Introducing the Aston Martin Vantage
In 2005, Aston Martin introduced the Vantage. In essence, this was their entry point into the brand that boasted the company's new design language without straying away from the layout that Aston Martin are renowned for: low-slung coupé, big engine upfront, power sent to the rear wheels.
Despite being labelled the "baby Aston", it sold remarkably well because Vantage offered the handling prowess and breathtaking levels of performance that its bigger siblings had been acclaimed for.
The latest generation Vantage has captured the essence of what made the original so utterly brilliant. However, it has brought a fresh appearance and completely new underpinnings with it. The result is nothing short of extraordinary. In short, this is Aston Martin at their best.
Design and Personalisation
Not forgetting its heritage, the all-new Aston Martin Vantage blends first-generation Vantage DNA, with stunning up to date Aston Martin design, featuring a glorious clamshell bonnet and a contrasting stance of sleekness and muscle.
The Vantage is available as either a Coupé or Roadster; each body style is available with a myriad of colour options and accessories, so it ultimately boils down to your personality and taste.
A further range of exclusive colours are available through the brand's personalisation service, Q by Aston Martin. Combined with the various available carbon fibre trims, mirror caps, badge colours, and bespoke alloy wheel designs, the Vantage can be truly tailored to you.
Interior and Technology
Vantage features three enticing driving modes: Sport, Sport Plus and Track. Each setting changes characteristics such as the exhaust note, steering feel, and throttle response.
An innovative electronic differential has been designed to enhance the Vantage's grip on track, but can also adjust to regular road driving accordingly for a smooth experience. In addition, Aston Martin have included adjustable dampers and torque vectoring for greater stability and enhanced agility when pressing on.
Typical of Aston Martin, the interior is wonderfully luxurious, with body hugging sports seats and materials wrapped in the finest leather and Alcantara®. The cabin has taken inspiration from a fighter jet, with buttons arranged in a commanding style within the centre console. An 8-inch LCD screen completes the timeless layout, while lashings of colour matching the car's exterior body colour can be included inside.
Engines and Performance
The latest generation Vantage has taken a fresh approach to performance and efficiency. You still get a charismatic twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, along with more power than the previous generation. Naturally, there is also a V12 version for good measure.
The V8 Vantage produces 503bhp, which propels the Coupé from 0 to 62mph in just 3.6 seconds with a top speed of 195mph. It's Roadster sibling shares the same engine and power, but due to the car's complex and gracious folding roof, 0 to 62mph takes a little longer at 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 190mph. On the other hand, the roof can be raised or lowered in just seven seconds.
Power is transmitted to the rear wheels by a silky-smooth 8-speed automatic gearbox (a manual is available). The flappy paddles behind the steering wheel are readily available for those roads that command manual input from the driver. Vantage can return close to 27mpg on a combined cycle; remarkable for a car with this level of performance.
If however, you prefer a V12 Vantage, power has been increased to 690bhp (700PS), dropping the 0 to 62mph time to just 3.5 seconds. This is the first time Aston Martin has used a turbocharged V12 engine. A ZF 8-speed automatic transmission helps ensure power can be utilised effectively.
Models
Coupe
Standard specification includes, but is not limited to:
- All-alloy quad overhead cam, 4.0 litre twin turbo V8
- Rear mid-mounted ZF eight-speed automatic transmission
- Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with Skyhook technology modes Sport, Sport + and Track
- 20" Vantage 'Y' Spoke Wheels - Silver / Front 20" Pirelli P Zero 255/40/20 / Rear 20" Pirelli P Zero 295/35/20
- Dynamic Stability Control
- Anti-lock braking system, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Emergency Brake Assist
- Traction Control
- LED high & and low beam headlamps with integrated direction indicator, daytime running lights, position lamp, lock/unlock graphic theatre
- Clamshell bonnet
- Keyless start/stop
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Alarm and immobiliser
- Memory seats
- 8.0" LCD screen, iPod® and iPhone® integration and USB playback, DAB & AM/FM Radio, A2DP Bluetooth® audio and phone streaming
- Integrated satellite navigation system
Roadster
Standard specification includes, but is not limited to:
- All-alloy quad overhead cam, 4.0 litre twin turbo V8
- Rear mid-mounted ZF eight-speed automatic transmission
- Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with Skyhook technology modes Sport, Sport + and Track
- 20” 10 Spoke Cast Wheels – Silver / Front 20” Pirelli P Zero 255/40/20 / Rear 20” Pirellli P Zero 295/35/20
- Dynamic Stability Control
- Anti-lock braking system, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Emergency Brake Assist
- Traction Control
- LED high & and low beam headlamps with integrated direction indicator, daytime running lights, position lamp, lock/unlock graphic theatre
- Clamshell bonnet
- Keyless start/stop
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Alarm and immobiliser
- Memory seats
- 8.0" LCD screen, iPod® and iPhone® integration and USB playback, DAB & AM/FM Radio, A2DP Bluetooth® audio and phone streaming
- Integrated satellite navigation system
F1® Edition
Standard specification includes, but is not limited to:
- Aero kit that delivers 200kg more downforce compared to the Coupe and Roadster
- 4.0-litre V8 engine that produces 527bhp
- 0 to 62mph time of 3.6 seconds
- Electronic differential (E-Diff)
- Stiffer rear spring rates and uprated dampers
- Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with Skyhook technology modes Sport, Sport Plus and Track
- Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar and adaptive damping
- Front independent double wishbone design coil springs, anti- roll bar and adaptive damping
- Front ventilated two-piece cast iron brake discs (400mm diameter)
Explore the Aston Martin Vantage
Calling the Vantage the entry-level Aston Martin has a degree of humour about it. After all, take into consideration the advanced engineering and meticulous attention to detail that can be seen throughout the Vantage, and it becomes clear this car is anything but entry-level.
If you wish to explore the Vantage for yourself, then please contact your nearest Stratstone Aston Martin retailer to arrange a test drive today.
