One shift in the Aston Martin Valour and you’re hooked.

It’s the nature of that shift that’s key—a manual gear change connected to a V12 engine via metal and rods, all wrapped in a bespoke body, yours for £1.5m plus options.

While Pagani initiated the trend with the Pagani Utopia’s manual gearbox, Aston Martin’s front-engine V12 setup offers unique bragging rights.

The Valour, celebrating Aston’s 110th anniversary, is limited to 110 units, all of which are already sold out.

Quick Overview
Pros: Smooth manual gearbox, classic handling characteristics
Cons: Polarizing design, outdated infotainment system

What’s new?
The design, inspired by the ‘Muncher’—a unique Aston racer from the 1977 Le Mans—is certainly a talking point. While opinions in the CAR office are split, my take is that it looks stunning.

The aggressive rear diffuser is tuned for road use, and the duck-tail boot lid helps reduce lift, though neither adds downforce.

Built on the Vantage platform, the Valour features the previous generation’s twin-turbo V12, now delivering 705bhp and 555lb ft, slightly more than the 2022 Vantage special edition.

The 0-62mph time remains unchanged, which makes sense given the switch from an eight-speed automatic to a manual gearbox. The Valour retains rear-wheel drive and a mechanical limited-slip differential, while a new stainless steel exhaust with a 1mm wall thickness enhances its sound and reduces weight.

Specifications
The Valour features bespoke suspension with unique adaptive dampers, springs, and anti-roll bars. It offers three drive modes: Sport, Sport+, and Track, which adjust throttle response and exhaust note. Suspension and engine mapping can be controlled via buttons on either side of the steering wheel.

Aston Martin states that elements like the braced rear tower strut and fuel tank make the Valour stiffer than the standard Vantage. It also comes with standard carbon ceramic brakes.

Driving Experience
Interestingly, the Valour is not dominated by its V12 engine. While there’s plenty of power to make it lively under full throttle, the V12’s growl is not overwhelming.

The engine is not peaky; the turbos engage from 2000rpm and become more engaging at 3000rpm, making it easy to utilize the torque in sixth gear. Despite its 705bhp, it feels almost normal by today’s standards.

What sets this car apart is its old-school charm rather than modern technology. It feels reminiscent of historic racers, with a pleasant roll around the corners that provides a sense of movement without being alarming. The balance and interplay of the systems make it appealing.

The gearbox has a longer throw compared to the Honda Civic Type R, but this allows the turbos to spool up before shifting to the next gear.

The Valour doesn’t lead its class in any particular area, and that’s part of its charm. Its electrically assisted steering doesn’t match the feel of a McLaren, and its suspension doesn’t offer the refined balance of ride and handling provided by modern twin-valve dampers. However, these aspects don’t detract from the Valour’s appeal.

Aston Martin Valour: Verdict
It’s easy to be cynical about the Vantage, viewing it as an old car dressed up and sold at a high price. However, driving and experiencing it reveals that Aston Martin has made a genuine effort to enhance its appeal.

It won’t suit everyone’s tastes, and there are certainly more advanced rivals on the market. Yet, as a statement and a glorious nod to the past, it stands out and is all the better for it.