Aston Martin Reveals 838-Horsepower Valen at Monterey Car Week
Aston Martin has unveiled the Valen, a limited-production, front-engine supercar capable of 838 horsepower. Debuting at Monterey Car Week, the model is the third vehicle in the brand’s ultra-exclusive Q by Aston Martin series, following the manual-transmission Valour and the track-focused Valiant. According to the manufacturer, the Valen is the most powerful front-engine production car currently on the market, with a starting price estimated at $2 million.
Performance Specs and Engineering
The Valen is powered by a twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V-12 engine, a configuration that produces 838 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, as reported by Yahoo Autos. This output represents a 14-horsepower increase over the Aston Martin Vanquish. The vehicle features an eight-speed ZF transaxle with shift logic derived from the Vantage GT4 race program. Performance testing indicates a 0-to-62 mph acceleration time of 3.1 seconds—though Car and Driver notes an estimated 3.0-second 0-to-60 mph time—with an electronically limited top speed of 214 mph.
Pro Tip: Unlike its predecessors, the Valour and Valiant, the Valen does not offer a manual transmission, opting instead for a race-derived automatic system to manage its significant power output.
Weight Reduction and Design Choices
To enhance agility, Aston Martin utilized extensive weight-saving measures, resulting in a chassis that is up to 242 pounds lighter than the standard V-12 platform used for the Vanquish. The body is constructed entirely from carbon fiber, and the vehicle features magnesium wheels to reduce unsprung weight. An optional lightweight suspension pack further reduces mass by 37 pounds through the use of machined aluminum components and titanium bolts.
The exterior design marks a departure from traditional Aston Martin silhouettes. The car features an aggressive, angular aesthetic, including a rear end that lacks a traditional window to save weight, replaced by a camera system. The titanium exhaust system is routed directly beneath the cabin and exits through the rear diffuser, a design choice that Aston Martin claims makes the Valen 50 percent louder than the Vanquish.
Market Availability and Customization
Aston Martin will produce only 150 units of the Valen. Each car is a bespoke commission handled by the Q division, allowing buyers to select specific leather trims, colors, and interior materials. The show car debuted in a hue-shifting Satin Andromeda Red.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many Aston Martin Valens will be built?
Aston Martin has confirmed a total production run of 150 vehicles worldwide. - What is the starting price of the Valen?
The vehicle is estimated to start at approximately $2 million, excluding additional bespoke options selected through the Q division. - Is the Valen street-legal?
Yes, the Valen is a production car designed for road use, though its exhaust system was engineered to meet European drive-by noise regulations despite being 50 percent louder than the Vanquish. - Does the Valen have a manual transmission?
No, unlike the Valour and Valiant, the Valen utilizes an eight-speed ZF automatic transaxle.
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