Vantage. An evocative name for a magnificent bloodline of thoroughbred sports cars. For seven decades the heartbeat of
Aston Martin's purest models, the Vantage nameplate has been worn by some true icons. First used in 1951 on a high-output engine option for the DB2, Vantage was quickly established as a model in its own right. Today this formidable sporting dynasty is poised to hit new heights with the introduction of the new
Aston Martin Vantage.
A spectacular new Aston Martin sports car demands a bold and distinctive design language. Pure, sculptural forms create an athletic, predatory stance, while the minimal front and rear overhangs, muscular flanks and broad haunches express the agility and dynamism inherent within the car. New head and tail lights form dramatic new signatures giving the Vantage unmistakable road presence and contribute to a strong and individual identity within the growing Aston Martin model range. As
Marc Tagle, the president of
Aston Martin Manila, said: "Beautiful won't be tamed perfectly encapsulates this car, with its predatory stance, muscular flanks and broad haunches--it shows its incredible agility and performance through its design. Aston Martin's dedicated craftsmanship is unmistakable on the new Vantage."
Aerodynamic performance was central to the Vantage design concept: the
front splitter directs airflow underneath the car, where a system of fences channels cooling air where it is needed, and also ensures the
rear diffuser is fed with clean airflow. The design of the diffuser creates an area of low pressure air, while simultaneously preventing turbulence generated by the rear wheels from disrupting the flow of air exiting centrally from beneath the rear of the car.
Together with the
new side gills, which have been integrated into the body surface and bleed air pressure out from the front wheel arches, and the pronounced
upswept rear deck lid, the Vantage generates a significant level of downforce--a rarity on any production car and a first for a core production Aston Martin model.
The design story continues inside the Vantage, with a dynamic and focused sports car cockpit that rejects long, fluid curves in favour of sharp, focused lines denoting the more aggressive nature of the car. A
high waist interior theme and
lower driving position creates a
more immersive driving experience, and contributes to significant gains in occupant space and significant improvement in headroom compared with the outgoing Vantage. A combination of rotary and toggle style controls have been used for their tactile and intuitive functionality. Likewise, the
PRND transmission buttons have been moved into a triangular formation so as to cluster major controls into clearly defined zones. The interior also offers
generous stowage space, with useable room behind the seats and
bounteous double-tier storage areas.
© Patrick Everett Tadeo for CARMUDI PHILIPPINES
The heart of the Vantage is Aston Martin's potent new alloy,
4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. Set low and as far back in the chassis as possible for
optimal center-of-gravity and
perfect 50:50 weight distribution, this high-performance, high-efficiency engine returns a CO2 figure of
245g/km yet develops
503 hp at 6000rpm and
685 Nm from 2000-5000rpm. With a dry weight of
1,530kg this gives the Vantage
formidable power-to-weight and torque-to-weight ratios--something vividly demonstrated whenever the throttle is squeezed. Detailed tuning of the induction, exhaust and engine management systems has given the Vantage a truly intoxicating character and soundtrack.
The Vantage deploys its impressive power and torque to the rear wheels via a
rear-mounted ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. Capable of accelerating
from 0 to 100 kph in 3.5 seconds and on to a
maximum speed of 314 kph, it employs a sophisticated suite of integrated electronic systems to offer maximum control and driver enjoyment. These include
Dynamic Stability Control and
Dynamic Torque Vectoring. The
speed-dependent electric power steering has
2.4 turns lock-to-lock for an outstanding combination of responsiveness and precise, intuitive control.
For the first time on an Aston Martin, the new Vantage also features an
Electronic Rear Differential (E-Diff). This differential is linked to the car's electronic stability control system, so it can understand the car's behavior, and react accordingly to direct the engine's power to the relevant wheel. Unlike a conventional LSD, it can go from
fully open to 100-percent locked in a matter of milliseconds. At higher speeds, the Electronic Differential's speed and sensitivity of response enables the system to take very fine control of the car's dynamic behavior. It makes the car feel much more composed both in terms of its straight-line stability and its cornering performance, providing the driver with increased levels of confidence to explore and enjoy the car’s capabilities to the full.
The chassis is an evolution of the
latest-generation, bonded-aluminum structure first seen on the DB11, though some
70 percent of the structure's components are
new for the Vantage. Balance, strength, rigidity and weight efficiency were all priorities in the new Vantage design, as was handling purity and consistency. Highlights of the chassis include a
solidly-mounted rear subframe for an enhanced feeling of direct connection for the driver, new
Pirelli P Zero tires developed specifically for new Vantage and the
latest generation Adaptive Damping System which incorporates
Skyhook technology and offers the choice of
Sport, Sport Plus, and Track modes.
Thanks to full integration of engine, transmission, E-Diff, Dynamic Torque Vectoring, Dynamic Stability Control, Adaptive Damping and the electric power steering systems, each mode optimizes every area of the car as one. With each step the Vantage gains in agility and responsiveness, its character becoming progressively sharper, more vocal and more exciting. This is the essence of the Vantage driving experience – a car that's never less than connected and engaging with the breadth of capability to revel in challenging roads and bare its teeth on track.
The Vantage features a high level of standard equipment, including
keyless start/stop,
tire pressure monitoring system,
parking distance display,
park assist, and
front and rear parking sensors. The In-Car Entertainment system--controlled and viewed via a
centrally-mounted eight-inch LCD screen--comprises of the
Aston Martin Audio System, Bluetooth audio and phone streaming, iPod, iPhone and USB playback and an integrated satellite navigation system.
Being an Aston Martin, the new Vantage also features a high level of craftsmanship, evidenced by flawless paintwork,
luxurious Alcantara and leather upholstery, and the levels of finish optimized through the use of tactile natural materials of the highest quality. There is also extensive scope for personalization via a generous choice of options. These include
forged alloy wheels in a variety of finishes,
Sports Plus Collection (comprising Sports Plus seats and Sports steering wheel),
carbon fiber interior and exterior detailing and a
Premium Audio System.
Said Tagle said: "We are extremely excited to finally launch the all-new Aston Martin Vantage in Manila. From its successful predecessor, we have something entirely new, signifying the new era of Aston Martin. One's senses will be truly overwhelmed when driving this car on the road with its incredible agility and dynamic performance. It has a 4.0-liter and a new twin turbocharged V8 which creates that distinctive Aston Martin roar."
The new Vantage is available now. For inquiries, visit the Aston Martin Manila Showroom at G/F, W Fifth Building, 5th Ave. cor. 32nd Street, BGC, Taguig City or call +6327710007.
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Aston Martin Vantage
|
ENGINE |
Type |
V8 – 90° twin-turbo |
Overall displacement |
3982 cc |
Max. power output |
503 hp (510 PS) @6000 rpm |
Max. torque |
685 Nm @ 2000-5000 rpm |
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT |
Length |
4465 mm |
Width |
1942 mm |
Height |
1273 mm |
Weight Distribution |
50/50 percent front/rear |
PERFORMANCE |
0-100 kph |
3.6 seconds |
Max. Speed |
314 kph |
Fuel Consumption |
10.5 L/100 km or 9.52 km/L |