Aston Martin Valiant

Aston Martin has introduced the Valiant, a highly exclusive, track-focused, road-legal car. This new model, created by the in-house bespoke division Q by Aston Martin, is a perfect example of Aston’s ability to create pure driver’s cars. With only 38 units available worldwide, the Valiant is going to be ultra-rare with all 38 already allocated.

A Special Commission from Fernando Alonso

The Valiant was initially a personal project for Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso. Alonso wanted a lighter, more extreme version of the Aston Martin Valour, inspired by his incredible 23-year Formula 1 career. The result is a car that combines his passion for high-performance driving with Aston Martin’s engineering excellence.

He said “Valour was a spectacular celebration of Aston Martin’s 110th anniversary, and stirred me to create a more extreme, race car inspired version that was track focussed, while also delivering a thrilling drive on-road. Valiant is born from my passion for driving at the limit and I have enjoyed working closely with the Q by Aston Martin team on both the design and technical specification and believe we have created a masterpiece.”

Performance and Engineering Excellence

The Valiant is fitted with a 745PS Twin Turbo 5.2-litre V12 engine paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. The car also features Carbon Ceramic brakes, lightweight magnesium wheels, and a host of other performance-oriented components designed to reduce weight and enhance handling.

Advanced Suspension and Aerodynamics

The Valiant’s suspension system includes state-of-the-art Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) dampers, offering extreme control and customisation for personalised ride and handling. The car’s aerodynamics are beautifully engineered, with features like a deep front splitter, full-width carbon fibre grille, and distinctive aero discs that reduce drag and turbulence.

Marco Mattiacci, Global Chief Brand and Commercial Officer of Aston Martin said: “Valiant is a modern masterpiece. A creation of Q by Aston Martin, inspired by a racing legend and conceived using the latest F1® inspired technology, exotic materials and obsessive weight reduction. It focuses on placing the driver in a truly unique, intense and emotional driving experience. The ultimate blend of performance, track-focused dynamics and hypercar intensity, Valiant embodies Aston Martin’s determined commitment to build rare and extraordinary cars for true drivers”.

A Design of Power and Precision

The Valiant’s aggressive and muscular design is both functional and aesthetic. The extensive use of lightweight carbon fibre shapes the car’s profile, ensuring stability and minimising drag. From the side fenders to the rear wing, every element of the car has been designed to enhance performance and create a powerful visual impact.

Simon Newton, Aston Martin’s Director of Vehicle Performance, said: “With Valiant we’ve shifted the emphasis towards much-increased track capability while retaining enough useability to remain enjoyable on the road. We’ve moved the dial in every key area to extract greater performance and deliver more excitement; increased power delivery from the V12 to develop 745PS; perfecting the chassis set-up with Multimatic ASV dampers; re-sculpting the body to produce more downforce; and employing lightweight materials and processes to reduce mass. Above all we have put the driver right at the heart of the action; honing control weights for maximum satisfaction; perfecting the shift action of the manual transmission; ensuring the increased handling limits remain accessible and rewarding. It all combines to create an amazing experience Valiant owners won’t find in any other car”.

An Interior Focused on the Driver

Inside, the Aston Martin Valiant is all about the driver. The two-seat cockpit uses exposed satin-finish carbon fibre and lightweight materials to create a race-ready environment. A unique steering wheel and bespoke gearshift enhance the driving experience, while Recaro Podium seats and a built-in half-cage ensure comfort and safety.

Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, said: “Valiant is an extrovert. One look leaves you in no doubt of its intentions. A true thoroughbred aimed at being enjoyed to the full on a racetrack, yet still useable on the road, it takes clear inspiration from motorsport, expressing its character through dramatic, muscular form and a plethora of beautiful, functional details. Amongst these are aero disc wheel covers, which are a nod to the mighty ‘Muncher’ Le Mans car, and a quartet of large diameter titanium exhaust pipes which honour the internal combustion and celebrate the soundtrack of Aston Martin’s magnificent V12”. 

Public Debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed

The Aston Martin Valiant will make its first public appearance at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed from July 11th -14th. Fernando Alonso, the first customer, will take the Valiant for a spin on the famous Hill Climb course, showcasing its true capability.

First deliveries are due to commence in Q4 2024.

