838-HP Aston Martin Valen Is a Crazier VanquishAston MartinAston Martin has revealed the Valen, which is derived from the Vanquish.It has the same twin-turbo V-12 engine, but the engine makes 838 horsepower in this application compared with 823 horses in the Vanquish.Aston says the special titanium exhaust system in the Valen is 50 percent louder.Aston Martin's front-engined V-12 grand tourers have typically been among the brand's classiest models, but that's not the case with the new Valen. This limited-production spinoff is derived from the Vanquish, but it introduces an entirely new, more aggressive personality thanks to its radically different styling and numerous performance upgrades that are meant to deliver a louder and more engaging driving experience.Aston MartinThe same long-hood, short-deck proportions from the Vanquish are still present here, but otherwise the Valen looks quite different due to its huge front splitter and slim headlights that are hidden under a furrowed brow. Along the side, there are exposed carbon bits, and out back there are four massive exhaust tips and a rear diffuser that make this look far more like a race car than the chrome-laden Vanquish and its more subdued rear end.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis special titanium exhaust, with two outlets mounted in the diffuser and two higher up on the rear fascia, will have a bark to match its bite, too, as Aston Martin claims that the Valen is 50 percent louder than the Vanquish. The twin-turbo 5.2-liter V-12 makes an extra 15 horsepower compared with the Vanquish, bringing it to a total of 838 horses, and the Valen also weighs 243 pounds less than its sibling. Aston estimates it will get to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds and go on to a top speed of 214 mph.The Valen also gets the eight-speed automatic transmission with similar programming as the Vantage GT4 race car, promising snappier shifts. The 21-inch magnesium wheels reduce unsprung weight, and the tire setup consists of staggered Pirelli P Zero R rubber with massively wide 325-series tires in back.For its debut at Monterey Car Week, the Valen show car is finished in Satin Andromeda Red, which is a hue-shifting color somewhere between red, copper, and gold. Customers will be able to customize myriad aspects of their Valen's design inside and out, including exposed carbon trim in various colors and several upholstery options. The dashboard incorporates 3D-printed components and looks more minimalist than the Vanquish's richly trimmed cabin.There's no rear window, and the Valen uses a camera system to provide a rearward view. The quad exhaust takes up space in the trunk, but never fear, as Aston will gladly sell you bespoke luggage that fits snugly in the small cargo area. The Valen even comes with a cloth to place on the side of the car when you load in suitcases, both so that you don't scratch the paint and to protect from the surprising amount of heat the exhaust generates back there.AdvertisementAdvertisementAston will only build 150 units of the Valen, and the company says there will absolutely be no open-top version of this focused sports car. The starting price is $2 million, and the customization process means that no two Valens will be alike. The company says it already has more applicants to buy the Valen than it has cars, so good luck securing a slot. Perhaps we should be happy just to hear the exhaust as it passes by.➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.Shop New Cars Shop Used CarsYou Might Also LikeGift Guide: Best Ride-On Electric Cars for KidsFuture Cars Worth Waiting For: 2025–2029
