The Valen is clad in a full carbon-fiber body and powered by the brand’s 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine with 850ps and 1000Nm of torque from just 2,500rpm. Combined with targeted hardware and extensive software calibration to steering, suspension and braking systems, Valen delivers a driver-focused configuration to match its raw performance, according to Aston Martin.
Aston Martin CEO Adrian Hallmark said, “The latest in a bloodline of limited-production special series models from our bespoke service, Q by Aston Martin, Valen’s world-beating performance required a design to capture the raw motion and unmatched output of our V12 powertrain. With more power, less weight and a spectacular soundtrack, the dramatic design is backed up by equally dramatic performance.”
The Valen features a sharper-shifting 8-speed ZF transmission, which uses race-proven shift strategies developed for Aston Martin’s Vantage GT4 race program, which has reduced Valen’s 0-60mph (96km/h) time to just 3.0 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 214mph (344km/h).
Aston Martin director of vehicle performance Simon Newton commented, “When your basis for a project is the world’s most powerful front-engined production car, you know you’re going to have fun. Valen channels the more overt dynamic purpose of a true sports car and amplifies that energy and focus to further unleash Valen’s potential. Everything we’ve done to the powertrain and chassis has been driven by the same objective: to intensify the character and capability to deliver a truly thrilling experience that’s accessible to all skill levels, but keen drivers will absolutely relish.”
To bring out the best from the V12 powertrain, the company adopts a performance drive mode philosophy: Sport, Sport+ and Track. Careful attention has also been paid to Valen’s throttle mapping, which changes according to drive mode.
The Valen also has weight savings of up to 110kg over the core V12 platform. This was achieved through lightweight motorsport-inspired materials, including carbon fiber, aluminum, titanium and magnesium. An optional lightweight pack featuring machined-from-solid aluminum suspension arms, knuckles and titanium chassis bolts makes a 16.9kg weight saving.
New lightweight magnesium wheels are fitted as standard. These are shod with Aston Martin-tuned Pirelli P Zero R (275/35 ZR21 front, 325/30 ZR21 rear) or P Zero Winter 2 tires (275/35 R21 front, 325/30 R21 rear).
A combination of major hardware changes and targeted software calibration adjustments to the ESP, dampers, steering, camber, and braking system delivers a marked character shift, giving Valen a unique dynamic signature.
Focused front and rear lateral stiffness delivers precise response and confident direction changes. Reduced roll and pitch motions to driver inputs increase the feeling of agility compared with the core V12 platform while preserving a playful handling balance for maximum enjoyment.
There was an intense development focus on the steering, tuned to deliver feel, connection and system stiffness through the chassis. Steering efforts have been tuned for response, allowing Valen to behave like a shorter, lighter car.
Valen also employs a solid-mounted rear subframe together with model-specific springs, helper springs and Bilstein DTX semi-active dampers. Steering calibration maximizes the feeling of agility and exploits the front-end’s limits of grip.
To ensure all points of contact between car and driver have cohesive feel and response, Valen’s brake booster maintains a firm pedal for exceptional precision and complete driver confidence, allowing precise modulation of the 410mm front and 360mm rear carbon ceramic brakes from high and low speeds.
The Valen features a lightweight titanium exhaust system. The system has been developed specifically for the vehicle and features new micro mufflers, ensuring compliance with homologation regulations. The quad exhaust system evokes the design language of a mid-engine hypercar, molded into the form of a front mid-engined supercar, with four tailpipes split between two upper and two lower. The upper exhaust exits are always open, with the lower exits valved, opening depending on drive mode.
Aston Martin EVP and chief creative officer Marek Reichman said, “Valen gave us the opportunity to explore and express more extreme emotions through a new form of language and surface treatment. As such, Valen is a significant departure from what has gone before, with sharply sculpted lines to reflect the aggressive dynamics, an attacking stance that emphasizes the front-engine rear-drive layout and a bespoke interior design that creates a more sporting cockpit environment. Valen is a provocative front-engined supercar exuding increased potency and sporting intent, yet still celebrating the elevated luxury, meticulous detailing and unmistakable design signatures expected of a flagship Aston Martin.”