Aston Martin Vanquish S Arrives in Japan

Aston Martin Vanquish S | Aston Martin Vanquish S

Aston Martin Vanquish S Arrives in Japan

Aston Martin Japan has announced its flagship model, the Vanquish S Coupe, and its open-top variant, the Vanquish S Volante. Prices start from ¥34,579,982.

Text & Photographs by UCHIDA Shunichi

The Ultimate Super GT in Aston Martin History

Andy Palmer, Chief Executive Officer of Aston Martin Lagonda, expressed great confidence, stating, "This has been crafted to be the finest Super GT in Aston Martin's history."Vanquish SThe engine features an improved intake system, resulting in a 6.0-liter V12 that produces a maximum output of 588ps (compared to 573ps in the previous model). It boasts a top speed of 323 km/h and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds.

Throttle response has also been enhanced, with recalibration of the 8-speed Touchtronic III transmission to achieve faster shift speeds. The suspension has been retuned with revised damper settings, spring rates, and anti-roll bar bushings, delivering a sportier, more direct driving experience without sacrificing ride comfort.

The exterior features a new front splitter and rear diffuser, exposing the carbon fiber weave, which significantly reduces front lift and minimizes aerodynamic drag.

Additionally, the Vanquish S introduces a new range of optional features. These include carbon fiber bonnet louvers, new forged 5-spoke diamond-turned wheels, and paint graphic packs. Furthermore, seven designer-specified packages are available. This allows for selection from pre-set configurations, complete customization, or further bespoke adjustments.Q by Aston MartinThe expanded options allow for the creation of a truly unique vehicle.

The interior offers even greater customization possibilities with a wide selection of new materials and finishes, including newly introduced Filograph quilted leather and satin chopped carbon fiber fascia panels.

Aston Martin Vanquish S | Aston Martin Vanquish S

Aston Martin Vanquish S Arrives in Japan (2)

"Second Century Plan": A New Car Unveiled Every Nine Months

At the announcement of the Vanquish S, Andy Palmer, who visited Japan, detailed Aston Martin's "Second Century Plan." This strategy, launched in 2013 to mark the company's centenary and usher in the next century, was first presented at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.

He analyzed the current luxury segment as being polarized into two distinct areas: the super-luxury sedan segment, represented by brands like Rolls-Royce and Bentley, and the sports car segment, exemplified by Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren.

Within this landscape, Aston Martin positions itself as "one of the world's leading GT car manufacturers, offering both luxury car and sports car attributes." He further defined Aston Martin as "a great British car manufacturer that creates automotive works of art through the world's most beautiful and expertly engineered vehicles."

Based on this, the Second Century Plan comprises three pillars. The core of this strategy is the renewal of the sports car lineup. Palmer stated, "This ranges from our iconic models to entirely new models with exceptional design, further differentiating our products visually." The first model in this initiative, unveiled at last year's Geneva Motor Show, is theDB11is the first model.

The second pillar involves entering a new segment with the luxury SUV,DBXPalmer described the DBX as "a model created to break the mold of the luxury GT segment," adding that it will be "stylish, luxurious, more practical, and family-oriented, with an environmentally conscious design." He explained that while the current model is a prototype and the final production version will differ, it is planned as a four-door model.

The final pillar is the revival of theLagondabrand, which also enters a new segment as a new four-door luxury sports sedan. This Lagonda will compete with models from Rolls-Royce and Bentley.

Aston Martin Vanquish S | Aston Martin Vanquish S

Aston Martin Vanquish S Arrives in Japan (3)

No Plans to Eliminate the Manual Transmission

Palmer stated, "Through these pillars, we will introduce a completely new model to the market every year. We also plan to release updates to existing models and vehicles produced through special projects. On average, this means Aston Martin will launch a new model every nine months."

In conclusion, Palmer outlined further plans: "We will completely renew our entire product lineup, expanding from the current four models to at least seven. We will also operate two state-of-the-art factories, doubling our production capacity to over 10,000 units annually. Furthermore, we will launch Aston Martin's first electric vehicle and a mid-engined car. We are also establishing a new performance brand,AMRand will reintroduce the Lagonda model." He added, "While we have no plans to launch a fully autonomous vehicle by 2020, we will always offer a manual transmission option in our lineup. This is because there will always be enthusiasts who appreciate driving a manual car."

The Japanese Market: Dealerships in the Tokyo Area

Effective April 1st, Aston Martin has appointed Sky Group as its exclusive dealer in Tokyo. Sky Group is a company involved in luxury businesses and operates dealerships in Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Niigata. In conjunction with this, a temporary showroom for the new Aston Martin Tokyo has opened in Azabu. Furthermore, a new flagship showroom is under construction in Aoyama, scheduled to open in the latter half of this year.