NEW CARS

2027 Mitsubishi Pajero Returns as a Hardcore 4×4

The Mitsubishi Pajero is back, and this time the legendary nameplate returns with a clear mission: take on the Toyota Land Cruiser in the increasingly competitive market for rugged, premium-capable 4x4s.

Known as the Shogun in the UK during its previous generation, the Pajero built its reputation on genuine off-road ability rather than simply looking the part. The new model continues that philosophy, combining a traditional body-on-frame chassis with modern technology, a more luxurious interior and a new diesel powertrain.

Mitsubishi says the new Pajero has been developed around the concept of “off-road comfort,” with engineers aiming to preserve the vehicle’s all-terrain capability while making it considerably more refined and comfortable on paved roads.

A Classic Pajero Shape with Modern Details

Visually, the new Mitsubishi Pajero takes inspiration from the model’s most recognizable generations, particularly the short-wheelbase Pajeros that became motorsport legends during the Paris-Dakar Rally.

Its upright, boxy proportions immediately distinguish it from the increasingly rounded designs of many modern SUVs. The high bonnet, squared-off body and substantial wheel arches give the Pajero a purposeful appearance, while its tall stance emphasizes its off-road credentials.

One notable change is the absence of the traditional spare wheel mounted on the tailgate. That feature became almost synonymous with previous generations of the Pajero and Shogun, but Mitsubishi has opted for a cleaner rear-end design on the new model.

Underneath, however, the Pajero remains decidedly old-school where it matters most.

The body-on-frame construction is designed to withstand the stresses associated with serious off-road driving, while a generous 230mm of ground clearance helps the SUV negotiate rocky trails, deep ruts and uneven terrain.

The approach angle is rated at 30.4 degrees, while the departure angle is 25.8 degrees. Combined with chunky tyres and its elevated ride height, those figures should make the new Pajero considerably more capable away from paved roads than the average modern family SUV.

New 2.4-Litre Diesel Delivers 201bhp

Power comes from a newly developed version of Mitsubishi’s 2.4-litre diesel engine, derived from the unit used in the Mitsubishi L200 pickup.

In the Pajero, the engine produces 201bhp and 354lb ft of torque. The power is sent to all four wheels through a new eight-speed automatic transmission.

The combination of a torque-rich diesel engine, four-wheel drive and a traditional automatic gearbox is particularly appropriate for the Pajero’s intended role. Strong low- and mid-range torque should be useful both when towing and when crawling over difficult terrain.

Mitsubishi has also brought one of its most famous performance technologies back into the spotlight.

The new Pajero features Active Yaw Control, a system first introduced on the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V. Rather than simply distributing power between the front and rear axles, the system can vary torque between the left- and right-hand wheels.

The technology is intended to improve both agility and stability, potentially giving the large 4×4 more confidence on winding roads while also helping it maintain composure when conditions become difficult.

That combination illustrates Mitsubishi’s broader approach to the new Pajero: traditional off-road engineering supplemented by technology originally developed for high-performance cars.

Mitsubishi’s Most Luxurious Pajero Yet

Although the Pajero retains the mechanical ingredients of a serious off-roader, its cabin represents a significant departure from the utilitarian character associated with older generations.

The new model is positioned as Mitsubishi’s flagship, and the interior has been upgraded accordingly.

Leather covers much of the cabin, while seating for up to seven passengers is provided across three rows. Three-zone climate control and ventilated seats are also available, giving the Pajero the equipment expected from a modern premium SUV.

One of the more unusual features is its Yamaha sound system, which is engineered not only to provide high-quality audio but also to help cancel road noise entering the cabin.

That should make long-distance journeys considerably more relaxing, particularly given the Pajero’s intended ability to travel between cities and remote off-road destinations.

The result is a vehicle that appears to occupy a space between traditional expedition 4×4 and luxury family SUV.

Mitsubishi Pajero vs Toyota Land Cruiser

The new Pajero’s positioning makes its rivalry with the Toyota Land Cruiser impossible to ignore.

Like the Land Cruiser, the Mitsubishi combines a body-on-frame platform with four-wheel drive and serious off-road hardware. Both vehicles are also moving further upmarket, offering buyers more comfort and technology without abandoning their rugged mechanical foundations.

