Fastest Aston Martin Vantage Unveiled

Aston Martin unveils the latest in the flagship Vantage lineup that has been synonymous with its highest performance level road cars.

And this model claims to be the fastest road-legal Vantage in the brand’s 74-year history boasting the performance highlight of a 0-to-60 mph (97 km/h) sprint time of just 3.4 seconds. It launches alongside its racecar sibling the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 challenger.

The latest generation model traces its roots back to 1950, when the Vantage name was first used to denote an uprated engine package for the race-proven DB2. The first time Vantage was applied as a model designation was in 1964, when a high-performance Vantage-badged version of the DB5 became the new flagship of the range.

This new Vantage maintains its classic front-engine rear-wheel -drive configuration and now powered by a hand-built 4.0L Twin-Turbo gasoline V-8 claiming a peak of 655 hp and 590 lb.-ft. (800 Nm) of torque, 30% more power and 15% more torque and the previous model. Claimed combined fuel economy is 19.4 mpg (12.1 L/100 km)) with WLTP-rated emissions of 274 g/km.

Extensive tuning by factory engineers include the adoption of modified cam profiles, improved compression ratios, larger turbos and increased engine cooling. Mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, the new Vantage claims a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h) complementing the sprint time of 3.4 seconds.

Drivetrain technology includes a new launch control system integrated with the powertrain, transmission and electronic stability program (ESP). When engaged the system deploys as much torque as conditions allow, using the E-Diff, ESP slip control and engine torque management throughout the launch. The driver can also dial-in the precise amount of slip they desire during the launch by making changes via the adjustable traction control (ATC) system – reducing or increasing the amount of controlled wheelspin or allowing the driver full throttle control by switching off ATC and traction control.

In keeping with its luxury Grand Tourer forebears, the Vantage features hand-stitched Bridge of Weir hides for the supportive sports seats. As standard there’s a 390-w 11-speaker audio system.

An integrated multiscreen infotainment system offers full online connectivity, featuring 10.25-in. (26-cm) pure black touchscreen technology with full capacitive single and multi-finger gesture control. Physical switches, with buttons are retained for the key mechanical operations of gear selection, drive selection, heating and ventilation. There are also override switches for chassis, ESP and exhaust, lane assist and park distance control.

Aston Martin chief executive officer, Amedeo Felisa, says: “As we enter a period of pivotal change in the world of high-performance cars it is essential to remain true to those qualities upon which a legendary marque has been built. Any car bearing the Vantage name has much to live up to, which is why this newest model makes an unwavering commitment to high-performance in its purest and most explicit form. Class-leading power and speed establish its credentials, but it is through expert application of the latest technologies to the Vantage’s perfectly balanced front-engine rear-drive chassis that we have created a sports car with addictive capability.”

Deliveries to global markets are scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2024 with prices yet to be announced.