Automatic transmissions and electric vehicles are dominating now but Aston Martin has stood firm in upholding the art of the manual gearbox. Marking their 110th anniversary in a remarkable fashion, the esteemed automaker introduced the Valour—a limited-edition, V12-powered supercar that pays homage to its rich heritage while embracing the manual transmission.
The Valour is more than a farewell to the manual gearbox; it’s a resounding affirmation of Aston Martin’s commitment to preserving a distinctive driving experience. Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s creative genius, revealed that the Valour drew inspiration from the extraordinary success of the one-off Victor. Originally designed for a single customer, the Victor impressed audiences at Hampton Court and secured the esteemed Future Classic award. The Victor’s triumph sparked public interest, prompting numerous inquiries and inspiring Aston Martin to contemplate crafting more vehicles in the spirit of the manual transmission.
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