(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – Aston Martin’s front-engine V12s usually play the role of hero cars – foremost as James Bond’s preferred four-wheeled means of transport. But when I first saw the angularly designed Valen at Aston Martin’s Q-New York headquarters, I thought: “Something like this would be driven by a Bond villain.”
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Maybe it’s the satin Andromeda Red paint (a Q-exclusive color), which shifts from red to orange to black depending on the light, its menacing look, or the abruptly cut-off rear section showing exposed carbon fiber and four tailpipes at the back. Perhaps its name, Valen, also suggests a certain penchant for the villain. Either way: the aura is dark – and it works brilliantly.
The most powerful front-engine Aston Martin of all time
The Aston Martin Valen is the third in a series of bespoke V12 supercars from the brand’s ultra-exclusive Q program. First came the manual Valour, then the uncompromising Valiant – both with six-speed manual transmissions. Now Aston is stepping up again with the Valen, calling it the most powerful production front-engine car ever built.
With 838 hp (616 kW) from a 5.2-liter V12 biturbo – that’s 104 hp more than the Valiant and 14 hp more than the Vanquish – it certainly doesn’t lack power. According to Aston Martin, the Valen sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 344 km/h.
Unlike the Valour and Valiant, however, there is no manual gearbox here. The Valen uses an eight-speed ZF transaxle with shift logic and tuning derived from the brand’s Vantage GT4 race cars.
Aston Martin Valen
More interesting than the pure performance figures is the Valen’s uncompromising focus on low weight and rawness. The entire body is made of carbon fiber, complemented by a sharpened front end, angular side air guide elements, and an aggressive diffuser at the rear that openly displays the 325 rear tires. For additional weight savings, the Valen even forgoes a rear window.
Overall, Aston Martin speaks of a weight saving of up to 110 kilograms compared to its V12 core platform, which also underpins the Vanquish. This includes 16.9 kilograms saved through an optional lightweight suspension package with machined aluminum control arms, wheel carriers, and titanium bolts for the chassis. To reduce unsprung masses, the Valen rolls on 21-inch magnesium wheels over carbon-ceramic brakes.
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A key element for the desired rawness and drama in the Valen is probably the titanium exhaust system. It was specially developed for this car and, according to Aston Martin, is measured from the outside to be 50 percent louder than the Vanquish’s system.
Achieving this while complying with strict European pass-by noise regulations was a challenge. According to Aston, the engineers focused on amplifying the sound at low revs and light throttle rather than tuning the system to be louder at full throttle. In other words: this car is likely to be very loud even when cruising leisurely through London or Beverly Hills.
Limited to 150 units
To maximize the sound inside the cabin, Aston routes the exhaust system directly under and behind the driver’s and passenger’s seats. It can exit both below the bumper and centrally at the rear near the taillights. This is unusual for a front-engine car – and it gives the Valen a raw, almost unfinished look.
The Valen’s interior also features a new, slimmer center console oriented towards the driver. Customers can choose between Aston’s new adjustable Sport Plus seats or lightweight carbon bucket seats. Additionally, there are numerous Q customization options allowing leather colors and trim elements to be configured as desired.
Aston Martin does not specify an exact price for the Valen but expects a starting price of around 1.7 million euros – before bespoke Q options. Only 150 units will be built.
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