Aston Martin Vantage

The pinnacle of rear-wheel drive

The powertrain, which drives the rear wheels via a transaxle-type 8-speed automatic transmission, is attractive.

“Vantage” was originally a sub-name given to high-performance versions of Aston Martin’s successive models. It first appeared in 1950, after World War II, during the era of the DB2, and now it’s taken for granted that they are integrated like the Mini and Cooper. However, the current Vantage refers to the series of compact two-seater sports cars that debuted as “Vantage” from the beginning in 2005, literally reviving Aston Martin.

Approximately 25,000 units of the first-generation model of the new V8 Vantage (a V12 model was added later, so it is common to distinguish between them) were produced up to 2017, including the Roadster and V12 Vantage.

To go back a little, in the eventful 90 years or so (Aston Martin was founded in 1913) before the introduction of the V8 Vantage and DB9 (2004), Aston Martin’s total production volume is said to have been only around 13,000 units. This is why the V8 Vantage is said to be the most successful Aston Martin. The new Vantage was redesigned in 2018, and the current model is the second generation. This new Vantage has undergone a major minor change that could be called a full model change.

Equipped with a V8 twin turbo derived from Mercedes-AMG

Like its predecessor, it is equipped with an AMG-made 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine.

In fact, it’s clear at a glance that this is no mere facelift. The front of the car, which previously had a fearless, reptilian or bird-of-prey look, now features a larger grille, giving it a traditional family face that is clearly recognizable as an Aston. The improved cooling performance that was necessary with the increased engine power is reflected in the grille, side intakes, and the flashy diffuser shape at the rear. The tire size has also been enlarged, and the overall width has reportedly increased by 30mm. The new model is more ferocious than fearless.

As usual, the focus of attention is the 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine, which is mounted so that it sinks into the front bulkhead. This V8 twin-turbo engine, derived from Mercedes-AMG, with which the car has had a partnership for around 10 years, has been significantly boosted in both power and torque to 489kW (665ps) at 6000rpm and 800Nm at 2000-5000rpm by adopting a larger-diameter turbine and changing the cam profile.

The previous model had 375kW (510ps) at 6000rpm and 685Nm (69.8kgm) at 2000-5000rpm, so this is an order of magnitude more power. Of course, the powertrain remains unchanged, driving the rear wheels via a carbon propeller shaft and a transaxle-type 8-speed automatic (the wheelbase of 2705mm is also unchanged). It’s only natural to be intimidated by specs like this, wondering whether it’s even possible to harness this much power with rear-wheel drive these days. Incidentally, the car is said to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 325km/h (compared to 3.6 seconds and 314km/h for the previous model).

Sharper steering precision

Aston Martin, dressed in impeccably cool and elegant suits, is known for its toughness and ability to unleash its wild side when necessary. However, the new Vantage doesn’t feel ferocious at all on public roads. The ride quality in the city and on the highway is by no means brutal. Even in the normal Sport mode, the car is clearly tightened, but there is no rough or harsh feeling, and the ride quality is more refined than before. Also, when tackling rough mountain roads in Sport+ or Track mode, the previous model would sometimes bounce and lose contact with the road, but the new model seems more forgiving, and can easily handle large inputs.

Meanwhile, the steering precision has been sharpened, allowing you to confidently use the entire width of the road. The new Bilstein variable dampers called DTX and the front and rear suspensions, which have been strengthened by adding lateral braces, must be contributing to this. The engine, which has been significantly boosted in power with a large-diameter turbo, is not a “bang-up” type, and what’s more, the top end is sharper than before.

However, the two tires easily lose grip against the unparalleled power. The new model is also equipped with ATC (Adjustable Traction Control) that can adjust the traction control intervention level to nine stages, just like the Mercedes-AMG GT, but even if you don’t touch the dial at all, and even if you start by simply changing your right foot, if you press the throttle pedal deeply, the rear wheels will easily start to spin at around 3000 rpm, where torque surges.

Revealing the militant’s true nature

The exterior is adorned with carbon fiber aero parts, and the long stays on the door mirrors are reminiscent of a racing car.

Thanks to systems such as the electronic differential, there’s no excessive wheel spin, and the response of the rear wheels to the movement of your right foot is excellent, so there’s no need to worry about control, but to unleash its capabilities as a drift machine, you still need to take it to a closed course. The natural and accurate steering response and sharp cornering are probably thanks to the E-differential and vectoring control, but the fact that it doesn’t feel artificial shows the pride of a long-established manufacturer of rear-wheel drive sports cars.

It’s impressive that a front-engine, rear-wheel drive, two-seater coupe can achieve this. The Aston Martin Vantage can be driven elegantly, but once you get the whip going, it reveals its true, militant nature.

REPORT/Koki TAKAHIRA

PHOTO/Akio HIRANO

SPECIFICATIONS

Aston Martin Vantage

Body size: Length 4495mm, width 1980mm, height 1275mm

, wheelbase: 2705mm,

vehicle weight: 1745kg

, engine: V8 DOHC twin turbo,

total displacement: 4.0 liters,

maximum output: 449kW (665PS) / 6000rpm,

maximum torque: 800Nm (81.6kgm) / 2000-5000rpm,

transmission: 8-speed AT,

drive system: RWD,

suspension type: front double wishbone, rear multi-link,

brakes: front and rear ventilated discs,

tire size (rim width): front 275/35ZR21 (9.5J), rear 325/30ZR21 (11.5J),

acceleration from 0 to 100km/h: 3.5 seconds,

top speed: 325km/h,

vehicle price: 26.9 million yen