Mitsubishi’s decision to revive the Pajero name therefore makes strategic sense. The company already has a strong heritage in off-road vehicles, while the Pajero’s motorsport history gives it an identity that few competitors can replicate.

The challenge will be convincing buyers that the revived Pajero deserves to stand alongside established models such as the Land Cruiser.

Toyota has spent decades building its reputation for durability and global off-road capability. Mitsubishi, meanwhile, can point to decades of Pajero experience and an impressive Dakar Rally record.

Could the Pajero Return to the UK as a Shogun?

The biggest question for British buyers is whether the new Pajero will actually be sold in the UK.

Mitsubishi has not yet confirmed a UK launch, but the fact that the new SUV is being developed in right-hand-drive form keeps the possibility alive.

The timing could also work in its favour.

Mitsubishi relaunched in the UK earlier this year, and a flagship model with the heritage of the Pajero could provide the brand with a valuable halo vehicle. A genuine Land Cruiser rival would give Mitsubishi something distinctive to showcase as it attempts to rebuild its presence in the British market.

The Pajero could also have another potential role in the UK: commercial workhorse.

Could a Pajero Commercial Become the New Shogun Workhorse?

A van-style version without the rear seats could appeal to farmers, tradespeople and other buyers who need genuine off-road capability rather than an SUV that merely looks rugged.

That market is already being targeted by Toyota with its Land Cruiser Commercial. By separating passenger and commercial versions, Toyota has effectively repositioned the conventional Land Cruiser as a more premium lifestyle vehicle while retaining a stripped-back work-oriented model for professional users.

A similar strategy could make sense for Mitsubishi.

The previous Shogun developed a particularly strong following among rural users, including farmers, thanks to its combination of four-wheel-drive capability, durability and practicality. A modern Pajero Commercial could therefore revive an important part of the model’s traditional customer base.

Strong Used Shogun Values Show the Name Still Matters

There is another reason Mitsubishi could be tempted to bring the Pajero back to Britain: demand for used Shoguns remains surprisingly strong.

Older examples can still command substantial prices on the second-hand market, with decade-old vehicles regularly changing hands for more than £20,000.

That is an important signal for Mitsubishi. It suggests that the Pajero name still carries significant recognition among British buyers, particularly those who remember the Shogun as one of the country’s most capable large 4x4s.

A new Pajero could therefore appeal not only to customers discovering the name for the first time, but also to former Shogun owners looking for a modern replacement that retains the same basic philosophy.

When Will the New Mitsubishi Pajero Go on Sale?

The new Mitsubishi Pajero will launch first in Thailand, where the vehicle is manufactured.

Australia and Japan are scheduled to receive the new 4×4 by March 2027. A UK launch has yet to be confirmed, although the availability of a right-hand-drive version means British-market sales remain a realistic possibility.

European availability will ultimately depend on Mitsubishi’s wider product strategy, regulatory requirements and the business case for bringing the Pajero to additional markets.

The Pajero Is Back—and It Has a Point to Prove

The return of the Mitsubishi Pajero is significant because the company has resisted the temptation to turn its legendary 4×4 into just another soft-roading crossover.

Instead, the new Pajero retains the fundamentals that made its predecessors famous: body-on-frame construction, generous ground clearance, four-wheel drive and a powerful diesel engine.

What has changed is everything around those fundamentals.

The new Pajero is larger, more sophisticated and substantially more luxurious, with seven seats, advanced chassis technology, ventilated seating, three-zone climate control and a premium Yamaha audio system.

That makes the revived Pajero an intriguing proposition in a market increasingly dominated by expensive SUVs that prioritize road manners and technology over genuine off-road capability.

If Mitsubishi brings the new Pajero to the UK, it could become one of the most interesting new 4x4s of 2027—and potentially the first serious challenger to the Toyota Land Cruiser from Mitsubishi in years.

For a brand seeking a stronger identity, few names could provide a better halo than Pajero.

Source: Mitsubishi

NEW CARS

2026 Lexus NX Revealed: New Hybrid Power, Sharper Design and a More Personalized Driving Experience

Lexus is taking its popular compact luxury SUV into a new chapter with the introduction of the new NX, combining a redesigned exterior, a more sophisticated cabin and an all-new hybrid system designed to sharpen performance while expanding the model’s electrified capabilities.

