After we have lifted the Aston Martin Vantage veil a little here, now the official photos reveal in full what the brand's new machine is.
Clearly inspired by the Aston Martin DB10 used by secret agent James Bond in the Specter movie, the new Aston Martin Vantage differentiates itself from all other models of the brand.
Longer and wider by nine and seven centimeters, respectively, than its predecessor, it maintains the same architecture with a longitudinal front engine and rear-wheel drive. However, the new Vantage is decidedly more aggressive and muscular. With the front glued to the ground and the rear more raised, all the aerodynamic elements look perfectly framed. The rear diffuser and front splitter help create significant downforce, improving the aerodynamics of the model, which looks more like a racetrack.
Miles Nurnberger, Aston Martin Chief Exterior DesignIf DB11 is a gentleman, Vantage is a hunter
Despite being shorter than a Porsche 911, the Vantage has 25 cm longer wheelbase (2.7 m) than the mythical German model.
The new interior reinforces the feeling of being inside a cockpit. The Start buttons in the center stand out, and the ones referring to the automatic transmission at the ends. In the center of the console, the rotary knob that controls the infotainment system. Know him from somewhere?
But let's get to what really matters. 50/50 weight distribution and an engine 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 with 510 horsepower , only seven horses less than the V12 Vantage. The weight starts at 1530 kg, but dry, that is, without considering any type of fluids — oil and fuel — so, when added, the weight should be similar to its predecessor.
Nothing that affects performance: the maximum speed is greater than 300 km/h and reaches 100 km/h in about 3.7 seconds.
The engine, originally from Mercedes-AMG, is specifically prepared and tuned for Vantage, and features the new eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF. For purists, after launch, the Vantage will also be available with a manual gearbox, apparently a seven-speed version of the V12 Vantage S.
Another new feature is the electronic rear differential. THE e-diff it connects to the stability control system and sends power to each of the rear wheels. Of course, to make the driving experience more intense, both stability and traction control are switched off. Also a good nail kit…
The new Aston Martin Vantage has carbon fiber brakes as an option and the suspension architecture will be identical to the DB11 although stiffer for a sportier drive.
After taking this step, the next Aston Martin to be the target of a major update will be the Vanquish, in 2019. However, Aston Martin will inaugurate its presence in two new segments, the SUV with DBX, and the electric one with the Electric RapidE.