What You Need To Know About Aston Martin Valiant

• Ultra-exclusive, track-focused, road-legal extreme Valiant special edition developed through bespoke service, Q by Aston Martin
• Originated from a personal commission by Aston Martin Aramco Formula One^® Team driver Fernando Alonso
• Continues the brand’s long tradition in developing highly collectable special edition models
• Powered by 745PS 5.2 litre Twin-Turbo V12 engine mated to a bespoke 6-speed manual transmission
• Bespoke chassis specification features Multimatic ASV dampers and recalibrated electronics for enhanced track capability  
• Spectacular all-carbon fibre bodywork with aerodynamic features reduces weight and increases downforce; pared-back, lightweight interior enhances connection and driver focus
• Stunning styling reimagines iconic legendary ‘Muncher’ Le Mans racer using cutting edge materials and technology
• Further weight savings achieved with use of magnesium, titanium and advanced 3D printing for key components
• Production strictly limited to 38 units globally and first deliveries to commence in Q4 2024 
• Public debut set for 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed in the hands of Aston Martin Aramco Formula One^® Team driver Fernando Alonso

The UK Should Lead The Electrification Of Supercar Production

McLaren Automotive CEO, Michael Leiters thinks that the UK could and should be leader in the electrification of supercar production if investment can be sought for the domestic supply chain.

He said that the current UK supply chain is not equipped to meet the unique performance requirements of electric supercars. He wants the UK government to provide a strategy for investment in future powertrain technologies.

His full statement is below:

“A clear industrial strategy, led by investment in the domestic supply chain, will deliver growth, support jobs, help decarbonise the economy and secure a vibrant future for the UK performance car industry.

It’s time we regained confidence in our sector by investing in a world-class domestic supply chain to support the development of tomorrow’s high-performance vehicles.

The UK was once the world’s largest vehicle exporter. Today it remains home to some of the world’s most admired performance car brands, as well as the majority of Formula 1 racing teams.

We must harness the skills, knowledge and ingenuity of the UK motorsport and performance car industry to create a global, high-performance centre of excellence.

UK-based luxury and sports car brands command tremendous pricing power thanks to their rich histories, intrinsic brand value and class-leading performance attributes.

As a result, the productivity gross value added of McLaren employees is 51% higher than that of the UK automotive manufacturing sector as a whole.

With more than 90% of McLaren supercars being exported, the UK performance car industry provides an excellent return on investment for taxpayers.

The costs of this technological shift are astronomical, especially for low-volume, highly specialised suppliers.

Today, customer demand for electric supercars remains extremely low as the technology is not sufficiently mature to rival the performance of today’s hybrid and combustion engine offerings, which makes it a risky investment both for OEMs and their suppliers.

But we have an opportunity to invest in next-generation, high power-dense battery cell manufacturing and ensure the UK is at the forefront of future performance car powertrain technology.

Even hybrid vehicles, which we expect will account for the majority of supercars sold throughout this decade, require the need to locally source high-performance battery technology due to the EU ‘rules of origin’ requirements on exported vehicles.

Today, our hybrid McLaren Artura powertrain has 64% UK content. If this car was a pure EV, the UK content of the powertrain would reduce to 13% because we cannot currently source the relevant componentry in the UK.

Look at the McLaren P1 – a technological trailblazer which proved the capability of high-performance hybrid technology long before electrification was in the mainstream.

Developing a pure EV McLaren supercar, which can rival – if not exceed – the performance and driver-engagement of today’s supercars, could help drive the transition towards pure electrification among mass-market customers.

In the future, a thriving UK supply chain specialising in cutting-edge, high energy density cells would not only support supercar production but also other advanced manufacturing needs such as vertical take-off aircraft and drones.”

The Return Of The Ford RS200 And MK1 Escort

The high-performance motorsport division of the DRVN Automotive Group, Boreham Motorworks, has entered a worldwide brand license agreement with the Ford Motor Company. This partnership will see the production and remastering of some of Ford’s most historically significant road, race, and rally icons.

The first vehicle to be revived under this agreement is the Ford RS200. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, this new version of the RS200 will be a ground-up build, designed as a road-legal, Group B-inspired driver’s car. Originally launched in 1984, the Ford RS200 was engineered for the World Rally Championship, featuring a mid-engine layout, an advanced four-wheel-drive system, and a lightweight composite body. Its return will no doubt be met with celebration as one of the most admired rally cars of the 20th century.

