Aston Martin looks to have shelved plans for a mid-engined Vanquish in news that’s bound to sadden some enthusiasts but delight executives at Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren.
It was back in early 2019 when the company unveiled the compelling Vanquish Vision Concept, a preview of the next-generation mid-engined supercar that would rival cars like the Ferrari 296 GTB and the Lamborghini Huracan’s forthcoming successor. It followed in the footsteps of the Valkyrie and the Valhalla and would have served as the brand’s third mid-engined model. Unfortunately, it will likely no longer see the light of day.
In a statement issued to Car and Driver, an Aston Martin spokesperson asserted that the mid-engined Vanquish has been cancelled. Carscoops has reached out to the automaker and will update this article when and if we hear back. Interestingly, Aston Martin specified that the “mid-engine V6 design” of the Vanquish has been shelved in a statement to Motor1, leaving open the possibility of the Vanquish name being used for a different product in the future.
The writing has been on the wall for the mid-engined Vanquish for quite some time. In June, Aston Martin chairman Lawrence Stroll said that the brand would no longer produce a “normal” mid-engined car (the Vanquish) and instead focus on the Valhalla and the Valkyrie.
Read: Aston Martin Calls In F1 Team For Valhalla Development And To Remind Us It’s Still Happening
While the 296 GTB won’t be getting a new rival from Aston Martin, the Valhalla will serve as a direct competitors to the Ferrari SF90 Stradale and Lamborghini Revuelto. The car will be powered by a Mercedes-AMG-sourced twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 supplemented by a pair of electric motors. It will apparently produce around 1,000 hp and be sold exclusively with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Aston Martin is apparently targeting a 6:30 lap of the Nurburgring with the car.
