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Since Aston Martin was founded in 1913, it has suffered some turbulent financial times, including bankruptcy on some occasions. Nevertheless, the brand is strong and globally known. Currently in a stronger position than for several years it is a company with a revitalized ambition.
Probably the most important new publication, the latest Vantage, replaces Aston Martin’s most successful model after a production span of 12 years. It is more on the focused luxury sports car market than on the Grand Touring Market of the DB11 and will compete with the latest 992 model 911 from Porsche.
What is that?
Like the DB11, the vantage is on a bound aluminum structure that combines rigidity with ease. Power comes from an AMG-derived 510 hp 4,0-liter twin turbo V8, which was subsequently coordinated by the Aston Martin engineers and produces 503 hp.
The engine sits in front, but nicely behind the front axis to give a perfect distribution of 50/50 at the front/back. There is an 8-speed-ZF-automatic transmission that transmits the power supply to the rear wheels with steering wheel paddles when you want manual mode. There are three selectable driving modes: Sport, Sport + and Track. Everyone changes the damping rigidity, reaction ability and exhaust sound.
There is a cleverly new electronic rear differential (E-diff), which is connected to the electronic stability control system of the car and offers the driver an increased trust in order to explore and enjoy the functions of the car in full and enjoy.
The start list price of £ 120,900 is compared to the sportier variants of the Porsche 911 such as the Turbo or the GT3. There is a long list of standard functions, while the potential for personalization with regard to the outer color, the leather type and the wheel design, etc. is enormous.
First impressions
It is always a thrill to slip on the wheel of an Aston Martin, and this new vantage is no exception. Even the approach to the car increases the pulse frequency and the new body looks great in both dark and bright colors. My test car was hyperrot, a subtle metallic red that shows the muscular predatory attitude to maximum effect.
The vantage is a strict Two seat, but the trunk is really useful 350 liters and there is additional congestion room behind the seats. The compact dimensions give the cabin a really sporty, surrounding but comfortable feeling compared to its DB11 siblings. They sit deep and the car feels targeted before it turned a bike. The cabin materials are first class, the controls and the dashboard are up to date and the visibility are excellent.
How does it drive?
Even starting the engine is theatrical. The start/stop button is a clear glass with a subtle red that changes too green. The 4.0 -liter -V8 loudly announces its presence and then works with a subdued rumbling.
The normal standard sports mode is simple and smooth, and there are some first impressions in the first 500 meters. The vantage feels solid and taut. The journey is firm, but not uncomfortable. The steering is perfectly weighted and has exactly the right directness for simple urban negotiations.
The throttle valve is immediate, but not hypersensitive and the brakes are completely progressive. The automatic gear changes are very smooth. So much for the city cruise, now for the open street …
My test routes around the Cotswolds included A-Roads, B-Roads and Dual Carriavays and easy traffic perfections to explore the power envelope of the Vantage.
Selecting Sport + mode is like the loosening of the leash of a powerful muscle dog and the selection of the trail are like letting it completely off your leash. Appropriate power is never a problem; 503 hp feels just right and when the V8 is extended, it accompanies a wonderful exhaust note.
Impressive acceleration is just an idea, and overtaking overtaking becomes a normal, fast and safe maneuver. There were a few occasions on a damp road when the clever e-diff was included and gave me a great feeling of security due to the disturbance of all the headstrong deviations.
Open corners can be tackled with a real self -confidence and the chassis feels perfectly balanced every time you try to hit an apex with the scalpel -arm steering.
The 8-speed ZF automatic transmission behaved better than expected. Paddling shift in Sport + and Track Modi feels almost immediately and is my modest opinion like Porsche’s dual-clutch-PDK as well as Porsche. If you are interested in regular entertainment in the track day, I don’t think it would disappoint.
Verdict: This is a real modern sports car that can hold on the head against serious competition such as Porsche and McLaren. It is a different animal than DB11; It is more focused and always has the driver in mind. It can also play the daily role impressively. If you are not in the mood, this can be a more comfortable and even luxurious companion. The best is something special. That should be an Aston Martin and the new vantage goes perfectly with the bill.
Aston Martin Vantage Factfile
Body: two seated coupé
Motor: 4.0-liter V8 Twin Turbo
Power: 503 PS
Torque: 685 Nm
Top speed: 195 km / h
Acceleration: 0-60 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds
Economy: 27.4 MPG combined cycle
CO2 emissions: 230 g/km
On the roadside: from £ 120,900 £
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