In addition to the RS200, Boreham Motorworks will also produce blueprint-accurate, period-sympathetic continuations of other iconic Ford vehicles, beginning with the Ford MK1 Escort. First introduced in the late 1960s, the MK1 Escort quickly became a motorsport legend due to its lightweight design and advanced suspension setup, which provided exceptional handling and agility on both road and rally stages. This remastered MK1 Escort will be produced in very limited numbers and will carry continuation VIN numbers, preserving its historical authenticity.

Boreham Motorworks will offer these exclusive vehicles alongside membership to The Boreham High-Performance Club. This invitation-only club gives members driving experiences on a global scale.

At least five more iconic Ford vehicles will be celebrated in this series, with the Ford MK1 Escort continuation making its public debut later this year. Interested parties can register their interest directly with Boreham Motorworks right now!

This collaboration comes at an already exciting time for Ford Performance Motorsports, which is expanding its racing programs globally. Upcoming projects include the Mustang GT3 at Le Mans, a new Ford Raptor for the Dakar rally in 2025, and Ford’s return to the pinnacle of motorsport.

The Bugatti Tourbillon

Bugatti has once again set a new standard in the hypercar world with the introduction of the Bugatti Tourbillon. Following the incredible lineage of the Veyron and Chiron, the Tourbillon marks the beginning of a new era, blending cutting-edge technology and mechanical genius as this beautiful new car combines an all-new V16 engine with an electrified powertrain!

Powertrain and Performance

The Bugatti Tourbillon, named after the intricate and timeless watchmaking invention, represents a move away from tradition for the French car manufacturer. Instead of the iconic W16 engine, the Tourbillon features an all-new 8.3-litre, naturally aspirated V16 engine, paired with an electric powertrain. This hybrid system, developed in collaboration with Cosworth, delivers a mindblowing 1,800 horsepower.

The advanced powertrain includes a front e-axle with two electric motors and an additional motor at the rear. The result… insane agility and traction. With this hybrid setup, the Tourbillon has a top speed in excess of 250 mph!

Design Excellence and Aerodynamics

You can clearly see that the Tourbillon has been designed with both beauty and function in mind. It features Bugatti’s signature horseshoe grille, Bugatti Line, a central ridge, and a dual-colour split. In very simple terms…it’s beautiful!

Aerodynamically, the Tourbillon is equally as impressive. It includes a submerged rear wing that provides perfect equilibrium at high speeds and an advanced diffuser concept that enhances balance and efficiency.

Luxurious Interior and Craftsmanship

Taking inspiration from horology (the study of time and the art of measuring it), the cabin of the Tourbillon has a fixed hub steering wheel paired with a Swiss-made analogue instrument cluster. The centre console is made from crystal glass and anodised aluminium and houses intricate mechanical switches and a deployable high-definition digital screen.

Again, my words don’t seem to fully convey how beautiful this car truly is.

Advanced Materials and Structural Integrity

The Tourbillon’s chassis and body structure are made from next-generation T800 carbon composite, which integrates the battery as a structural element. This integration enhances rigidity and weight savings. Additionally, the use of advanced materials and 3D-printed components contributes to a lighter, stiffer structure.

Bugatti Tourbillon

The Bugatti Tourbillon is set to begin customer deliveries in 2026 and will be limited to just 250 units. With a starting price of just over £3.2 million, this hypercar is set to be a highly collectable vehicle.

All that being said though, I feel like this is one car I need to drive just once so I can experience its power and beauty firsthand.

Rebuilding A Cat N Write-Off

A collaboration between eBay and the charity Mission Motorsport is taking a 2016 Subaru BRZ, which was previously a Category N (CAT N) vehicle due to crash damage, and bringing it back to life. To make things more interesting, it’s being done entirely with parts purchased through eBay’s Assured Fit, Certified Recycled Parts, and My Garage services. The project aims to highlight not only the range of products available on eBay but also their affordability.

Mission Motorsport’s work on the BRZ involves veterans and former service personnel, providing them with hands-on experience and career opportunities in the automotive world. Once the car is fully rebuilt, the plan is to transform it into a race-ready vehicle compliant with MSUK specs. It will then compete in the Race of Remembrance at Anglesey in November, marking the 10th anniversary of the fundraising event. During the race, the team managing the car – from drivers to pit crew – will consist mostly of individuals who use wheelchairs or have significant lower limb injuries.

