The name 'Aston Martin' is practically synonymous with classic, James Bond-approved sleek and style. The fact that the British car brand manages to constantly conjure this image in the minds of its fans anywhere is testament to Aston Martin's uncanny ability to preserve its heritage and identity. What’s more impressive is that every Aston car since 'Dr. No.' has managed to not only deliver on this heritage, but also build on it.
Aston's latest offering--the all-new Aston Martin Vantage--is an entry-level sports car, but if you expect the 'entry' tag to douse the racer's impressiveness, then you'd be wrong. At 503 horsepower, 685 Nm of torque, and 314 kph top speed partnered by a sleek design and optimized aerodynamics, the latest Vantage is clearly a worthy successor to a true sporting dynasty.
Aston did some enhancements to the Vantage's exterior styling, and they're quite obvious. To give the car a more muscular look, Aston's designers reduced the front and rear overhangs, increased the side vents, and smoothed out the hood. Both headlights and taillights are completely new, giving the car its own unique look at night. Inside, a raised waistline allows the driver to sit nearly a half inch lower in the car. This increases the headroom and gives the driver a more relaxed driving stance, according to designers.
New performance features start with the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 paired with a rear-mounted, eight-speed automatic transmission that can go from 0 to 100 kph in just 3.6 seconds. Comparatively, the last Vantage, a V12, only managed 3.9 seconds.
Aside from its faster speed, the new Vantage also offers better balance while cornering, thanks to the engine sitting lower and farther back than its predecessor. The new engine position lowers the vehicle's center of gravity, which in turn enhances stability. A lightweight bonded-aluminum chassis improves the car's balance, rigidity, and overall strength.
Smart electronic features will include stability control, torque vectoring, and an electric power steering system that adjusts input depending on the car's speed. As for infotainment, safety, and interior accoutrements, owners can expect carbon fiber trim, plush leather, and an enhanced audio system.
The Vantage's electronic rear differential, a first for the brand, uses the car's electronic stability control to distribute power individually to each rear wheel. The system can adjust power as necessary, going from fully open to fully locked in a matter of milliseconds.
Aston Martin President Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Andy Palmer said: "It speaks volumes for the outgoing Vantage that it is the single most successful model in Aston Martin's history. Creating a worthy successor has been a challenge to relish and a huge source of motivation. 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."
Aston Martin will unveil the latest Aston Martin Vantage at the Los Angeles Auto Show to be held from December 1 to 10 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. With a $150,000 (over P7.57 million) starting price, the sports car costs less than the Aston DB11 and Vanquish touring coupes. The new Vantage is expected to hit international markets by the first half of next year.
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