Words by Chris Walsh
In the illustrious annals of automotive history, few names evoke a sense of exhilarating performance and sophisticated British luxury quite like Aston Martin. The introduction of the new Aston Martin Vantage marks a significant milestone in the marque’s 111-year legacy, encapsulating a tradition of sporting excellence while heralding a new era of technological innovation and design prowess.
The new Vantage, a name synonymous with Aston Martin’s racing pedigree and high-performance models, has been reimagined for the 21st century. With its unveiling in Gaydon, UK, on 12 February 2024, Aston Martin reaffirms its commitment to producing the definitive front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car. This latest iteration not only pays homage to its forebears but also asserts its position as the pinnacle of modern sports car design and engineering.
Aston Martin’s journey with the ‘Vantage’ nameplate is a storied one (beginning in 1950 as a designation for an uprated engine package) as the name Vantage has since evolved, signifying not just incremental improvements, but a comprehensive reimagination of what a sports car can be. This new model, the most driver-focused and fastest Vantage in the nameplate’s 74-year history, is a testament to this evolution.
Design philosophy and aesthetic appeal
The design of the new Aston Martin Vantage is a confluence of art and aerodynamics, embodying a philosophy that marries form with function in unprecedented ways. At the heart of its aesthetic appeal is a commitment to muscularity and elegance, a duality that has defined Aston Martin’s approach to car design. The new Vantage’s exterior is a testament to this, featuring a stance that is both aggressive and poised, hinting at its capabilities even before the engine roars to life.
Inspired by Aston Martin’s rich racing heritage and iconic models of the past, the Vantage’s design team, led by Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman, embarked on a mission to sculpt a body that is yet again, both innovative and instantly recognisable. The result is a vehicle that captures the essence of movement, with lines that flow seamlessly from the pronounced front grille to the sculpted rear, encapsulating a sense of speed and dynamism even at a standstill.
The front of the Vantage is characterised by a recontoured veined grille, larger than in any earlier iterations, set low and wide to enhance cooling and aerodynamic efficiency. This is flanked by all-new Matrix LED headlamps, integrating Aston Martin’s new light signature, which not only enhances your nighttime driving but also contribute to the car’s formidable presence.
Within the interior, things take a strong leap forward as the Vantage reveals an environment where luxury and sportiness coexist in harmony. The all-new interior architecture prioritises the driver’s experience, with every element designed to enhance the act of driving while offering unparalleled comfort and style. The use of supple, hand-stitched leathers, the meticulous arrangement of the controls and the integration of an ultramodern infotainment system set new standards of quality and sophistication in the cockpit, making every journey in the Vantage a memorable experience.
Engineering excellence and performance innovations
At the core of the new Vantage’s allure is its engineering marvel, powered by a reworked 4.0-litre V8 Twin Turbo engine, marking it as the fastest Vantage in Aston Martin’s history. This engine’s development is at the pinnacle of engineering, with Aston Martin’s engineers pushing the boundaries of performance through extensive tuning and optimised compression ratios. The result is an engine that not only delivers class-leading power and torque but also a sound that is unmistakably Aston Martin – visceral and invigorating.
The technical prowess of the Vantage extends beyond its engine. The car’s chassis and powertrain have been meticulously tuned to deliver an engaging driving experience, with a perfect 50:50 weight distribution that ensures agility and stability in equal measure. The integration of industry-leading Active Vehicle Dynamics, Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers and an Electronic Rear Differential (E-diff) exemplifies Aston Martin’s commitment to providing a driving experience that is both thrilling and accessible.
The Vantage’s handling and dynamics are further enhanced by Aston Martin’s next-generation bonded aluminium structure, providing a foundation that is both lightweight and rigid. This, combined with state-of-the-art suspension and an intelligent adaptive damping system, allows the Vantage to offer a ride that is as refined as it is exhilarating.
Driving experience and dynamics
The Aston Martin Vantage redefines the essence of a sports car, not just through its appearance or technical specifications, but through the visceral experience it offers behind the wheel. Central to this experience is the car’s dynamic behaviour, meticulously engineered to connect the driver to the road with unfiltered immediacy.
From the moment you settle into the Vantage’s driver seat, the world outside fades away, replaced by an intimate cockpit designed for one purpose: to thrill. The car’s layout, with its low seating position and intuitively arranged controls, puts you in command of a machine that responds to your every input with precision and agility. The steering system is noteworthy because it is a ‘non-isolated column’, meaning the road’s texture is transmitted directly to your hands, offering granular detail about the car’s interaction with the asphalt.
Driving the Vantage should be an exercise in mastery. Because the car’s balance, courtesy of its perfect 50:50 weight distribution, and its adaptive damping system, contribute to a ride that’s both exhilarating and secure. Whether navigating tight corners or accelerating on open stretches, the Vantage behaves as an extension of the driver’s will, with the chassis and powertrain tuned to deliver maximum engagement and thrills.
The introduction of a new Launch Control system and the precise calibration of the Vantage’s dynamic modes illustrate Aston Martin’s dedication to performance. These systems allow drivers to tailor the car’s behaviour to their liking, offering a range of experiences from the refined to the raucous. It’s this adaptability, coupled with the car’s inherent capabilities, which makes the Vantage a true driver’s car, ready to conquer both the road or the racetrack, or quite possibly both.
Technological integration and infotainment
In the new Vantage, technology serves to enhance the driving experience, not distract from it. The car’s infotainment system is a marvel of modern engineering, designed to be both intuitive and immersive. Developed entirely in-house, it is a leap forward in automotive interface design, blending physical controls with touchscreen inputs to offer a user experience that is both tactile and technologically advanced.
The system’s centrepiece is a 10.25” Pure Black touchscreen, offering crisp visuals and responsive feedback. This is complemented by an array of physical buttons and switches, allowing drivers to run key functions without diverting their attention from the road. From the climate controls to the chassis and driving mode selectors, every aspect of the Vantage’s interior has been designed with the driver in mind.
Connectivity features are equally impressive, with the Vantage offering seamless integration with mobile devices through the Aston Martin app. This app not only allows for remote monitoring and control of the vehicle but also enhances the ownership experience with a suite of connected services. Whether it’s finding the perfect driving route or ensuring your car is ready to go at a moment’s notice, the Vantage’s technological ecosystem is designed to cater to the needs of the modern driver.
Market positioning and brand philosophy
The Aston Martin Vantage stands at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, embodying the brand’s philosophy of creating vehicles that offer unmatched performance, luxury and style. In the ultra-competitive luxury sports car market, the Vantage distinguishes itself through its blend of classic Aston Martin values with cutting-edge technology and design.
Positioned to compete with the world’s best, the Vantage appeals to a discerning clientele that values the driving experience above all. Aston Martin’s commitment to artisanry, performance and sophistication resonates with those who seek a car that is not just a means of transportation, but an expression of their personality and achievements.
With the new Vantage, Aston Martin reaffirms its status as a purveyor of fine automobiles, engineered for drivers who demand the best. It’s a car that stands as a testament to the brand’s enduring legacy and its vision for the future of luxury motoring.
The full details
Model: Aston Martin Vantage
Priced from: TBC
Powerplant: 4.0-Litre V8 Twin Turbo
Drivetrain: Front mid mounted, rear wheel drive
Transmission: Rear mounted 8-speed automatic
Power: 656bhp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 800Nm @ 2,750-6,000rpm
Weight: 1,605kg
0-60 mph: 3.4 seconds
Top Speed: 202 mph
Combined MPG: 23.3
C02 Emission: 274 g/km
All imagery credit: Aston Martin
