The Aston Martin Valour is a rare and unique car, with only 110 available. Its seven-figure price tag may seem steep, but what you’re really paying for is the exclusivity and the ability to own something that few others can. The Valour is not just about speed and power, although it does have a V12 engine that produces 705 horsepower. It’s designed as a homage to The Muncher, an Aston Martin that raced at Le Mans in the 1970s.
Structurally, the Valour is similar to the Vantage, but with a manual gearbox and a manually locking differential. The engine is taken from the DBS 770 but detuned slightly to 705 horsepower and 555 lb-ft of torque. The chief engineer made this decision to ensure a smooth shift quality, avoiding the issues seen in Aston Martin’s last manual car, the Vantage V12 S.
Inside, the Valour has an old-school Aston Martin feel, with Mercedes switchgear and screen. However, there are a wide range of tailoring options available to make the interior look fabulous. The Valour’s engine starts with a familiar V12 sound, although it could be louder to match its appearance. The gearbox is superb, with a silky shift and precise action. The Valour has been set up for road use, delivering a compliant ride and precise steering.
While the Valour is a pleasure to drive, there are some areas for improvement. The steering and pedal weights could be slightly heavier to provide a more visceral experience. The final drive could be shortened for better performance, and the powertrain maps could be adjusted to provide a bigger change in response between different driving modes. One suggestion is to make the car louder, creating a more impactful experience. Overall, though, the Valour is a fantastic car focused on driving pleasure rather than pure speed.
In conclusion, the Aston Martin Valour is a rare and exclusive car that offers a unique driving experience. While there are areas for improvement, such as the noise levels and responsiveness of the controls, the Valour is a joy to drive. It’s exciting to see Aston Martin create a car that prioritizes driving pleasure over top speed, and hopefully, they will continue to produce more cars like the Valour at more accessible price points and with manual transmissions.
