2018 Aston Martin Vantage revealed

Aston Martin has revealed the successor to what it calls its most successful model yet – the Vantage.

With an AMG-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 housed “low and as far back in the chassis as possible for optimal centre-of-gravity,” the Vantage scores a 375kW/685Nm output and a 50:50 weight distribution.

Rather than a heavy GT, Aston says the new Vantage will only weigh 1530kg, allowing its new wet-sump engine to propel it to 100km/h in just 3.6 seconds.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels via an 8-speed ZF auto mounted in the rear, with a new electronic diff able to go from fully open to completely locked in milliseconds.

“This differential is linked to the car’s electronic stability control system, so it can understand the car’s behaviour, and react accordingly to direct the engine’s power to the relevant wheel,” Aston Martin explains.

The 2018 Vantage will charge on to a top speed of 314km/h.

In terms of the new design, Aston says it was inspired by the Vulcan, with slim LED lights and an aerodynamically functional set of side gills.

Inside, the seating position is now lower, and the cabin has been designed to elicit a ‘cockpit’ feel.

“It speaks volumes for the outgoing Vantage that it is the single most successful model in Aston Martin’s history,” Palmer says.

“Creating a worthy successor has been a challenge to relish and a huge source of motivation.

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“I’m enormously excited by what we’ve created: a new Vantage that’s more explicit in looks and intent, wrapping heart-pounding performance and dazzling dynamics into an everyday usable package.

“A true sports car with a sharper look and a keener dynamic edge, the new Vantage is the Aston Martin pure driving machine enthusiasts have been waiting for.”