This Aston Martin is the only one in Canada | Carscoops

      The company produced only 38 Valiants, a more aggressive variant of the Valour, with just one allocated to Canada.

      19 hours ago

      by Andreas Tsaousis

      Aston Martin’s Valiant boasts a 735 HP V12 engine and a 6-speed manual transmission.

      Only 38 units of this supercar were manufactured, and Canada received just a single one.

      The base price for the Valiant started at approximately $3 million, excluding tax and options.

      Aston Martin appears to be on a successful streak, unveiling remarkable supercars (and for the first time, an SUV) one after the other. While taste is inherently subjective, most models from the new Aston era seem visually appealing to us, with several being truly impressive. Furthermore, the British marque currently offers a diverse lineup, starting with the entry-level (a term used loosely) Vantage and extending to custom creations that command millions.

      The Valiant clearly falls into the latter category. Designed to be a hardcore version of the Valour and originally commissioned by Aston’s Formula 1 driver and two-time World Champion, Fernando Alonso, it was crafted by the brand’s Q by Aston Martin division and was limited to just 38 units.

      Recently, one of these vehicles was assigned to Canada and delivered to its owner by Grand Touring Automobiles, a dealer specializing in exotic cars from brands such as Koenigsegg, Lamborghini, Lotus, Pininfarina, Rimac, and Zagato, among others.

      "Delivering Canada’s only Aston Martin Valiant is a true honor," said Paul Cummings, Dealer Principal and CEO of Grand Touring Automobiles, as quoted by Newswire. "This vehicle showcases the pinnacle of Aston Martin’s technical prowess and bespoke craftsmanship. It also reflects our steadfast commitment to providing our clients with access to the most extraordinary and rare vehicles in the world."

      Even though it is based on the Valour, Aston Martin modified its twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V12 to generate 735 hp and 555 lb-ft (753 Nm), resulting in 30 hp more while maintaining the same torque. Furthermore, the only transmission available is a six-speed manual that transmits all that power to the rear wheels—a delight for any car enthusiast.

      Tailored for Track, Perfected for the Street

      Aston Martin didn’t just adjust the engine; numerous enhancements were made. Weight-saving measures include a 3D-printed rear subframe that reduces weight by 3 kg (6.6 lbs), a magnesium torque tube that saves 8.6 kg (18.9 lbs), and a lithium-ion battery that weighs 11.5 kg (25.3 lbs) less than the Valour. These changes contribute to the Valiant's nimbleness.

      Moreover, a reduction in unsprung weight by 14 kg (31 lbs) thanks to 21-inch magnesium wheels, coupled with Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve dampers that can adapt to one of 32 settings in less than six milliseconds and recalibrated Sport, Sport+, and Track driving modes, ensure that the Valiant fulfills its description as a street-legal track-focused vehicle. Finally, carbon ceramic brakes, measuring 410 mm (16.1 inches) in the front and 360 mm (14.1 inches) in the rear, provide the necessary stopping power to handle all that performance.

      The exterior design of the Valiant is significantly more aggressive than that of the Valour. It features a variety of carbon fiber components, including a new splitter and layered planes near the front wheels, a new full-width carbon fiber grille, updated side fenders, Formula 1-inspired side skirts, a prominent fixed rear wing, and a new carbon fiber diffuser, all contributing to its standout appearance. And should the changes not catch your eye, the bespoke Golden Saffron paint unmistakably identifies this British supercar.

      The interior has also received special treatment. Abundant carbon fiber, a half-cage, Recaro Podium seats, four-point racing harnesses, and a three-spoke steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara embellish the Valiant’s cabin. Perhaps the most notable feature is the cutout in the carbon transmission tunnel that reveals the manual gearbox's linkage, reminiscent of a Pagani Huayra, albeit more understated.

      As for the cost incurred by the obviously affluent individual for owning the sole Aston Martin Valiant in Canada, we can only speculate, knowing that the factory price was rumored to start around £2 million (approximately $2.6 million) in the UK, prior to taxes and options. But as the saying goes: if you have to inquire…

      Hat tip to John!