are made of magnesium, reducing unsprung weight by 31 pounds.
Overall, the Valiant is approximately 220 pounds lighter than the Valour, achieved through several innovative components. A motorsport specification lithium-ion battery, a magnesium torque tube, and even a 3D-printed rear subframe contribute to this impressive reduction in weight. However, it’s crucial to note that the Valiant stands out not only due to its weight but also because of its upgraded chassis and aerodynamics.
According to Simon Newton, Aston Martin’s director of vehicle performance, “The Valour is intended to be thrilling on the road and fun to drive on the track. With the Valiant, the emphasis is much more on precision and control.” Consequently, the Valiant is engineered to provide the high-performance driving experience that Fernando Alonso desires.
The advanced chassis tuning is made possible with the adoption of Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) shocks. These high-performance shocks adjust in less than six milliseconds, allowing for precise tuning of ride and handling characteristics to meet Alonso’s specifications.
Although the final tire specification is still under evaluation, it is almost certain that the Valiant will be equipped with sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, measuring 275/35 at the front and 325/30 at the rear. In contrast, the Valour utilizes Michelin Pilot Sport S5 tires more suitable for regular road use.
The other notable change in the Valiant compared to the Valour is its advanced aerodynamic package. The front features a significant splitter with multi-layer end planes designed to guide airflow effectively around the front wheels. Broad side sills equipped with upswept vortex generators assist in smoothing airflow along the flanks, consequently reducing turbulence, drag, and lift.
At the rear, the Valiant showcases a sharp Kamm tail and upswept deck lid, complemented by a prominent fixed wing sculpted to balance the downforce gains achieved by the front splitter. The fully functional carbon fiber rear diffuser elegantly frames the Valiant’s quad-exit titanium exhaust system.
Simon Newton states that overall, the Valiant generates an impressive 424 pounds of downforce at 150 mph—three times the amount produced by the Valour and twice the downforce of the V-12 Vantage. This figure marks a significant achievement, representing the highest downforce ever registered for a front-engine Aston Martin road car.
Inside, the Valiant comes equipped with a built-in steel roll cage providing crucial anchor points for 4-point race harnesses. The standard Recaro Podium seats offer enhanced lateral and shoulder support, complemented by pads that feature passive thorax ventilation for greater comfort during extreme driving scenarios. Alonso’s influence is evident in the interior’s design, particularly in the steering wheel rim, which has a slimmer design and lacks switches on the spokes, allowing for a more straightforward driving experience.
With the first cars set to be delivered to customers in the fourth quarter, the Aston Martin Valiant will make its public debut at next month’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. Notably, it will be driven up the legendary hill climb course by Fernando Alonso, showcasing a new paint finish distinct from its “Auric Gold” debut color.