Since arriving in 2014 as Lexus’ first compact crossover SUV, the NX has become one of the brand’s most important global models. By the end of July 2026, cumulative NX sales had reached approximately 1.9 million units across more than 90 countries and regions, cementing the SUV’s position as a cornerstone of the Lexus lineup.

For the latest generation, Lexus is building on that success with a philosophy centered around the idea of “DISCOVER YOUR EDGE”—a concept intended to encourage drivers to explore beyond the predictable and find new possibilities behind the wheel.

2026 Lexus NX Embraces a New Electrified Era

The new Lexus NX retains the fundamental formula that made the nameplate successful: compact dimensions, sporty styling, everyday practicality and a premium driving experience.

But Lexus says the latest model has been developed for what it calls the electrified era, with an all-new hybrid system intended not only to improve efficiency but also to enhance the way the SUV drives.

The company describes the development philosophy in straightforward terms: the NX should be a vehicle that makes drivers want to take the long way home.

That philosophy is reflected in the engineering. Rather than treating electrification simply as a way to reduce fuel consumption, Lexus is using hybrid technology as a tool for improving acceleration, responsiveness and overall driving character.

The new NX will be offered in several powertrain configurations, including the plug-in hybrid NX 450h+, hybrid NX 350h and NX 300h variants, depending on market specification.

Lexus NX 450h+ Targets More Than 40 Miles of EV Range

At the top of the electrified range is the NX 450h+, equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive.

Prototype specifications indicate system output ranging from approximately 215 to 240 kW, depending on configuration. Lexus quotes a 0-to-100-km/h acceleration time of around 6.0 seconds.

More importantly for drivers who regularly charge at home, the NX 450h+ is designed to deliver more than 40 miles of electric driving range in North America. European specifications target more than 100 km of EV range, while Japanese specifications list more than 140 km.

Those figures make the plug-in hybrid NX particularly interesting for urban drivers who can complete much of their daily commuting on electric power while retaining the flexibility of a gasoline engine for longer journeys.

NX 350h Offers Hybrid Performance Without Plugging In

The NX 350h continues the conventional hybrid approach, combining a 2.5-liter inline-four engine with Lexus’ electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.

Depending on specification, system output is listed between approximately 140 and 180 kW, with 0-to-100-km/h acceleration estimated at 7.1 to 7.8 seconds.

The NX 350h is available with all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, giving customers greater choice depending on their priorities.

For buyers who want electrification without having to connect the vehicle to a charger, the conventional hybrid configuration remains one of the most practical options in the NX lineup.

NX 300h Adds a More Accessible Hybrid Configuration

The new NX also expands its powertrain range with a 300h configuration featuring a 2.0-liter inline-four engine.

Prototype specifications list approximately 145 kW of system output and a claimed 0-to-100-km/h time of around 9.2 seconds.

This version is positioned as a front-wheel-drive option and provides an alternative for buyers who prioritize efficiency, everyday usability and Lexus’ premium SUV experience over outright performance.

The availability of individual powertrains will vary by market.

A Sharper Lexus NX Exterior

While the new NX represents a significant evolution underneath the skin, Lexus has also revised the SUV’s exterior design.

The latest model measures 4,690 mm in length, representing an increase of 30 mm compared with the previous specification. Width remains at 1,865 mm, while overall height is 1,660 mm. The wheelbase continues to measure 2,690 mm.

That means the NX remains firmly within the compact luxury SUV category while gaining a slightly longer footprint.

Lexus says the exterior has been designed to create anticipation before the driver even enters the vehicle. The objective is to make the NX appear dynamic and athletic while retaining the practical proportions expected from a family-oriented crossover.

The result is an evolution rather than a radical departure from the NX design language.

Interior Focuses on Simplicity and Relaxation

Inside, Lexus is taking a different approach.

Rather than filling the dashboard with unnecessary visual complexity, the new NX adopts a simple, horizontal-themed interior designed to create a greater sense of openness.

The emphasis is on making the cabin feel relaxed and intuitive, while maintaining the premium atmosphere expected from a Lexus.

The interior is also an important part of Lexus’ broader attempt to differentiate the NX from competitors through sensory experiences rather than relying solely on materials, screens and performance figures.

That approach becomes particularly apparent with one of the model’s most unusual new technologies.

Sensory Concierge Brings Personalized Lighting and Fragrance

The new Lexus NX introduces a feature called “Sensory Concierge,” which combines personalized lighting and fragrance to create a more relaxing cabin environment.