Mark White, Operations Manager at Mission Motorsport, said: “We knew from its eBay listing that our Subaru had sustained front and rear damage, but it wasn’t until we got our hands on the BRZ that we could completely understand the scale of our challenge facing our former services personnel. We’ve sourced replacement light clusters, body panels, suspension components and even a seat using eBay Assured Fit, perfectly showcasing the breadth and scale of choice available to motorists through the online marketplace.”

For those unfamiliar, a CAT N classification indicates that a vehicle has been in an accident but hasn’t suffered any structural damage. Among the four damage categories (A, B, S, and N), CAT N is considered the least severe.

eBay’s research, conducted through a Freedom of Information request, reveals that 186,423 cars and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) were categorized as CAT N in 2023. This figure is slightly lower than in 2022 (186,999) and significantly less than the pre-pandemic numbers of 195,938 in 2019. During the pandemic, numbers dropped even further, with 156,071 in 2021 and 142,524 in 2020, largely due to reduced traffic and fewer accidents.

Despite these numbers, more than 80% of UK motorists don’t fully understand what CAT N means. However, once informed, 26% would consider purchasing a CAT N vehicle, provided there are significant savings – with 28% saying they’d only buy if the price was at least 30% below market value. A CAT N classification means the insurer deemed repair costs to exceed the vehicle’s total value, even though it can be made safe and roadworthy again. Vehicles marked as CAT N often sell for less, even after repairs. Interestingly, 42% of the 2,000 surveyed motorists said they’d feel safe buying a repaired CAT N vehicle.

For those choosing to buy and repair a CAT N vehicle, eBay’s Assured Fit makes sure they find the right parts using vehicle registration data. The Certified Recycled program offers OEM quality parts from end-of-life vehicles, providing cost savings and extending the lifecycle of these parts.

Laura Richards, Category Lead at eBay car parts and accessories, said: “Consumers are seemingly unaware of insurance write-off categories and what they really mean. With some fixes to get them back on the road being relatively straight forward, the parts motorists might need are easy to find through eBay using the My Garage function. Meanwhile our Certified Recycled programme provides quality assured reclaimed parts at even more affordable prices.”

eBay’s study also highlighted the most common cars classified as CAT N write-offs in 2023. The Ford Focus topped the list with 7,217 cases, followed by the Ford Fiesta (6,422), Vauxhall Astra (6,363), Volkswagen Golf (6,123), and BMW 3 Series (5,283). Classic British cars like the Lotus Esprit, Ford Anglia, Jaguar XJS, Morris Minor, and Triumph Spitfire were also among the CAT N vehicles last year. Surprisingly, high-end models like the Ferrari California, Aston Martin Vantages, and Porsche 911 Targas also made the list.

Motorists can also purchase directly from OEMs like Ford, Toyota, Lexus, BMW, MINI, Jaguar Classic, and Land Rover Classic through official eBay stores too. This means you can have the confidence of a genuine part for a much better price.

To demonstrate this, eBay compared the prices of Certified Recycled Parts to new ones. For example, a rear bumper for a Ford Focus could save motorists £242.84, and a Vauxhall Astra boot lid could save up to £609.43 by opting for a Certified Recycled Part.

It will be interesting to see if the project is successful and if everything needed to bring the car back to life can be found on eBay alone.

The Collapse of Cazoo

Cazoo had all the potential to be a huge success and to change the car buying process for millions. Founded in 2018 by Alex Chesterman, who also started LoveFilm and Zoopla, Cazoo aimed to make buying a used car as easy as any other online purchase. Despite early success, the company recently entered administration.

What happened at Cazoo and why did something so promising end up in its current situation?

Initial Success and Rapid Growth of Cazoo

Cazoo grew quickly, heavily investing in marketing and expanding into Europe. Their goal was to streamline the car buying process, allowing customers to purchase, finance, or lease a car entirely online, with home delivery. This model gained significant traction during the COVID-19 pandemic when traditional car buying was disrupted, and the convenience of online purchases became highly attractive.

