Aston Martin has officially introduced the Valen, a new limited-edition coupe that the company claims is the world’s most powerful front-engine production vehicle. The Valen is based on the current Vanquish chassis and was designed by the Q special vehicles team in collaboration with the Special Vehicle Operations department. It takes the classic long-hood, short-deck layout and makes every essential system work harder. Only 150 will be constructed, with the first vehicles expected to arrive in the second quarter of 2027. The base price is approximately two million dollars before options.
Power comes from a modified version of the company’s 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12, which now produces 850 PS (about 838 horsepower) and 1000 Nm of torque from as low as 2500 RPM. That should be enough to propel the Valen from 0 to 60 in 3 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 214 mph. Behind the scenes, the eight-speed ZF automatic shifts; the software used is the same as that used in the Vantage GT4 race car, so you get nice crisp gear changes in Sport, Sport+, and Track modes, and of course, the throttle response varies depending on which mode you’ve selected, snappy and short in Sport and Sport+ but long and more laid back in Track.
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Weight reduction has been a primary focus of the development process, and engineers were able to shave 110 kilos off the normal V12 chassis by heavily utilizing carbon fiber for the bodywork, as well as aluminum, titanium, and magnesium. Standard mag wheels save some weight this way. If you choose the optional lightweight pack, they’ve gone all out with machined aluminum suspension components and titanium bolts on the chassis, shaving another 17 kilos off. What it all boils down to is a car that feels responsive but can go long distances in respectable comfort, much like a genuine grand tourer.
The chassis has been modified to match the new engines and lighter body, including a solid rear subframe, model-specific springs, and Bilstein DTX semi-active dampers. That improves the lateral stiffness at both ends, resulting in less roll and pitch when thrown into a corner – which essentially means it handles tighter and more precisely than previously. Massive 410mm carbon-ceramic brakes, along with a well-tuned brake booster, provide a solid, strong pedal feel. Pirelli P Zero R tires are mounted to the wheels, and they can provide real-time data to the stability, traction control, and anti-lock brake systems, allowing them to be permanently adjusted.
The entire titanium exhaust system runs from the engine to a quartet of massive tailpipes at the back. The top pair is always open, but the lower pair opens and closes depending on the drive mode and the amount of throttle exerted. Compared to the Vanquish, the system is around 50% louder throughout the rev range, but with a twist: the low frequencies are dialed down and the upper notes are pushed up, making the sound more aggressive even at cruising speed. The use of micro mufflers allows the car to remain street legal, but the overall loudness and character are significantly more prominent than in most other recent Aston Martin models. Customers can select from a fully exposed carbon fiber body in a variety of tints and finishes, or the Satin Andromeda Red paint used on the initial car.
Inside, the Valen features a very basic design. There’s a super slim center console with 3D printed components, and part of the switchgear is direct from the Valhalla. The main touchscreen is angled toward the driver. The seats are available in two varieties: the very supportive Sports Plus chairs and the lighter carbon fiber versions, which are ideal for performance. Trim options include semi aniline leather and Alcantara combinations, full leather in a single color or dual tone, and even a driver-focused one, with more elaborate quilting on the higher-specced models. The Q personalization program expects each Valen to be its own distinct beast. Currently, demand exceeds the 150-car allocation.
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