Lexus describes the system as an attempt to create a living-room-like atmosphere inside the vehicle.

The concept is increasingly relevant as luxury automakers search for ways to make their vehicles feel different from conventional transportation. Instead of simply adding more digital displays, Lexus is focusing on the physical atmosphere experienced by occupants.

Lighting and fragrance can be selected according to the occupants’ preferences and mood, adding another layer of personalization to the NX experience.

It is an unusual feature in the compact luxury SUV segment and could become one of the characteristics that distinguishes the new NX from more conventional rivals.

Lexus Wants the NX to Encourage Exploration

The philosophy behind the new Lexus NX goes beyond its specification sheet.

Lexus introduced the brand message “DISCOVER—Imitate No One” at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, signaling an effort to further differentiate the brand through unique experiences.

The NX is one of the vehicles being used to express that philosophy.

The “DISCOVER YOUR EDGE” theme essentially challenges drivers to move beyond simply choosing the safest or most conventional option. Lexus wants the NX to become a vehicle that encourages exploration, whether that means discovering a different route home, traveling farther on electric power or simply enjoying the driving experience.

That philosophy is particularly important for a model that has already established itself as a mainstream success for the brand.

1.9 Million Sales Give the New NX a Strong Foundation

The NX’s sales record gives Lexus considerable room to experiment with the latest generation.

Approximately 1.9 million NX vehicles have been sold worldwide since the model debuted in 2014, with sales spanning more than 90 countries and regions.

Those numbers demonstrate how important the NX has become to Lexus. What began as the company’s first compact crossover SUV has evolved into one of its core global products.

The challenge for Lexus is therefore not to reinvent the NX completely, but to modernize it without losing the qualities that attracted existing customers.

The latest model appears to take exactly that approach.

2026 Lexus NX Prototype Specifications

According to the preliminary prototype specifications supplied by Lexus, the new NX measures 4,690 mm long, 1,865 mm wide and 1,660 mm high, with a 2,690-mm wheelbase.

The NX 450h+ uses a 2.5-liter inline-four engine, all-wheel drive and an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. Prototype system output is listed at 215-240 kW, with a 0-to-100-km/h time of approximately 6.0 seconds.

The NX 350h also uses a 2.5-liter inline-four engine and is offered with AWD or FWD. Depending on configuration, system output ranges from approximately 140 to 180 kW, while acceleration to 100 km/h takes approximately 7.1-7.8 seconds.

The NX 300h uses a 2.0-liter inline-four engine, front-wheel drive and produces approximately 145 kW of system output. Lexus quotes approximately 9.2 seconds for 0-100 km/h acceleration.

Curb weight ranges from approximately 1,690 to 2,130 kg depending on powertrain and specification.

The prototype is listed with 235/60R18 or 235/50R20 tires, depending on configuration.

2026 Lexus NX: Specifications at a Glance

  • Length: 4,690 mm
  • Width: 1,865 mm
  • Height: 1,660 mm
  • Wheelbase: 2,690 mm
  • Powertrains: 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines
  • NX 450h+: Plug-in hybrid, AWD
  • NX 350h: Hybrid, AWD or FWD
  • NX 300h: Hybrid, FWD
  • Transmission: Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission
  • Maximum prototype system output: Up to approximately 240 kW
  • NX 450h+ 0-100 km/h: Approximately 6.0 seconds
  • NX 350h 0-100 km/h: Approximately 7.1-7.8 seconds
  • NX 300h 0-100 km/h: Approximately 9.2 seconds
  • NX 450h+ EV range: More than 40 miles in North America, more than 100 km in Europe and more than 140 km in Japan, depending on market testing standards
  • Tire sizes: 235/60R18 or 235/50R20
  • Curb weight: Approximately 1,690-2,130 kg

The New Lexus NX Could Be One of the Brand’s Most Important SUVs

The latest Lexus NX is not trying to abandon the formula that made the nameplate successful. Instead, Lexus is adding more technology, more electrification and a stronger emphasis on personalization while retaining the compact dimensions and sporty-utility balance that have defined the model.

The NX 450h+ in particular could become an appealing proposition for customers who want meaningful electric driving capability without giving up the convenience of a combustion engine for long-distance travel.

