Vantage: Performance Behind the Look

On February 12th, Aston Martin unveiled the new face of the Vantage, its most iconic car. A new look combined with unmatched sporting performance since the brand's inception 111 years ago. This announcement follows the British brand's successes in 2023. After the successful launch of the DB12 Coupe and the Volante, the start of this year is marked by a novelty that has seduced enthusiasts at first glance, the Vantage. The release of the new model reaffirms Aston Martin's position in the field of sports cars endowed with a luxury inherent to the brand's identity. A perfect combination of balancing the pursuit of sporting performance with the comfort that is central to Aston Martin's DNA. The name Vantage first appeared in 1950, describing the engine of the DB2 on the racing circuits. It was not until 1964 that the term came to designate a first model, the high-performance version of the DB5, undoubtedly making it one of the flagship products of the British designer. From the 1970s, several models appeared, always characterized by a dual definition: sporting performance, combined with a sleek traditional cut to the brand. 2024 marks a turning point for the Vantage, unveiling both a renewed aesthetic and an even increased performance, continuing the history of this model long recogni

Aston Martin's place in the sports car rankings is well-established. With numerous victories in international GT races, as well as on Formula 1 circuits, the brand has long been recognized as a reference in terms of power and sporting performance on roads and tracks. The new Vantage pushes this constant quest for speed and power even further, utilizing the latest technologies without ever straying from the brand's identity, as explained to the press by its CEO, Amedeo Felisa, "As we enter a crucial period of change in the world of high-performance cars, it is essential to remain true to the qualities on which a legendary brand was built. Any car bearing the Vantage name must live up to this legacy, which is why this new model commits unfailingly to high performance in its purest and most explicit form. Its power and top speed set the benchmarks, but it is through the expert application of the latest technologies to the front-engine, rear-wheel-drive chassis that is perfectly balanced, that we have created a sports car with addictive capabilities. With a bold style, a brand-new interior, and a state-of-the-art infotainment system, the Vantage is world-class in every respect.” To better understand the performance improvement of this model, one must look at the work of the engineers. In developing the vehicle, the focus was on research into compression ratios, a more optimal installation of larger turbocompressors, but also on the V8's camshafts and a desire to increase cooling capacity. These developments lead to an AMG-manufactured biturbo engine that reaches 665 horsepower, which is 155 horsepower more than the previous models. This breathtaking performance is made even more remarkable by an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission that allows the two-seater car to accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) in only 3.4 seconds, and to reach a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph). On the mechanical side, it's noted that the chassis has been stiffened and reinforced, as have the suspension mounts. Finally, intelligent adaptive dampers have been added to the model, allowing for even greater driving sensations. It's also noted that in terms of electronics, Aston Martin stands out by adding numerous driving aids, including a dynamic control system, as the brand's representatives explain: "The key to the intensified handling character of the Vantage lies in an advanced vehicle dynamics control system. This takes information from multiple sensors in the car and from the driver, such as the 6-axis accelerometer, the powertrain, the braking system, and the E-Diff sensors, to create a detailed picture of exactly what the car is doing and apply it to the overall management of the ESP system. By taking this information and comparing it to the integrated vehicle dynamics estimation (IVE) parameters based on a model, the ESP can then actively control the three key pillars of the vehicle's dynamic system (driving, handling, and steering) to optimize the vehicle's response and driving behavior in all areas, in adverse weather conditions, on the road, and on the track.”

At first glance, the aesthetic evolution of the Vantage is easily noticeable. Its wider body combined with its 38% larger open slatted grille than the previous model, gives it a contemporary look that manages to find the balance between sporty aggression and the pristine elegance characteristic of Aston Martin. The advancements made in the air intakes related to cooling add a muscular visual character to the vehicle, with curves and volumes that give it a dramatic identity that sets it apart. "Aston Martin is fortunate to have many evocative model names, but none conjures excitement and dynamism like the Vantage. To capture the huge increase in power and performance of the new car, we've accentuated its physique, increasing its muscularity and sharpening its sculptural form. We drew inspiration from the supercar One-77, but we wanted the Vantage to more explicitly express its intent and power. One look and you know it packs a real punch, but there's an elegance of form and proportion that hints at the sophistication underpinning its raw power. This balance between instant visual impact and slow-burning charisma reflects the driving experience and perfectly captures the essence of the Vantage," shared Marek Reichman, Aston Martin's Director of Design, with the press. A style change that places the Vantage in the contemporary era. Moreover, as with all models of the brand, the customization options are endless, allowing the future driver to create a model that is, so to speak, tailor-made. As a sports car, the Vantage remains faithful to Aston Martin's identity, which has emphasized the details of its thoughtfully designed design since its inception. Clean lines, luxurious materials, unmatched comfort... The brand's DNA is found in each detail, from the cockpit to the air vents, to the upholstery where comfort and ergonomics are the keywords. The production of the Vantage is expected to start in the first quarter of 2024, with the first deliveries occurring in the second quarter of the year. A model undoubtedly already eagerly awaited by lovers of beautiful objects and unforgettable performances.