A 007 icon returns to vanquish Ferrari

Sep 3

"All will be Vanquished" read the Halos of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll's Aston F1 cars this weekend at the Italian Grand Prix. It was a subtle hint that after a 6-year hiatus, Aston Martin has revived the iconic vanquish nameplate.

With the introduction of what Aston claims is its "most potent flagship in its 111-year history", Aston Martin has once again cemented its position in the super-gt market, which just got a new member earlier this year in the Ferrari 12cilindri. As the name suggests, the Ferrari has 12 cylinders, and so does this new Aston. However, Aston aims to be a step ahead of its Italian rival by making the Vanquish a more bespoke and special motorcar than the DBS it replaces. And by the look of things, Aston Martin seems to know what it's doing.

The new Vanquish is a stunning example of Aston Martin’s current design philosophy, which blends elegance with performance purpose in the new vanquish. Its elongated wheelbase and fluid curves give it classic GT-car proportions and stance, while design elements inspired by motorsport, such as the sculpted bonnet with F1-inspired louvers and the distinctive Kamm Tail, contribute to its aerodynamic performance. The fully functional front grill is even bigger than that of the DBS. The taillights have a distinct 3-D design similar to those of a Valkyrie, and are joined by a large singular panel that is called the "shield". The Aston designers have been given the liberty to increase the distance between the A-Pillar and the front axle being extended by +80mm to lengthen the hood, as well as make the rear haunches wider, sheerly intended for aesthetic appeal. The result is a stunning front-mid-engined GT car that might even make Maranello's latest turn red with jealousy. But alas, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and both Ferrari and Aston Martin's GT offerings are a proper treat for the eyes.

Opening the door with the flush handles and taking the slightest glance at the interior is all one needs to realize that the new Vanquish has made a monumental improvement on the interior of the DBS. The technology is the best from Aston's recent offerings, the biggest change from the DBS which used outdated Mercedes tech. Fortunately, unlike modern Mercedes, the Vanquish retains a delightful blend of physical controls and digital displays. The rest is what is typically expected from a flagship Aston Martin, high-quality materials, and meticulous attention to detail create an environment that is both luxurious and functional.

Following the desires of its customers and the competition from Italy, Aston Martin has committed to continuing its lineage of 12-cylinder-engine GT cars. At the heart of the new Vanquish lies a 5.2-liter Twin-Turbo V12 engine, an engineering marvel that produces 835PS and 1000Nm of torque with innovations such as strengthened cylinder blocks, redesigned cylinder heads, and high-speed turbochargers. The powertrain is paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox and an electronic rear limited-slip differential, marking a first for Aston Martin’s front-engined V12 sports cars. This combination should ensure that the Vanquish delivers not only raw power but also precision and control in the turns. The new Boost Reserve function of the turbochargers further enhances the car’s responsiveness, allowing for immediate power delivery during spirited driving or overtaking maneuvers. Though it might not rev like the Ferrari's naturally aspirated V12, the Vanquish's 2 turbochargers and 12 cylinders produce monstrous power. This engine, the most powerful ever fitted to an Aston Martin series production car, propels the Vanquish to a top speed of 214 mph, making it the fastest Aston Martin ever. Proper flagship performance.

The Vanquish’s chassis has been meticulously crafted to complement its powerful engine, with the intent of offering a driving experience that is more dynamic and composed. Aston Martin’s engineers have made significant strides in improving the car’s structural rigidity, with a 75% increase in lateral stiffness compared to the DBS 770 Ultimate. Built around a bonded aluminum structure, the Vanquish features double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, enhanced by Bilstein's DTX dampers. Aston claims these dampers allow for a significant divergence between drive modes, enabling the car to transition seamlessly from a comfortable GT cruiser to a high-performance supercar.

With production limited to no more than 1000 cars per year, Aston Martin aims to keep the new V12 flagship relatively rare. The DBS 770 itself was an incredible improvement on past Aston Martins, and the Vanquish seems to take the super GT formula to a different stratosphere. Its V12, classic design, and emphasis on driving dynamics make the new Vanquish an intriguing option for customers choosing between a Ferrari 12cilindri or the new Bentley Continental GT. Cars like the Vanquish and engines like its V12 restore the car enthusiasts' faith in the modern automotive industry, and Aston Martin is a true hero for keeping the V12 alive.

Yash Stalin

Yashwanth (Yash) Stalin has been sincerely passionate about cars for as long as he can remember. What began as a childhood hobby of simply naming cars on the road has grown into a career-defining passion. Inspired by years of consuming countless articles and videos, his love for cars evolved into a desire to write his own material and help others in the way those articles helped him. This ambition led to the creation of HEEL & TOE, through which he channels his enthusiasm and knowledge, providing readers with informative content about the automotive industry.

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