The Valen made its debut on the Monterey Peninsula in August, and it makes its case in plain terms. Its 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 produces 850 PS and 1,000 Nm of torque and drives through an eight-speed ZF automatic. Aston Martin quotes a top speed of 214 mph.
Much of the work is in what was taken out. The body is carbon fibre throughout, which saves 25 kg. A titanium exhaust saves 14.8 kg more, and 21-inch forged magnesium wheels reduce unsprung mass. In all, the Valen is up to 110 kg lighter than the standard V12 platform. Carbon ceramic brakes measure 410 mm at the front and 360 mm at the rear.
The cabin is a calm place for a car of this kind. It has twin 10.25-inch displays and a Bowers and Wilkins system with 15 speakers and 1,170 watts. Production is limited to 150 cars worldwide, and each one is built by the company's bespoke Q division.