SimplyAbuDhabi XLIV

ter and styled to leave no doubt as to Valiant’s performance capabilities, it is one of many unmistakable design signatures. Afixed, one-piece clamshell rear, features a hinged rear screen panel, allowing access to a load space perfect for the storage of race helmets and race clothing. Completing the aerodynamic package is the functional rear diffuser. Designed using Computational Fluid Dynamics to make positive reduc- tions in drag and lift, the carbon fibre construction provides the added benefit of reducing mass at the rear. The diffuser also serves to perfectly frame Valiant’s spectacular quad exit, titanium exhaust system, which has been styled for maximum visual impact and tuned to celebrate the 745PS V12 engine’s incredible soundtrack. Like its exterior, Valiant’s interior is a brilliant combination of race-bred functionality and the immaculate design flourishes and mastery of mate- rials for which Aston Martin is renowned. The strictly two-seat cockpit is packed with drama and purpose. Extensive use of exposed satin-fin- ish carbon fibre underpin Valiant’s focus on lightweight materials, while strategic placement of seat padding and finely-tailored, lightweight upholstery add targeted comfort, luxury and tactility. Particular attention is paid to points of contact between driver and machine. This begins with a new steering wheel. Unique to Valiant and designed to reflect the purity and connection found throughout the car, it is perfectly round with a slimmer-diameter rim and spokes devoid of switches for intuitive feel and zero distractions. To highlight the mechanical nature of the manual gearbox, a cutaway in the transmission tunnel exposes the gear linkage running rearward to the six-speed transaxle. Development has focused on perfecting the weight and feel of the gearshift, with a new bespoke spherical gear knob and H-pattern shifting maximizing gearshift effort and precision. With Valiant being designed with focused track-use in mind, driver comfort and safety are paramount. To this end Valiant features a built-in half-cage as-standard together with bespoke trimmed Recaro Podium seats. The steel half-cage provides the anchor point to allow 4-point race harnesses to be fitted to the car. Recaro Podium seats provide exception- al lateral and shoulder support, with innovative pads featuring passive thorax ventilation for increased comfort during extreme driving. 262 | Simply Abu Dhabi