The Vantage: Inheriting the Tradition of a Prestigious Sports Car Brand

Before delving into the details of the new model, let's first look back at the history of the "Vantage," a great sports car. The Vantage name was first used in 1951, for a model of the "DB2" equipped with a high-performance engine (the Vantage engine produced 125 bhp, compared to 105 bhp for the standard model).

Subsequently, starting with the "DB4" in '62, high-performance versions were designated with the "Vantage" badge on the "DB5," "DB6," and "DBS" models. In '77, the "V8 Vantage," designed by William Towns, emerged as Aston Martin's flagship performance car.

The subsequent V8 Vantage was boosted to 600 bhp in later models via twin superchargers, with the final "V600 Le Mans" being the rarest collector's item among Vantages produced at the former headquarters factory in Newport Pagnell. Then, the "DB7 Vantage," introduced in 2000, was also a landmark model in that it featured Aston Martin's own 6.0-liter V12 engine, becoming a true rival to Ferrari.

The first Vantage after the company relocated its headquarters to Gaydon appeared in '05. It sold a record 25,000 units in Aston Martin's history, and in '09, the "V12 Vantage" was introduced, thrilling enthusiasts worldwide.

And now, the new Vantage. Before discussing the vehicle itself, its evolution can be understood through three aspects: design, engineering & powertrain, and performance & driving dynamics.

A Design Evoking a Predator

The exterior of the new Vantage is characterized by a fierce appearance reminiscent of a predator, inspired by the track-only "Vulcan." The body, composed of clean lines, is sculpted with athletic power, its design directly linked to performance, with the body surface serving aerodynamic functions.

Firstly, the integrated front splitter seamlessly connects with the short front overhang, controlling airflow beneath the car. The signature Aston Martin side strakes have evolved into new "side gills" (gill-like indentations), designed to blend naturally with the lines of the body side panels.

The side gills serve an aerodynamic function, venting air from within the front wheel arches to minimize lift while smoothly guiding air along the body's sides.

Furthermore, the rear diffuser and the upswept rear decklid generate significant downforce by utilizing the airflow over the car's upper body.

The front and rear lights feature a new slim LED light signature, asserting the Vantage's distinctive presence and strong character.

In contrast to the flowing lines and large, diagonally slanted central console characteristic of previous Aston Martins, the interior presents a compact and condensed console that consolidates the technical architecture.

Specifically, switches and controls, including the P, R, N, D buttons for the transmission arranged in a triangular formation, are grouped together, creating an environment that is easy for the driver to focus on. The elevated waistline and slightly lowered (by 10mm) seating position contribute to a cockpit that offers both ample space and focus. Intuitive and rapid controls, such as the paddle shifters, rotary climate controls, and toggle switches, are also present.

The two-seater seats are available in two types: Sport and Sport Plus, upholstered in Alcantara and leather. Behind the seats, there are two storage compartments, and a practical 350-liter trunk space is also provided beneath the tailgate.

AMG-sourced 4.0-liter V8 Twin-Turbo Engine Mounted Front-Midship

The new Vantage measures 4,465mm in length, 1,942mm in width, and 1,273mm in height. Its length is 284mm shorter than the "DB11" and 34mm shorter than the Porsche "911." The chassis of this compact body is an aluminum underframe utilizing extensive bonding. While employing Aston Martin's next-generation platform, 70 percent of the components were developed exclusively for the Vantage, resulting in a dry weight of 1,530kg.

Additionally, the rear subframe is rigidly attached to the underframe, creating a highly rigid structure that ensures the suspension functions optimally, enhancing control.

The powertrain features an AMG-sourced 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine. This engine, producing a maximum output of 510 ps at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 685 Nm between 2,000-5,000 rpm, is mounted as low and far back as possible. To achieve this, a slim-design dry-sump system is employed, also contributing to high efficiency with CO2 emissions of 245g/km.

Regarding the engine sound, a concern given the shift from the naturally aspirated V8 of the previous model to a twin-turbo V8, the development engineers reportedly achieved a sound quality befitting an Aston Martin sports car through thorough tuning of the intake and exhaust systems.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission mounted at the rear of the car. By employing specially developed software for the gearbox, it intelligently assesses the driver's demands and the car's driving conditions to select the optimal gear, delivering shift quality and usability that surpasses dual-clutch gearboxes.

Top Speed of 314 km/h, 0-100 km/h in 3.6 Seconds

The new Vantage is the first Aston Martin model to feature an electric differential (E-diff). This electronically controlled differential works in conjunction with the car's electronic stability control system, precisely monitoring the vehicle's behavior and distributing engine power to the appropriate wheels as needed. This significantly enhances both straight-line stability and cornering performance, allowing the driver to confidently exploit the Vantage's potential. Consequently, it achieves a top speed of 314 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds.

Furthermore, it incorporates the latest generation adaptive damping system, offering three selectable driving modes: Sport, Sport Plus, and Track. This system optimizes the performance of the engine, transmission, E-diff, dynamic torque vectoring, dynamic stability control, adaptive damping, and electric power steering. With each increase in mode, agility and responsiveness are heightened, sharpening the car's character and enriching its sound.

The suspension features forged double wishbones at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. Braking is handled by 400mm diameter two-piece ventilated discs at the front and 360mm ventilated discs at the rear. The 20-inch wheels, available in cast and forged options, are fitted with Pirelli P Zero tires (255/40 front, 295/35 rear), specially tuned for dynamic driving in both wet and dry conditions.

The construction of the new Vantage incorporates Aston Martin's signature high-level craftsmanship, and a wide array of optional items allows for customization to meet diverse customer needs. This new model, pursuing a sense of unity with the driver, is crafted to be thoroughly enjoyable on winding roads and to unleash its sharp performance on the track.

Aston Martin President and CEO Andy Palmer commented, "Producing the successor to such a successful predecessor was a significant mental challenge, demanding great motivation. Standing before the completed car now, I feel incredibly excited. With its sharper looks and agile performance, the new Vantage is truly the pure driving machine that enthusiasts have been waiting for from Aston Martin."

Aston Martin Vantage
Body Dimensions | Length 4,465 x Width 1,942 x Height 1,273 mm
Wheelbase | 2,704 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,530 kg (with lightweight options)
Engine | 4.0-liter V8 Twin-Turbo DOHC
Max Output | 375 kW (510 ps) / 6,000 rpm
Max Torque | 685 Nm / 2,000-5,000 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed AT
Drivetrain | FR
Front Suspension | Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension | Multi-link
Front Brakes | φ400mm Ventilated Discs
Rear Brakes | φ360mm Ventilated Discs
Tires Front/Rear | 255/40R20 / 295/35R20
Seating Capacity | 2 persons
Trunk Capacity | 350 liters
Front/Rear Weight Distribution | 50:50
0-100 km/h Acceleration | 3.6 seconds
Top Speed | 314 km/h
Fuel Economy | 10.5 L/100km (9.52 km/L)
CO2 Emissions | 245 g/km
Price | 19.8 million yen