Financial Challenges and Strategic Errors

Despite its outward success, Cazoo had financial problems behind the scenes. Their aggressive growth led to high expenses, especially in marketing and sponsorships. The business model required substantial capital for inventory and logistics, which became increasingly difficult for the company to afford. The used car market is known to be very complex, with high overhead and logistical costs, and Cazoo struggled to manage these.

Consumer Preferences and Market Dynamics

Cazoo’s model was based on the assumption that consumers would be comfortable buying used cars online without a test drive. However, many buyers still prefer to see and test the car in person before making a decision. The economic environment, including rising inflation and interest rates, also affected consumer confidence and spending, putting even more strain on Cazoo.

Operational and Financial Strain

By March 2023, the company faced substantial financial difficulties, missing a $5.3 million (approximately £4.2 million) interest payment and failing to file its accounts on time, which led to a non-compliance notice from the New York Stock Exchange. The company looked for additional funding and explored selling parts of its business, but these efforts were unsuccessful. The board ultimately decided to cease operations, leading to the company entering administration and approximately 200 job losses.

There were once around 700 people employed by Cazoo, however, the majority of these were made redundant in March when the company remodelled from a dealer into a marketplace where customers bought and sold cars.

Competitive Landscape and Market Adaptation

Competition in the used car market also contributed to Cazoo’s challenges. Traditional dealerships and other online car retailers enhanced their digital offerings, making it difficult for the business to sustain its market share. Established dealerships, which offer both online and in-person services, provided a more flexible and resilient model compared to Cazoo’s online-only approach.

The End of Cazoo

Cazoo is/was a company of high ambitions and significant challenges. Their attempt to revolutionise the used car market with an online-only strategy faced numerous issues. High operational costs, rapid growth, fluctuating market conditions, and stiff competition overshadowed their initial success. While the idea of simplifying car purchases online was innovative, the practical challenges of the used car market proved insurmountable (at least on this occasion).

JLR Boosts Efforts Against Vehicle Theft with Over £1 Million Investment in Policing

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced an investment of over £1 million to aid the UK police in their fight against vehicle crime. This funding will bolster police operations in known theft hotspots and support crucial intelligence-gathering efforts.

Earlier this year, JLR’s CEO, Adrian Mardell, strongly disagreed with claims that Range Rovers were particularly susceptible to theft. Despite this, many owners have reported steep increases in insurance premiums, with some even struggling to secure coverage at all.

Insurance costs can vary widely based on factors like the driver’s record, vehicle storage location, and existing security features. Luxury vehicles, often targeted by thieves due to their high resale value abroad, face higher premiums as a result.

JLR faces a unique challenge given its lineup of premium models, with the Range Rover brand especially popular among celebrities, politicians, and royalty. These vehicles come with hefty price tags—starting at £104,000 for the Range Rover and £75,000 for the Range Rover Sport. However, the brand has also garnered a reputation for being theft-prone.

Earlier this year, Mardell criticised reports that labelled the Range Rover as Britain’s “most stolen vehicle,” acknowledging the serious issue of organised vehicle theft but argued that JLR had been unfairly targeted. He emphasised the company’s significant efforts to enhance vehicle security and accused the insurance industry of not fully considering available information when setting premiums.

This latest investment in police funding is part of JLR’s ongoing efforts to reassure customers and reduce insurance costs. Last year, JLR launched its own insurance products to assist customers who struggled to find coverage, though some Range Rover owners have still reported difficulties in obtaining quotes.

The new funds will provide additional dedicated resources for several police forces to address vehicle theft across the country. It will also support the creation of a national policing unit focused on gathering intelligence on vehicle thefts and increasing police activity at ports where stolen cars are often shipped abroad by criminal gangs.

JLR is already collaborating with police by sharing information to help locate and recover stolen vehicles, and it has trained around 650 officers in these efforts. Simultaneously, the company continues to improve the security of its vehicles. According to data from the Police National Computer, since January 2022, only 0.2% of new Range Rovers and Range Rover Sports have been stolen.

Patrick Mcgillycuddy, Managing Director of JLR said “We are constantly developing our systems and security features and through our close collaboration with police, we stay ahead of any emerging methods and quickly deploy anti-theft measures. This additional investment, coupled with our other ongoing and proactive action, shows our commitment to supporting the authorities in having a tangible impact on combating this issue in the UK.”