In the automotive world, few names evoke the same level of sophistication, class, and performance as Aston Martin. With over a century of history and a rich racing heritage, Aston Martin has continually defined and redefined British luxury car design. Enter the Aston Martin Valiant, a concept vehicle that not only honours this illustrious legacy but also pushes the boundaries of modern automotive design.
Disclaimer: This is a personal project of a designer and not an official project from Aston Martin
The Vision Behind the Valiant
The Aston Martin Valiant captures the timeless silhouette that the brand is known for while introducing the innovative "Shooting Brake" design. This style merges the sleek, aerodynamic lines of Aston Martin’s iconic sports cars with the practicality of a station wagon. The result is a vehicle that offers the exhilaration of a sports car and the utility needed for stylish weekend getaways. The Valiant stands out in a market increasingly dominated by SUVs and crossovers, offering a unique blend of form and function that appeals to both traditional sports car enthusiasts and those seeking practicality without compromising performance.
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The Valiant sports car concept was developed using Gravity Sketch, a virtual reality program that allows designers to create and interact with their models at full scale. This immersive design process enabled a thorough examination of the vehicle’s lines and ergonomics, ensuring that every angle and curve contributes to the Valiant’s distinctive profile and user experience. By building in VR, the designer could make real-time adjustments and visualize the final product as if it were already on the road.
While the Valiant is a forward-looking concept, it incorporates historical motifs that are synonymous with Aston Martin. The iconic grille outline, a hallmark of Aston Martin’s design, is featured prominently on the front fascia. Although the Valiant is an electric vehicle that doesn't require a traditional grille for cooling, this design element is a nostalgic callback to the brand’s heritage. Inset headlights further enhance the curvature of the hood, seamlessly transitioning into the grille while echoing the wing motif found in Aston Martin’s logo.
Aerodynamics and Elegance
The cockpit is positioned behind an extended, sleek hood, a design choice that enhances both its aesthetic appeal and aerodynamic performance. This layout not only pays homage to classic sports car styling but also contributes to the vehicle’s speed and efficiency. The side profile features sweeping lines that draw the eye toward the pronounced fenders, giving a sense of motion even when the car is stationary. Functional fender vents enhance aerodynamic efficiency and add a subtle nod to Aston Martin’s racing heritage.
When you look in the interior, the emphasis on racing heritage becomes even more apparent. The cabin features an exposed carbon fiber monocoque structure, providing both strength and lightness. This is complemented by luxurious accents made from the finest British Heritage leathers, including those from breeds like Aberdeen Angus and Charolais. Key components and accent panels are crafted from titanium, offering a blend of luxury and industrial-grade protection.
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The driver’s experience is further elevated with a jet plane-style steering column integrated with a digital cluster system, making the driver feel like the pilot of a high-performance machine. The centre console features analogue controls for gear selection and drive modes, alongside a dual display for easy access to infotainment functions. This combination of traditional and modern elements ensures that the Aston Martin Valiant’s interior is both functional and a pleasure to behold. The creation of this aston martin sports car concept wasn’t just about producing a beautiful and functional vehicle; it was also a study in design efficiency.
The Aston Martin Valiant sports car concept stands as a testament to the brand’s ability to evolve while remaining true to its roots. It combines the sleek, dynamic lines of Aston Martin’s sports cars with the practicality of a station wagon, creating a vehicle that is as versatile as it is exhilarating. Through the use of virtual reality in its design process, the Valiant concept exemplifies how modern technology can be harnessed to bring innovative ideas to life while paying homage to a rich legacy. In a market crowded with SUVs and crossovers, the Valiant offers a refreshing alternative that embodies both performance and practicality, ensuring that the thrill of driving remains at the forefront of automotive design.
About Designer
Cedric Le graduated from the Transportation Design program at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. During his studies, he led various design teams in fields like Architecture, Fashion, User Experience, and Marketing, working to develop innovative solutions and future-focused designs. He specializes in VR digital modeling, creating full-scale product proposals for augmented presentations that immerse viewers and provide a realistic sense of ergonomics. Cedric is currently a Design Digital Modeler at Ford Motor Company.
