Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi explore how Aston Martin’s latest Valiant coupe, showcased at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, is setting new standards in luxury and performance with its twin-turbo V-12 engine, titanium exhaust, and advanced 3D printing technology.
Aston Martin, the iconic British automaker renowned for its luxury sports cars, has once again captured the automotive world’s attention with the unveiling of its latest masterpiece: the special edition Valiant coupe. This groundbreaking vehicle is not just a testament to Aston Martin’s engineering prowess and design excellence but also a showcase of cutting-edge technology, featuring a formidable twin-turbo V-12 engine, a titanium exhaust system, and components crafted using advanced 3D printing techniques. The Valiant coupe made its debut at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, drawing admiration from car enthusiasts and industry experts alike.
The Valiant Coupe: An Overview
The Aston Martin Valiant coupe is a stunning blend of traditional elegance and modern innovation. Its sleek, aerodynamic lines and aggressive stance are unmistakably Aston Martin, while the advanced engineering under the hood sets it apart from anything the company has produced before. At the heart of the Valiant is a twin-turbocharged V-12 engine, capable of delivering an astonishing 700 horsepower. This powerplant ensures that the Valiant is not just a showpiece but a true performer on the road, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.
One of the standout features of the Valiant coupe is its titanium exhaust system. Titanium, known for its strength and lightweight properties, is an ideal material for high-performance exhaust systems. This system not only enhances the car’s performance by reducing weight and improving exhaust flow but also gives the Valiant a distinctive, throaty exhaust note that is music to the ears of any car enthusiast.
Cutting-Edge 3D Printing Technology
In a bold move towards the future of automotive manufacturing, Aston Martin has incorporated 3D printing technology into the production of the Valiant coupe. This innovative approach allows for the creation of highly complex components with unprecedented precision and efficiency.
The Valiant coupe features several key components produced using 3D printing, including parts of the engine bay, interior fittings, and even some elements of the car’s exterior bodywork. The use of 3D printing enables Aston Martin to produce parts that are both lighter and stronger than those made with traditional manufacturing methods. Additionally, this technology allows for greater customization and faster prototyping, significantly reducing the time from design to production.
The Cost of Innovation
The integration of advanced technologies and high-end materials comes at a premium. The Aston Martin Valiant coupe is priced at approximately US$2,500,000. This cost reflects the exceptional craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and performance capabilities of the vehicle. Each Valiant coupe is a bespoke creation, tailored to the preferences of its owner, ensuring a level of exclusivity and luxury that is second to none. All of the 38 units produced have been sold.
While the price tag may seem steep, the Valiant coupe offers value for money in the realm of ultra-luxury sports cars. Owners are not just buying a car; they are investing in a piece of automotive history, a vehicle that represents the pinnacle of engineering and design innovation. The Valiant’s performance, combined with its state-of-the-art features and bespoke craftsmanship, make it a worthy investment for discerning collectors and enthusiasts.
Debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed
The Goodwood Festival of Speed, held annually in West Sussex, England, is one of the most prestigious automotive events in the world. It attracts car enthusiasts, collectors, and industry insiders from across the globe, offering a unique blend of motorsport, car culture, and high society.
Aston Martin chose this illustrious event, in July 2024, to unveil the Valiant coupe, a decision that underscores the significance of the new model. The unveiling was a highlight of the festival, drawing large crowds and extensive media coverage. Attendees were treated to a close-up view of the Valiant, with Aston Martin executives and designers on hand to discuss the car’s features and the innovative technologies behind its creation.
The reaction to the Valiant coupe at Goodwood was overwhelmingly positive. Car enthusiasts and experts alike were impressed by the car’s design, performance, and technological advancements. The use of 3D printing technology, in particular, garnered significant attention, highlighting Aston Martin’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
The Research & Development Tax Credit
The now permanent Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit is available for companies developing new or improved products, processes and/or software.
3D printing can help boost a company’s R&D Tax Credits. Wages for technical employees creating, testing and revising 3D printed prototypes can be included as a percentage of eligible time spent for the R&D Tax Credit. Similarly, when used as a method of improving a process, time spent integrating 3D printing hardware and software counts as an eligible activity. Lastly, when used for modeling and preproduction, the costs of filaments consumed during the development process may also be recovered.
Whether it is used for creating and testing prototypes or for final production, 3D printing is a great indicator that R&D Credit-eligible activities are taking place. Companies implementing this technology at any point should consider taking advantage of R&D Tax Credits.
Conclusion
The Aston Martin Valiant coupe is more than just a car; it is a statement of what the future of automotive design and engineering holds. With its twin-turbo V-12 engine, titanium exhaust system, and components made using advanced 3D printing techniques, the Valiant sets a new standard in the world of luxury sports cars. Priced at US$2.5 million, it represents the pinnacle of bespoke craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. Its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed has solidified its place as one of the most exciting and innovative cars of the year. As Aston Martin continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, the Valiant coupe stands as a testament to the brand’s enduring legacy and its vision for the future.
