Aston Martin, the iconic British sports car manufacturer, has made a bold move into Formula 1 racing, shedding its nostalgic image associated with fictional British action heroes. By aligning itself with real-life Formula 1 drivers like Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, Aston Martin has positioned itself as a true competitor to its renowned rivals, such as Ferrari.
This shift has brought increased attention and credibility to Aston Martin’s products but has also raised the bar in terms of expectations. The days of being seen as “quirky” or outdated are over, with features like push-button shift selectors and obsolete infotainment systems being phased out.
When Aston Martin introduced its new flagship model, the Vanquish, with a price tag of $429,000 and impressive performance specs, the automotive world took notice. Just as the Aston Martin Formula 1 team is expected to perform against top competitors, the Vanquish is expected to hold its own against rivals like McLaren and Ferrari.
To bring the Vanquish to life, Aston Martin collaborated with top technical partners such as Bilstein, Pirelli, Michelin, Bosch, Brembo, Valvoline, and ZF.
Behind the wheel
Popular Science recently had the opportunity to test drive the Aston DB12 and Vantage, and the Vanquish stands out with its sleek and aerodynamic design. The Vanquish exudes a sense of speed and precision, resembling an arrow ready to hit its target when viewed from certain angles.
The Vanquish’s elongated wheelbase and bold proportions set it apart from its predecessors, offering increased legroom and comfort. Its chassis, significantly stiffer than previous models, provides excellent road feel and responsiveness, allowing for precise handling and control.
Equipped with advanced technology like an electronic differential and Corner Braking 2.0 system, the Vanquish delivers a seamless driving experience, blending power and agility with comfort and luxury.
The Vanquish’s twin-turbocharged V12 engine, boasting 824 horsepower and 738 lb.-ft. of torque, is a marvel of engineering. With innovative features like Boost Reserve to minimize turbo lag and GT mode for a more relaxed driving experience, the Vanquish offers a perfect balance of performance and refinement.
The Vanquish is not without its faults
Despite its many virtues, the Vanquish does have some shortcomings. The lack of an overhead grab handle for passengers and the overly busy transmission calibration in GT mode are notable issues that detract from an otherwise exceptional driving experience.
To address these concerns, Aston Martin offers custom mode settings that allow drivers to tailor the car’s performance characteristics to their liking, striking a balance between comfort and performance.
In the end, the Aston Martin Vanquish is a remarkable grand tourer that combines speed, luxury, and cutting-edge technology to deliver an unforgettable driving experience, leaving behind any associations with fictional spy movie franchises.
