- Aston Martin has unveiled the Vanquish, which serves as a successor to the DBS.
- The model features a twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12 pumping out 824 hp and 737 lb-ft of torque.
- The car is the fastest series production Aston Martin to date with a top speed of 214 mph.
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 (614 kW / 835 PS) and 737 lb-ft (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.
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This enables the “continent-crushing GT” to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.2 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 214 mph (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 3.1 inches (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 16.1 inches (410 mm) front and 14.2 inches (360 mm) rear. Compared to its predecessor, Aston Martin says the system offers increased braking performance and reduced fade at temperatures up to 1,472° F (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 23 lbs (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.
