New Aston Martin Vantage is fastest ever in 74-year history

‘The most driver-focused and fastest Vantage in the famous nameplate’s 74-year history’ is how Aston Martin introduces its latest sportscar which has received major updates since being launched in 2018. It follows the introduction of the DB12 Coupe and Volante in 2023.

This new Vantage reflects the most dynamic period in the British carmaker’s 111-year history which has seen its presence in Formula 1, dominance in international GT racing and also the objective of being a front-line challenger in the World Endurance Championship from 2025 with the Valkyrie AMR.

Biggest ever gains in engine output
Top of the list of comprehensive upgrades is the heavily reworked, hand-built 4-litre Twin-Turbo V8 engine (born as a Mercedes-AMG powerplant in Germany). Now developing 665 ps/800 Nm, the increases of 155 ps and 115 Nm compared to the model it succeeds make this the biggest-ever jump in those numbers.

These higher outputs have been achieved through extensive tuning by Aston Martin engineers, the adoption of modified cam profiles, optimised compression ratios, larger turbos, and increased cooling.

Mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, this propels the 2-seater sportscar to a claimed top speed of 325 km/h after crossing the 100 km/h mark within 3.5 seconds. Both the shortened final drive ratio (3.083:1) and transmission shift calibration provide maximised response punchier in-gear acceleration. The latter reduces shift speeds and offers different shift characteristics to suit each of the Vantage’s dynamic modes.

Perfecting take-offs with new Launch Control
Standing start acceleration has been perfected with the introduction of a new Launch Control system. Fully integrated with the powertrain, transmission and ESP, when engaged by the driver, Launch Control allows the car to deploy as much torque as conditions allow, using the E-Diff, ESP slip control and engine torque management to keep wheel slip in the optimal range throughout the launch.

The driver can also dial-in the precise amount of slip they desire during the launch by making changes via the Adjustable Traction Control system – reducing or increasing the amount of controlled wheelspin permitted by the Launch Control System or allowing themselves full throttle control by setting the ATC to Traction Control Off.

Enhanced body structure
Along with the higher power output is increased overall torsional body rigidity with the highly evolved aluminium structure. Built around Aston Martin’s latest generation bonded aluminium construction, the Vantage features an enhanced body structure to deliver more focused and engaging dynamics, thanks to additional underbody stiffening components.

At the rear, there is a 29% increase in stiffness under cornering load due to increased lateral strengthening between the rear suspension towers. Together with revisions to front and rear undertrays for greater lateral stiffness, the combined improvements in front and rear mounting stiffness for the dampers mean tangible gains in precision, handling balance and driver feedback, together with an overall uplift in refinement.

Intelligent adaptive dampers
New intelligent adaptive dampers, with a 500% increase in bandwidth of force distribution over previous generation hardware, give the driver an immense range of control and speed of response. This has allowed Aston Martin’s engineers to sharpen the Vantage’s dynamics to their keenest possible edge.

As befits its role as the most sporting model in the range, Aston Martin engineers have maximized the benefits of the Vantage’s outstanding chassis architecture with the very latest electronic systems to maximise performance and create an unmistakable dynamic character.

Advanced vehicle dynamics system
Key to the Vantage’s intensified handling character is an advanced vehicle dynamics control system. This takes information from multiple car and driver sensors such as the 6-axis accelerometer, powertrain, braking system and E-Diff sensors to build a detailed picture of exactly what the car is doing and apply it to overall management of the ESP system. Taking that information and comparing it against model-based Integrated Vehicle Dynamics Estimation parameters, the ESP can then actively control the 3 key pillars of the vehicle dynamics system (ride, handling and steering) to optimise vehicle response and handling behaviour in all weather conditions, on road and track.

More muscular stance
The new body of the Vantage is 30 mm wider than before, with a more muscular stance accentuated by a completely redesigned front-end featuring a 38% larger recontoured veined grille aperture. This offers a 29% increase in mass airflow for additional cooling. The new front-end treatment is completed by all-new Matrix LED headlamp design with integrated DRLs, featuring Aston Martin’s new light signature.

Elsewhere, the new Vantage sees a return of the iconic Aston Martin side strake, which now forms the sharp focal point of revised vents in each flank. Frameless door mirrors and presenting door handles are also new to Vantage, while a wider rear bumper incorporating side vents and larger diameter quad exhaust tailpipes ensure the Vantage looks as dramatic from the rear as it does from the front.

“Aston Martin is blessed with many evocative model names, but none conjure excitement and dynamism like Vantage. To capture the new car’s huge uplift in power and performance, we have accentuated its physique, increasing its muscularity and sharpening its sculptural form. We took some inspiration from the One-77 supercar, but we wanted Vantage to express its intent and potency more explicitly. One look and you know it packs a real punch, but there’s an elegance of form and proportion that hints at the sophistication that underpins its raw power. This balance of instant visual impact and slow-burn charisma mirrors the driving experience and perfectly captures the essence of Vantage,” said Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer.

Personalising the Vantage
Vantage owners can enhance the sporting character of Vantage even further by selecting one of three core livery designs. Available in 21 colours, a customer can choose to add a Pinstripe, Pinstripe and Lipstick or Pinstripe, Lipstick and Rear infill. Like all Aston Martin models, Vantage customers can use the services of Q by Aston Martin to personalise their car.

Production of the new Vantage is due to commence in shortly, with first deliveries to customers  scheduled to begin during the second quarter of the year.

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