Engineered for a More Dynamic Driving Experience

Aston Martin unveiled the 2015 models of the Vanquish and the four-door Rapide S in July 2014. The focus was on improving environmental and dynamic performance. The 8-speed automatic transmission is now paired with the 6-liter V12 engine.

Aston Martin unveiled the new Vanquish and Rapide S in Scotland. We flew from Birmingham Airport, near their Gaydon headquarters, to Inverness in Scotland, which served as the location for our test drive.

Aston Martin Vanquish Volante

Aston Martin Rapide S

With this minor update, the 6-liter V12 engine now produces 2 PS more, reaching 576 horsepower, and torque has increased by 10 Nm to 630 Nm. As a result, the 0-100 km/h acceleration time has been reduced by 0.2 seconds to 3.6 seconds. Fuel efficiency has improved by 10 percent, and CO2 emissions per kilometer have decreased by 11 percent.

Aston Martin states, "We have enhanced dynamic and environmental performance, while also achieving a purer, more responsive, and superior driving experience as a sports car."

A key mechanical update is the 8-speed automatic gearbox, known as 'Touchtronic S'. While the transaxle layout, combining the gearbox with the rear differential, is a common characteristic of Aston Martin cars, they have succeeded in reducing weight by 4 kg despite adding an extra gear.

Aston Martin Rapide S

"Gear shifts are 0.5 seconds faster than before. We've focused on improving response time and utilizing the eight gears effectively to allow drivers to enjoy a more dynamic driving experience."

At the chateau hotel on the shores of Loch Ness, which served as our base for the test drive, Aston Martin's Head of Public Relations confidently shared these words.

Indeed, both the Vanquish, a versatile 2+2 sports car, and the Rapide S, which holds a unique position as a sporty four-door saloon, demonstrated their swift performance, showcasing the enduring prowess of Aston Martin as a sports car manufacturer.

The Two Demands Placed on the Rapide S

"We don't just release a new model and rest on our laurels. We continuously refine them." An Aston Martin spokesperson explained that each Aston Martin model improves in performance year by year, standing before the 2015 Rapide S.

The Rapide was first introduced in 2010. In 2013, it evolved into the Rapide S with the addition of a powerful 6-liter V12 engine. It is a four-door, four-seat sports saloon characterized by its beautiful styling. With a wheelbase of 2,989mm, the 5,020mm long body has a low roofline of just 1,350mm, akin to a sports car. It is a groundbreaking grand tourer.

The 2015 model, equipped with the 8-speed gearbox, sees improvements in both output and torque, with 0-100 km/h acceleration shortened from 4.6 to 4.4 seconds. Further changes include thicker front anti-roll bars and enhanced braking performance. The steering has become sportier, while simultaneously equipping it with braking capabilities suitable for high-speed sports.

Marek Reichman, the Design Director who flew with us to the test drive venue, stated, "The Rapide S must simultaneously express luxury and sportiness." He is the key figure who has masterfully met these two demands.

"The focus of the 2015 model is the 'underbody change' (changes to unseen parts), but we believe it has gained performance more befitting its style as a sporty saloon."

There are also minor stylistic changes. One is the newly designed wheels, which inherit the design theme of "moving forward." Additionally, new colors, "California Poppy" and "Fandango Pink," have been introduced.

A Position with Few Rivals

From the front seats, the Rapide S's handling is so sporty that you forget its size. The engine, delivering strong torque from below 1,000 rpm, moves the car effortlessly, and when you push the gears to the redline in manual mode, the acceleration presses you into the seat.

As Aston Martin claims to have shifted the handling towards sportiness, the precise steering and responsive chassis are impressive. Navigating both tight and sweeping corners becomes a joy.

The transmission's response is also excellent. If you approach a corner carelessly in D mode and brake hard, the gears instantly drop several steps with a crisp engine exhaust note. When cornering, it selects the appropriate gear, providing neither excessive nor insufficient torque.

Although this is my first time driving the Rapide overseas since its debut in Valencia, I was once again impressed by its refined execution. The quietness has increased, and despite the firm suspension, it is not uncomfortable, and the well-cushioned seats ensure no fatigue.

When looking for rivals, one might consider the Porsche Panamera, emphasizing its four-seat package, and the 911, a sporty grand tourer. However, the Rapide S feels positioned between these two. It occupies a niche with virtually no direct competitors.

The Vanquish: Embodying Aston Martin's Definition

The Vanquish is the model Aston Martin calls its "brand flagship." The first generation appeared in 2003, which was reborn as the 'DBS' in '07. Then, with the model change in '12, the Vanquish name was revived.

Aston Martin's sportiest model is the 'V12 Vantage S'. However, the company's characteristic is its emphasis on elegance in design, alongside its success in racing. Therefore, the Vanquish being the flagship is a logical conclusion.

Aston Martin Vanquish

Aston Martin Vanquish

The Vanquish, available as a fully open-top model traditionally named 'Volante,' and with the option of a 2+2 seating arrangement, perfectly aligns with Aston Martin's own definition: 'sporty yet luxurious.'

