Aston Martin’s New Limited-Edition Valiant Sports Car: A Bespoke Creation by Fernando Alonso

Legendary Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso recently unveiled Aston Martin’s new limited-edition Valiant sports car, a bespoke commission created specifically for him. The Valiant features a powerful 734bhp 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, delivering a pure and exhilarating driving experience.

Limited to just 38 examples and priced at nearly £2 million, the road-legal Valiant is an evolution of the 2023 Valour model, also a limited-run vehicle. Alonso shared his excitement about the project during an interview at Goodwood’s Festival of Speed.

### The Creation Process
Alonso explained that his collaboration with Aston Martin began with the Valour model. He expressed his desire for a unique version of the Valour, incorporating aerodynamic enhancements, more power, and reduced weight. The result was the Valiant, a stunning piece of automotive art that exceeded his expectations.

### Driving Experience
Describing the Valiant as “quite extreme,” Alonso highlighted its track-focused design adapted for everyday road use. He praised the Multimatic dampers for enhancing handling and emphasized the V12 engine’s distinctive sound as a key element of the driving experience.

### Manual Transmission Choice
Despite rarely driving manual cars, Alonso opted for a manual gearbox in the Valiant for sentimental reasons. He reminisced about his early driving experiences and the sense of freedom associated with manual transmissions, making the Valiant a collectible piece that connects him to his roots.

### Design Challenges and Achievements
Alonso discussed the challenges faced during the Valiant’s development, such as incorporating aerodynamic devices and reducing weight while maintaining road legality. He commended the team for overcoming obstacles and achieving a significant 100kg weight reduction compared to the Valour model.

### Future Involvement with Aston Martin
While Alonso expressed interest in contributing to Aston Martin’s future projects, he emphasized his focus on racing for the time being. He looks forward to assisting the team during race weekends and providing feedback based on his driving experiences with Aston Martin vehicles.

### Collectible Car Enthusiast
Alonso revealed his plans to expand his car collection with Aston Martin models, including the Valiant, Vantage GT3, Valkyrie, and DB5. He praised Aston Martin’s exclusivity and customer-centric approach, aligning with his values as a discerning car enthusiast.

### Conclusion
As Alonso continues to deepen his relationship with Aston Martin, his passion for high-performance vehicles and unique automotive experiences shines through. The Valiant represents a special collaboration between a racing legend and a renowned luxury car manufacturer, resulting in a truly exceptional driving machine.