At the same time, the NX 350h provides a conventional hybrid alternative for buyers who do not want to plug in, while the NX 300h broadens the range with a simpler front-wheel-drive configuration.

With approximately 1.9 million units already sold, Lexus does not need to convince the market that the NX works. The task with the new model is more subtle: make an already successful compact luxury SUV feel fresh, more engaging and more relevant to the electrified future.

If Lexus has achieved that balance, the new NX could become more than just another update. It could be the model that defines the next phase of the Lexus compact SUV story.

Source: Lexus

NEW CARS

Aston Martin Valen: The 850-PS V12 Supercar That Pushes Front-Engine Performance to the Extreme

Aston Martin has pushed its front-engined sports-car formula into considerably more extreme territory with the new Aston Martin Valen, a limited-production V12 special created to combine extraordinary performance with an aggressive new design language.

Positioned as the company’s most powerful front-engined V12 supercar in its 113-year history, the Valen delivers 850 PS and 1,000 Nm of torque from a 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine. With a top speed electronically limited to 214 mph and a claimed 0-60 mph time of just 3.0 seconds, the Valen is engineered to deliver the kind of performance normally associated with far more radical mid-engine machinery.

But the numbers are only part of the story.

The Valen is also a showcase for Aston Martin’s bespoke Q by Aston Martin division and the newly formed Special Vehicle Operations department, bringing together extensive use of carbon fibre, titanium, magnesium and aluminium with a heavily reworked chassis, sophisticated electronics and a highly distinctive body.

The result is a front-engined, rear-drive V12 supercar designed to be as dramatic to drive as it is to look at.

Aston Martin Valen: Extreme Performance From a Front-Engined V12

At the heart of the Valen is Aston Martin’s 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12, developed in its most powerful configuration yet for a front-engined production model.

The engine produces 850 PS and 1,000 Nm of torque, with peak torque available from just 2,500 rpm. That enormous output is paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission that has been recalibrated to provide faster and more engaging shifts.

Aston Martin says the transmission incorporates race-proven shift strategies developed through the company’s Vantage GT4 racing programme. The objective is not simply to reduce acceleration times, but to give the driver a greater sense of connection with the powertrain.

That work contributes to a claimed 0-60 mph time of 3.0 seconds, while maximum speed is electronically restricted to 214 mph.

For a car built around a large front-mounted V12, those figures underline just how far Aston Martin has pushed its traditional architecture.

Up to 110 kg Lighter Than the Core V12 Platform

Performance development for the Valen wasn’t limited to adding horsepower.

Aston Martin placed major emphasis on reducing mass, cutting the car’s weight by as much as 110 kg compared with the core V12 platform.

The extensive weight-saving programme makes use of motorsport-inspired materials including carbon fibre, aluminium, titanium and magnesium. The result is intended to improve not only acceleration and braking but also the way the car responds to steering inputs and changes direction.

An optional lightweight package takes that philosophy even further. It includes machined-from-solid aluminium suspension arms and knuckles, along with titanium chassis bolts, producing an additional 16.9 kg weight saving.

Lightweight magnesium wheels are fitted as standard. Reducing unsprung mass is particularly important for a car focused on steering precision and wheel control, allowing the suspension and tyres to react more effectively to changes in the road surface.

Aston Martin Valen Gets a Track-Focused Chassis

The Valen’s chassis has been extensively revised rather than simply tuned for outright speed.

Aston Martin has focused on increasing lateral stiffness at both ends of the vehicle while reducing roll and pitch during driver inputs. The goal is to create a car that feels more agile and responsive than its size and front-engined configuration might suggest.

The suspension combines model-specific springs and helper springs with Bilstein DTX semi-active dampers. The rear subframe is solid mounted, while steering, suspension geometry and electronic systems have all been recalibrated specifically for the Valen.

The result is intended to give the car a sharper dynamic character while maintaining sufficient compliance for longer road journeys.

That balance is important. The Valen may be developed around extreme performance, but Aston Martin has not designed it as a machine that only makes sense on a circuit.

Three Driving Modes: Sport, Sport+ and Track

The Valen adopts a three-mode performance philosophy consisting of Sport, Sport+ and Track.

Each mode changes the character of the car, including throttle response and the calibration of its dynamic systems.

In Sport and Sport+, the throttle mapping is deliberately shorter, delivering more response earlier in the pedal’s travel. This makes the car feel more immediate during spirited road driving.