Aston Martin, which considers the seamless torque delivery from a large-displacement, non-turbocharged engine as 'luxury,' adheres to the front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout rather than shifting to a mid-engine configuration. The Vanquish, with its 6-liter V12, is proof that the front-midship layout offers ample driving enjoyment.

The "V8 Vantage N430" I reported on previously, was designed with a focus on direct sportiness, even featuring deliberately heavier controls. In contrast, the Vanquish, with its keyword of elegance, prioritizes comfort.

For example, the power steering assist is relatively high, and as mentioned with the Rapide S, the 8-speed transmission compensates for lazy driving, giving the sensation that the car actively supports the driver's enjoyment.

Aston Martin Vanquish

A Form That is Both Beautiful and Forward-Looking

The roads of Scotland are undulating, with a continuous succession of both small and large curves. Suddenly, a straight road appears before you, seemingly piercing the sky. The Vanquish is the perfect car to power through such roads.

The ride is firm but not overly so, and the steering is not overly sensitive. While it offers a deep well of capability that responds to an enthusiastic driver, it retains its comfort as a grand tourer. The seats are excellent, and although the 4,720mm long body is not exactly compact, the excellent handling makes the car feel like an extension of your own body.

Could it be positioned as a rival to the Porsche 911? It has double the number of cylinders, and with a price of 32.85 million yen compared to the 911 Turbo's 21.28 million yen, it can be considered a different class. However, in terms of being a sporty GT, their direction is similar.

Aston Martin Vanquish

Aston Martin Vanquish

Another of the Vanquish's charms is its styling. Under the direction of Marek Reichman, Aston Martin's designers have created a magnificent coupe composed of sharp lines and surfaces, as if carved from a solid block of metal.

It's simple, in a way. The design has minimal superfluous elements, making it exceptionally beautiful. If the challenge was to give form to the theme of "moving forward," the Vanquish is the best example.

Aston Martin Vanquish
Body Size: Length 4,692 x Width 1,912 x Height 1,294 mm
Wheelbase: 2,740 mm
Weight: 1,739 kg
Engine: 5,935 cc V12 DOHC
Compression Ratio: 11.0:1
Max Output: 424 kW (576 ps) / 6,650 rpm
Max Torque: 630 Nm / 5,500 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed Automatic (Touchtronic 3)
Drivetrain: FR
Front Suspension: Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension: Double Wishbone
Tires Front/Rear: 255/35R20 / 305/30R20
Front Brakes: φ398mm Ventilated Discs
Rear Brakes: φ360mm Ventilated Discs
Top Speed: 323 km/h
0-100km/h Acceleration: 3.8 seconds
Fuel Consumption (NEDC): 12.8 L/100km (7.8 km/L)
CO2 Emissions: 298 g/km
Fuel Tank Capacity: 78 Liters
Trunk Capacity (VDA): 368 Liters
Price: 32,850,000 yen

Aston Martin Vanquish Volante
Body Size: Length 4,728 x Width 1,912 x Height 1,294 mm
Wheelbase: 2,740 mm
Weight: 1,844 kg
Engine: 5,935 cc V12 DOHC
Compression Ratio: 11.0:1
Max Output: 424 kW (576 ps) / 6,650 rpm
Max Torque: 630 Nm / 5,500 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed Automatic (Touchtronic 3)
Drivetrain: FR
Front Suspension: Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension: Double Wishbone
Tires Front/Rear: 255/35R20 / 305/30R20
Front Brakes: φ398mm Ventilated Discs
Rear Brakes: φ360mm Ventilated Discs
Top Speed: 323 km/h
0-100km/h Acceleration: 3.8 seconds
Fuel Consumption (NEDC): 12.8 L/100km (7.8 km/L)
CO2 Emissions: 298 g/km
Fuel Tank Capacity: 78 Liters
Trunk Capacity (VDA): 279 Liters
Price: 35,182,800 yen

Aston Martin Rapide S
Body Size: Length 5,019 x Width 1,929 x Height 1,360 mm
Wheelbase: 2,989 mm
Weight: 1,990 kg
Engine: 5,935 cc V12 DOHC
Compression Ratio: 11.0:1
Max Output: 411 kW (560 ps) / 6,650 rpm
Max Torque: 630 Nm / 5,500 rpm
*Transmission: 8-speed Automatic (Touchtronic 3)
Drivetrain: FR
Front Suspension: Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension: Double Wishbone
Tires Front/Rear: 245/40R20 / 295/35R20
Front Brakes: φ400mm Ventilated Discs
Rear Brakes: φ360mm Ventilated Discs
Top Speed: 327 km/h
0-100km/h Acceleration: 4.4 seconds
Fuel Consumption (NEDC): 12.9 L/100km (7.8 km/L)
CO2 Emissions: 300 g/km
Fuel Tank Capacity: 90.5 Liters
Trunk Capacity (VDA): 279 Liters
Price: 24,200,000 yen

Aston Martin Japan
03-4360-9243