Aston Martin is diligently working to establish itself as a serious contender in the sports car arena, setting its sights firmly on the Porsche 911. Unlike many in the industry who are shifting towards hybrid powertrains, the latest Vantage sticks to its roots. It features a Mercedes-AMG twin-turbo 4-litre V8 engine that has been upgraded to produce 489 kW (665 hp) and 800 Nm of torque. This represents a notable enhancement over its predecessor, which offered an additional 155 hp and 115 Nm. With a front mid-engine design, the Vantage distributes its power through an eight-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels, allowing it to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 325 km/h. These impressive figures underscore the brand’s serious intent in the market.
While Alex Goy has already expressed his admiration for the Aston Martin DB12, this marks our initial encounter with the bulkier, more aggressive Vantage. Similar to the DB12, this model feels more mature and well-rounded than its predecessor. The Vantage has long been a covert favorite in the racing community, earning acclaim through various touring car competitions. The latest version continues to wow with its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive setup, seamlessly incorporating advanced technology into its meticulously designed chassis.
However, it does have its drawbacks. Much like the 992 Porsche 911, the Vantage can feel substantial on the road. Although it handles well, it takes some time to acclimate to its size. Once you do find your comfort zone and begin to push the limits, the artificial nature of the engine sound becomes noticeable, as it’s pumped into the cabin through speakers located behind the driver’s seat. That synthetic sound is less intrusive and more enjoyable with the windows down, allowing you to hear the playful crackles and pops from the exhaust.
Overall, the Aston Martin Vantage has received significant upgrades both inside and out, including enhancements under the hood. Its performance is fierce, the interior is substantially improved from previous models, and its overall aesthetic is now competitive with the best in its class. Stuttgart’s engineers will certainly be paying attention.
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