The brand new 2018 Aston Martin Vantage has been launched on the Chinese car market, showing off its already controversial grille, accentuated here by a yellow line. Only one model is available here, simply called the Vantage 4.0 T. Price is 1.99 million yuan and that translates to a steep US$ 300.000.

The high price is interesting. The price of the base model of the previous Vantage was 1.98 million yuan, just a tad cheaper than the new one. But that car was powered by a 4.7 liter V8, and cars with engines of 4.0 liter and above are subject to a highest import tariff and high taxes (up to 45% of list price).


The new car however is powered by an AMG-sourced twin-turbocharged V8 that measures exactly 3.982 cc, deliberately kept just under 4.0 liter to  avoid the Chinese taxes. That means the new 2018 Vantage is not subject to the highest tariffs and taxes, but instead to a slightly lower rate of 35% of list price. However, Aston Martin still ask the same price for it. Good for profits! That is, if people buy it.

The shoulder line and rear end are beautiful. But it gets a bit messy around the bumper section with huge black carbon fiber ‘things’ and a bright yellow diffuser. It surely looks racy.


The AMG engine poops out an impressive 510 hp and 685 Nm, good for a 314 km/h top speed and a 0-100 in 3.6 seconds. Gearbox is a ZF 8-speed automatic. Power goes to the rear wheels via Aston-Martin’s ‘E-Diff’ (Electronic Rear Differential). Curb weight is 1530 kilo.

The interior is as challenging to the eye as the grille. There is just so much going on here. A fully digital instrument panel with a very neat rev counter in the middle. The tiny screen measures just 8 inch.