Aston Martin to build Alonso-commissioned sportscar - Motorsport.com

Aston Martin, the iconic British luxury sports car manufacturer, has announced that it will be building a sportscar commissioned by none other than Formula One legend Fernando Alonso. The car, known as the Aston Martin Valiant, is a track-focused machine that is designed to deliver an exhilarating driving experience, with a manual transmission and a screaming V12 engine.

The project was first announced in 2020, when Alonso revealed that he had commissioned Aston Martin to build a car that would be a tribute to his racing career. At the time, Alonso stated that he wanted the car to be a “raw, manual, and extreme” driving machine that would be capable of delivering the kind of visceral experience that only a race car can provide.

Aston Martin has now confirmed that the Valiant will enter production in the fourth quarter of 2025, with deliveries expected to begin shortly after. The car will be built in limited numbers, with each unit being hand-crafted at Aston Martin’s Gaydon facility in Warwickshire, England.

The Valiant is based on the Aston Martin Valour, a race car that was developed in conjunction with the company’s Advanced Operations division. The Valour was designed to compete in international GT racing events, and it features a lightweight carbon fiber chassis and bodywork, as well as a powerful V12 engine.

For the Valiant, Aston Martin has taken the Valour’s basic architecture and modified it to create a car that is specifically designed for track use. The car features a stripped-back interior, with a minimalist dashboard and a race-style steering wheel. The seats are trimmed in lightweight carbon fiber and feature four-point harnesses for added safety.

The Valiant’s V12 engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, which is designed to provide a satisfying and engaging driving experience. The car also features a mechanical limited-slip differential and a bespoke suspension system that has been tuned for optimal handling on the track.

The exterior of the Valiant is sleek and aggressive, with a low-slung stance and pronounced aerodynamic features. The car features a large front splitter and a prominent rear diffuser, which work together to provide a significant amount of downforce at high speeds. The bodywork is crafted from lightweight carbon fiber, which helps to keep the Valiant’s weight down and improve its power-to-weight ratio.

In terms of performance, Aston Martin has not released official figures for the Valiant’s top speed or acceleration. However, given the car’s race-bred heritage and the fact that it is powered by a V12 engine, it is likely to be capable of achieving some impressive numbers on the track.

The Aston Martin Valiant is a unique and exclusive vehicle that is sure to appeal to serious car enthusiasts and collectors. With its manual transmission and screaming V12 engine, it promises to deliver an unforgettable driving experience for those who are lucky enough to get behind the wheel.