The Vanquish is back as Aston Martin has introduced a new halo model that promises an “unprecedented combination of refined comfort, supercar performance, and pinpoint dynamics.” It will also be exclusive as less than 1,000 units will be made annually. Billed as the “most potent flagship in its 111-year history,” the Vanquish is powered by a twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12 engine producing 824 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque. It’s connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to the rear wheels via an electronic limited slip differential.
This enables the “continent-crushing GT”
to accelerate from 0-96 km/h in 3.2 seconds, before hitting a top
speed of 344 km/h. The latter is notable for being the “highest top
speed of an Aston Martin series production car to date.” Performance extends
beyond the engine compartment as the Vanquish has a bonded aluminum body
structure that benefits from a 75% increase in lateral stiffness compared to
the DBS 770 Ultimate. The wheelbase grows by 80 mm while the model
gains a revised suspension with Bilstein DTX dampers. Aston Martin says they
allow for a “significant divergence between the drive modes,” so the car can be
comfortable or sporty, depending on your mood.
On the handling front, the Vanquish has
thicker anti-roll bars, a recalibrated electric power steering system, and a
new electronic stability control system. The latter promises to avoid “abrupt
interventions, predicting optimum grip levels through cutting edge algorithms,
while also reacting to momentary vehicle instabilities.” When things get a
little too hairy, you can count on the carbon ceramic braking system that has
discs measuring 410 mm front and 360 mm rear.
Compared to its predecessor, Aston Martin says the system offers increased
braking performance and reduced fade at temperatures up to 800°C.
Designers got a little adventurous and
decided to mix classic styling elements with modern details. The results are
interesting and the company says they give the car an “assertive design
character and greater road presence.” The front end is fairly traditional as we
can see a wide grille that is flanked by Matrix LED headlights and a pronounced
splitter. They’re joined by a sculpted hood that has F1-inspired “thermos
louvres” to help cool the aforementioned V12. Moving further back, there’s
streamlined carbon fiber bodywork and jarring side strakes. We can also see
flush-mounted door handles, a sporty greenhouse, muscular hips, and 21-inch
forged alloy wheels that are wrapped in bespoke Pirelli P Zero tires. The rear
end is a radical departure as it features a “Kamm Tail” and seven LED “light
blades.” Further below, there’s a large diffuser and a stainless steel
four-tailpipe exhaust system. If the latter feels a little old school, you can
opt for a titanium exhaust that cuts 10.5 kg of weight.
The Vanquish is a strict two-seater and it
sports a familiar cabin that echoes the Vantage and DB12. As a result, there’s
a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment system.
Other highlights include 16-way power front seats as well as Alcantara and
semi-aniline leather upholstery. The model also sports a 15-speaker Bowers
& Wilkins audio system as well as optional wood trim.
Aston Martin didn’t mention pricing, but
the first deliveries are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter.