Track mode takes a different approach. Instead of simply making the throttle more aggressive, Aston Martin has programmed a longer and more progressive response, allowing the driver to make finer adjustments when operating near the car’s limits.

It is an important distinction. Track performance isn’t always about making every control hyperactive. Precision and consistency become more important as the pace increases.

Pirelli Tyres and Cyber Tyre Technology

The Valen rides on specially developed Pirelli tyres designed to balance road usability with high-speed and track capability.

The standard fitment is the Aston Martin-tuned Pirelli P Zero R, measuring 275/35 ZR21 at the front and 325/30 ZR21 at the rear. Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 tyres are also available, using 275/35 R21 front and 325/30 R21 rear sizing.

The tyres are engineered specifically for the Valen, with an emphasis on lateral and longitudinal grip while retaining predictable handling characteristics.

The car also adopts Pirelli’s latest Cyber Tyre technology, which can provide real-time tyre information to the vehicle’s dynamic control systems.

Developed with Bosch Engineering and integrated into the car’s digital architecture, the system allows the ESP, ABS and traction-control systems to continuously adjust their operating thresholds.

For the driver, the technology is designed to provide a greater margin of control as grip levels change.

Carbon-Ceramic Brakes and Sharper Steering

Stopping power is equally important when a car is capable of more than 200 mph.

The Valen uses 410 mm front and 360 mm rear carbon-ceramic brakes, with a specially calibrated brake booster designed to maintain a firm and precise pedal feel.

Aston Martin has also concentrated heavily on steering response.

The steering system has been calibrated for greater feel, connection and chassis stiffness, with steering effort and software mapping developed to make the Valen behave more like a smaller, lighter sports car.

This is one of the central themes of the Valen’s engineering programme: reducing the perceived size of the car rather than merely chasing bigger performance numbers.

A Titanium Exhaust Designed to Make the V12 Sing

No modern V12 Aston Martin would be complete without a soundtrack to match its performance.

For the Valen, Aston Martin has developed a new lightweight titanium exhaust system featuring micro mufflers designed to satisfy homologation requirements while reducing weight and enhancing the character of the V12.

The system uses four exhaust outlets arranged in a visually unusual configuration, with two upper and two lower tailpipes.

The upper outlets remain open, while the lower outlets are valved and change their operation depending on the selected drive mode.

The exhaust tips themselves are manufactured from 3D-printed titanium, combining lightweight construction with the kind of intricate detailing expected from a limited-production Aston Martin.

The acoustic tuning is just as deliberate. Aston Martin has reduced lower-frequency tones while emphasizing higher frequencies, creating a sound that becomes progressively more dramatic as engine speed rises.

The upper exhaust outlets have even been tuned to produce resonance similar to organ pipes at high engine speeds.

In other words, the Valen’s V12 soundtrack is intended to be an integral part of the driving experience rather than merely a by-product of the engine.

Aston Martin Valen Design: An Aggressive New Interpretation

The biggest departure may be the Valen’s appearance.

Aston Martin describes the car as a re-interpretation of its iconic front-engined formula, but the design is significantly more aggressive than the company’s traditional grand-touring aesthetic.

The body is constructed from full carbon fibre, with sharply sculpted surfaces, an attacking stance and prominent aerodynamic features designed to emphasize the car’s front-engine, rear-wheel-drive proportions.

The result is a car that visually communicates its performance before the engine is even started.

A Dramatic Front End

The front of the Valen is dominated by deeply recessed, slimline headlights positioned beneath the sharp leading edge of the plunging bonnet.

The radiator opening has been given a more angular shape, while a bold geometric grille and sharply angled front splitter reinforce the car’s aggressive character.

The bonnet features a central top vent with perforations toward its trailing edge, adding both visual drama and functional airflow management.

Traditional Aston Martin side-strake styling remains, but it has been significantly reinterpreted.

The strakes are longer and sharper and are integrated into large functional vents that extract air from the front wheel arches and channel it along the body.

Sculpted Side Profile and Aerodynamics

The Valen’s profile is defined by a tightly drawn waistline, muscular front and rear fenders and a stepped lower sill.

At the rear edge of the sills are saw-tooth vortex generators designed to manipulate high-speed airflow, reducing lift and contributing to aerodynamic performance.

