Aston Martin unveils fastest ever Vantage
Introducing the new Aston Martin Vantage, something that is set to challenge the likes of the Porsche 911 Turbo S and Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S at the extreme heights of sports car manufacturing, perhaps even into supercar territory. However, a boost in power and performance compared to its predecessor will come at a price, as prices are expected to start at around £165,000.
What you get for your considerable spend are the benefits of a heavily updated hand built twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, namely a massive 656bhp, 153bhp compared to the previous model and a 116Nm increase in torque to 800Nm. As a result of the power increase, Aston has created large air intakes at the front and fit a new duct on the underside of the bonnet to cool the engine.
Mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, the new Vantage has a new launch control function and this contributes to a 0-62mph time of 3.5 seconds. When the car gets up to top speed, 202mph is what you can hope to achieve, 7mph faster than the previous model.
What is more noticeable about the new Vantage is its styling updates. It’s lower, stands 30mm wider and has a completely redesigned front end with a larger grille giving additional cooling. Further cooling intakes either side of the grille give it a sharper, more aerodynamic look. To complete the front, there are all-new Matrix LED headlamps, with integrated DRLs featuring Aston Martin’s new light signature,
The iconic Aston Martin side strake is back and forms the focal point of the vents while there frameless door mirrors and presenting door handles, which are new to Vantage. At the rear, there is a wider bumper which incorporates side vents and larger quad exhausts giving it a more dramatic look. It all sits on standard fit 21-inch forged alloy wheels, which fill the wider wheel arches.
Aston is offering three sporty livery designs to choose from and these are available in 21 different colours. Customers can also make use of the Q by Aston Martin personalisation service which enlists the skills of top designers for a more personal commission, incorporating even the smallest details.
Moving to the interior, Aston has tried to give the inside a sporty feel without compromising on comfort. The car only has room for two seats and a small bench behind and sportiness can be emphasised with the choice of Aston’s carbon fibre bucket seats as well as the standard Sport seat design. The infotainment system, first seen on the DB12, sits lower down and features a new Aston Martin customer connectivity app which supports iOS and Android devices, all useable through the new touchscreen.
Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Amedeo Felisa, said: “As we enter a period of pivotal change in the world of high-performance cars it is essential to remain true to those qualities upon which a legendary marque has been built. Any car bearing the Vantage name has much to live up to, which is why this newest model makes an unwavering commitment to high performance in its purest and most explicit form. Class-leading power and speed establish its credentials, but it is through expert application of the latest technologies to the Vantage’s perfectly balanced front-engine rear-drive chassis that we have created a sports car with addictive capability. Together with assertive styling, all-new interior and state-of-the-art infotainment, Vantage is world-class in every respect”.
No official pricing structure has been revealed but it is expected that prices will start at £165,000 with deliveries beginning in the second quarter of 2024.
words: Mike Booth
pictures & video: Aston Martin