The illustrious name of Vanquish graces the automotive world once more, heralding the arrival of Aston Martin’s most formidable production model to date. Though the name itself is not visibly emblazoned on the vehicle, the new twin-turbo V12 flagship unmistakably asserts its heritage through its striking design.
With a commanding output of 835 horsepower and 1000Nm of torque, the Vanquish embodies Aston Martin’s commitment to excellence. For those accustomed to imperial measurements, this translates to an impressive 824bhp and 737lb ft. The performance figures are equally remarkable: the Vanquish accelerates from 0-62mph in just 3.2 seconds (0-100kph in 3.3 seconds) and boasts a top speed of 214mph. This performance sets a new benchmark for production Aston Martins, requiring a limited-edition model such as the Victor or Valkyrie, or even a pilot’s licence, to surpass.
Aston Martin’s dedication to engineering prowess is evident in their quest to outshine competitors. The Vanquish’s 5.2-litre V12 engine features a reinforced block, upgraded heads, crankshaft, and valvetrain, alongside optimised turbos and a new ‘Boost Reserve’ technology for rapid responsiveness. This is a direct challenge to Ferrari’s 820bhp 12 Cilindri, showcasing Aston Martin’s engineering supremacy.
In terms of design, the new Vanquish stands apart from its predecessors. The longer bonnet, now 80mm extended from the front axle to the A-pillar, gives the car a classic long-bonnet GT appearance. The redesigned front grille, 13 per cent larger than that of the DBS Superleggera, accommodates the increased cooling requirements of the potent engine. A distinctive ‘bow-and-arrow’ side vent and bespoke door design further differentiate it from the DB12.
The Vanquish features a redesigned rear, including a striking carbon ‘shield’ and multi-rod taillights inspired by the Valour model. A new ducktail spoiler and diffuser replace the DBS’s vented bootlid, enhancing stability at high speeds. Notably, the Vantage headlights are the only elements carried over from previous Aston models.
To enhance performance, the Vanquish incorporates forged wheels to reduce unsprung weight, and standard ceramic brakes that save 27kg compared to steel alternatives. The bespoke tyres, marked with the ‘AML’ code, are specifically developed to complement the car’s long wheelbase and high power output.
Inside, the Vanquish is designed as a strict two-seater, featuring a substantial carbon strut brace in place of rear seats. This structural enhancement contributes to a 75 per cent increase in body stiffness over the DBS 770 Ultimate, providing an excellent foundation for the Bilstein adaptive dampers. With a dry weight of approximately 1,774kg, it strikes a balance between agility and stability, weighing more than its Italian competitors but less than a Bentley Continental GT.
The Vanquish offers a standard ‘GT’ mode for a refined driving experience, with additional sportier settings for those seeking a more dynamic ride. These settings are managed through a touchscreen interface, which, alongside the improved driver’s instrument display, enhances user experience. The interior features a sleek centre console with tactile switchgear and exposed screwheads, adding a bespoke touch. A standard panoramic glass roof, with a tint that blocks 94 per cent of the sun’s rays, ensures a bright and airy cabin. Although a dimmable version was considered, design constraints led to the choice of a fixed tint or optional carbon fibre roof.
While manual shifting is reserved for ultra-exclusive models like the Valiant and Valour, the Vanquish retains its sophisticated eight-speed automatic transmission, now with enhanced software for quicker gear changes. Improvements extend to the steering map and retuned ESP for a refined driving experience.
Aston Martin plans to produce no more than 1,000 Vanquish units annually, ensuring the exclusivity of this V12 marvel. Set to enter the ultra-GT segment later this year, the Vanquish will compete with high-calibre rivals such as the Ferrari 12 Cilindri and the new Bentley Continental GT plug-in hybrid.