New side-glass quarter windows further distinguish the Valen from other Aston Martin models.

The overall effect is intentionally provocative. Rather than hiding its mechanical proportions, the design celebrates the long bonnet, substantial rear haunches and front-mid-engine layout.

The Rear Looks Like a Hypercar

The rear of the Valen may be its most distinctive design feature.

Instead of a conventional rear window and trunk lid, Aston Martin has fitted a solid tailgate incorporating an aerodynamic wing in its upper section.

The tailgate opens to reveal a 170-litre trunk, giving the car more practical capability than its extreme appearance might suggest.

An optional Touring Pack adds bespoke luggage designed specifically to make use of the available space. Aston Martin also offers a tailored soft cover to help protect the paintwork when loading luggage.

Aerodynamics are integrated into the rear design rather than dominated by a large motorsport-style wing.

A full-width light bar sits beneath the upswept tail, which itself acts as a Gurney flap to generate downforce while minimizing additional drag.

Below the light bar is a perforated panel designed to extract hot air around the exhaust system.

The result is a rear end that looks closer to a modern hypercar than a traditional front-engined GT.

Satin Andromeda Red Highlights the Valen’s Bodywork

The example showcased by Aston Martin wears a specially developed Satin Andromeda Red paint finish from Q by Aston Martin.

The paint uses an elaborate combination of deep red, copper and golden highlights that can shift toward blue undertones depending on the lighting.

The satin finish is designed to emphasize the Valen’s sharp body surfaces and sculpted lines.

For customers looking for an even more technical appearance, Aston Martin offers a fully exposed carbon-fibre exterior.

The carbon weave can be displayed in intricate detail, including a herringbone pattern running down the centre of the car. Customers can also choose tinted carbon fibre in a range of finishes, including satin and gloss.

Through Q by Aston Martin, buyers can work with the company’s specialists to develop highly personalized carbon-fibre treatments.

Aston Martin Valen Interior: A Driver-Focused Cockpit

Inside, the Valen continues the emphasis on visual lightness and driver engagement.

A slim centre console forms the foundation of the cockpit, with advanced 3D-printed components helping to reduce visual bulk.

The console is angled toward the driver, creating a more focused driving environment. The switchgear incorporates elements of the performance-focused system introduced with Aston Martin’s Valhalla.

The central touchscreen is positioned at a more pronounced angle, allowing it to integrate more naturally into the minimalist interior architecture.

The objective is clear: reduce visual clutter and make the driver feel more connected to the machinery.

Sports Plus or Carbon-Fibre Performance Seats

Aston Martin offers two distinct seat configurations.

The Sports Plus seats are designed to combine greater lateral support with long-distance comfort, while the available lightweight carbon-fibre performance seats place a stronger emphasis on focused driving.

This reflects the broader philosophy behind the Valen.

Although its performance credentials are extreme, Aston Martin wants the car to remain usable beyond a racetrack. Owners can therefore specify the cabin according to whether they intend to prioritize touring comfort or maximum driver focus.

Q by Aston Martin Offers Extensive Personalization

The Valen’s interior is available through a new hierarchy of trim specifications designed to simplify the ordering process while maintaining a very high level of customization.

Customers can select either Semi-Aniline Leather and Alcantara or a full Semi-Aniline Leather interior.

Five material combinations are available: Monotone, Duotone, Light Duotone, Tritone and Driver Focused.

The amount of quilted upholstery increases with each specification level, extending from the doors to the seats and eventually the headlining.

A Driver Focused package can place additional visual emphasis on the driver’s seat, while an accent package introduces contrasting colours throughout the cabin.

As with the exterior, 3D-printed components feature prominently inside, creating perforated surfaces inspired by the car’s exterior cooling vents.

New anodizing colours further expand the personalization possibilities.

Aston Martin Valen: A New Chapter for Q by Aston Martin

The Valen continues a growing family of highly exclusive Aston Martin specials created through the company’s bespoke Q division.

The programme follows cars such as Valour, Valiant and DBR22, while the expertise of the newly formed Special Vehicle Operations department brings an even greater focus on bespoke engineering and performance.

The Valen therefore represents more than another limited-production Aston Martin.

It is a technological and design statement built around one of the industry’s increasingly rare configurations: a powerful front-engined V12 supercar.

Source: Aston Martin

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