By Malusi Msomi

Celebrating 74 years of its iconic sports car legacy, Aston Martin has taken the covers off their new Vantage. The current model has been in the market since 2018, and following a six-year presence, it has undergone quite an overhaul. Think of it as a standard mid-cycle facelift, but packed with noteworthy mechanical enhancements. This includes the introduction of new camshafts, adjustments to the gearing, and modifications to the chassis, among other significant upgrades.

New styling

The new Vantage features a redesigned front-end with a 38% larger grille aperture and integrated Matrix LED headlamps. Wider wheel arches, side strakes, and a distinctive rear bumper with quad exhaust tailpipes. Aston Martin offers three core livery designs and numerous bespoke options through the Q by Aston Martin personalization service.

Upgraded interior

The Vantage boasts an ultra-luxury interior with premium materials, and new technology. Aston Martins says the Vantage comes with hand-stitched Bridge of Weir hides, sports seats, and driver-focused ergonomics create a comfortable space. The new Vantage also includes an Aston Martin 390w 11-speaker audio system, with an optional 15-speaker, 1,170W Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system.

Under the skin and hood changes

The new Vantage employs a heavily reworked, hand-built 4.0 Twin-Turbo V8 engine, making it the fastest Vantage in history. Rated at 490 kW and 800Nm of torque, that is power and torque gains of 30% and 15%, respectively. Mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, the Vantage achieves a top speed of 325 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds. Aston Martin says that the introduction of Launch Control ensures optimized torque deployment, while an upgraded engine cooling system maintains stable intake air temperatures. The Vantage achieved these performance upgrades through tuning, modified cam profiles, optimized compression ratios, larger turbos, and enhanced cooling.

Constructed on Aston Martin’s latest-generation bonded aluminum platform, the Vantage incorporates added underbody stiffening for enhanced torsional rigidity. Featuring a balanced 50:50 weight distribution and advanced suspension for precise handling. Equipped with intelligent adaptive dampers, Electronic Power Assisted Steering, and Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tires, Aston Martin says the Vantage seamlessly adapts to various driving modes. They also add that the 21″ forged alloy wheels, along with 400mm front discs and 360mm rear discs, ensure precise control and stopping capabilities.

The new Vantage debuts an advanced Active Vehicle Dynamics control system with a 6D-IMU for precise ESP intervention. The Electronic Rear Differential (E-Diff) ensures stability, while Integrated Brake Slip Control (IBC) optimizes stopping distances. Adjustable Traction Control (ATC) and Integrated Vehicle Dynamics Control (IVC) enhance the driving experience.

Availability

Production of the new Aston Martin Vantage begins in Q1 2024, with first deliveries in Q2 2024.