Snapshot
- New Vantage V8 gets an extra 100kW and 325km/h top speed!
- More focused, sharper chassis with adaptive suspension and bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 Tyres
- Pumped guards and fresh bumpers give Astons smallest sports car a more muscular appearance
Aston Martin has revealed its handsome new Vantage, which it claims is the most focussed version in the nameplate's 74-year history.
It features the same basic AMG-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 but with heavy revisions to lift power from the old car's 375kW to a whopping 489kW at 6000rpm – though it's still shy of the limited-run 515kW Vantage V12.
The result is a front-engined rear-drive sports car that can sprint from rest to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds, and head on to a 325km/h top speed.
Aston has confirmed the new Vantage will reach British and European customers in the second quarter of this year but has not given Australian timing or pricing yet.
Aston hasn't just tweaked ECU settings to get more grunt, the engine has been treated to new cam profiles and larger turbos matched with an 'optimised' compression ratio of 8.6:1.
The eight-speed ZF torque converter automatic remains but it's been retuned and paired with a new electronically-controlled limited-slip differential that can go from open to locked in 135ms.
To keep outputs of 489kW and 800Nm reliable, there's a new low-temp radiator for the charge cooler water circuit and two more auxiliary coolers to complement the main radiator.
Following the DB12's lead, the new Vantage features 30mm wider body work and more aggressive bumpers to feed the powerful V8, as well as cool the tyres and brakes.
That extra space allows for a larger veined grilled aperture that enhances air flow over the radiator for 29 per cent, further improving cooling. At the back are four exhaust tips, all larger than before.
Aston's iconic side strake returns in the new coupe, while both ends get all-new LED lighting – the headlights feature Aston's latest light signature and Matrix LED bulbs.
Beneath the new bodywork is a 'highly evolved' bonded aluminium chassis with a 50:50 weight distribution.
The fundamentals aren't all new (the wheelbase is only 1mm longer at 2705mm), but there has been plenty of stiffening work for the new vehicle.
Underneath there are new components to upp torsional rigidity, including a new strut bar that enhances rear end stiffness by 29 per cent.
The new Vantage carries over the basic double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension set-up but with revised geometry and components.
It now gets active vehicle dynamics, while the dampers have been upgraded to the latest OEM offerings from German company Bilstein. The DTX dampers are said to have a 500 per cent larger bandwidth than the old items, and hugely improved speed of response.
There are also Aston Martin-spec 21-inch Michelin tyres, the new (and OEM-only so far) Pilot Sport S 5 measure 275/35 front, 325/30 rear and are wrapped around 9.5- and 11.5-inch rims, respectively.
Stopping is taken care of by cross-drilled cast iron 400mm front and 360mm rear brake rotors with a carbon ceramic system (that saves 27kg in unsprung mass) available as an option.
A generous 21 colours are offered in the standard suite, with the ability to choose pinstripes, rear infills, and 'lipstick' highlights. Aston also offers extensive customisation with its Q program.
Inside, there's a 10.25-inch touchscreen with capacitive touch and gesture control. An 11-speaker sound system is standard, while a 15-speaker double amplified 1170W Bower and Wilkins setup is optional.
Aston uses Bridge of Weir leather that's hand-stitched around low-set bucket seats. A range of colours will be available.
Touch controls do not dominate the Vantage's cabin, though, with an array of physical buttons including those for chassis, ESP, exhaust, and driver assistance settings.
The stability system has been a clear focus of Aston Martin, with the Vantage's six-dimension Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) able to track multiple forces inside the vehicle, with the dampers responding depending on the program (much like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N).
Beyond the ESP's function as a safety feature, there are also Wet and Track modes, as well as fully-off.
When ESP is disabled, a GT3 racer-inspired adjustable traction control system can be engaged that will limit wheel slip under power to one of eight levels.
“The art of creating a truly great sports car in 2024 is applying cutting-edge technology in a way that enhances and intensifies the driving experience yet does nothing to remove the driver from the process of driving", said Aston Martin CTO Roberto Fedeli.
Aston Martin is yet to confirm pricing for the new Vantage V8. It has also not said that a V12 flagship will follow, though after committing to V12s until 2026 it is possible.
European and UK deliveries of the sports car will commence in Q2 this year.
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