Aston Martin Vanquish Unleashes 835hp Powerhouse

The name "Vanquish" may not carry the same weight as some of Aston Martin's other legendary models, but it certainly has a storied history. The new Vanquish replaces the outgoing DBS, a model that transitioned from the Superleggera to the 770 Ultimate last year. The last Vanquish was discontinued in 2018, and while it was praised as a very good grand tourer, it wasn’t quite the supercar Aston Martin hoped it would be, especially when compared to competitors like the Ferrari F12.

Aston Martin took this lesson to heart, particularly with the arrival of Ferrari’s 812 Superfast, which set new standards for the segment. The new Vanquish is Aston Martin’s response, and it’s clear they’ve pulled out all the stops to ensure this model doesn’t just meet expectations but exceeds them.

A New Chassis for Superior Performance

One of the most significant changes in the new Vanquish is the chassis, which now features an 80mm longer wheelbase between the A-pillar and the front axle. This adjustment gives the Vanquish the proportions of a true front-engined super-GT. The chassis is also significantly stiffer and more sophisticated, promising what Aston Martin calls "unprecedented dynamic bandwidth."

Under the hood, the Vanquish boasts a thoroughly reworked 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine, now producing 835 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque 65 horsepower more than the DBS and 238 lb-ft more torque than the Ferrari 12Cilindri. It’s a clear statement of intent from Aston Martin.

The Heart of the Beast: An Engine That Delivers

Lawrence Stroll emphasizes that the Vanquish represents Aston Martin’s mission to create the most potent, beautiful, and exciting cars in the ultra-luxury sports car market. At the heart of this mission is the V12 engine, which has been the focal point of the Vanquish’s development. The updated engine features a strengthened cylinder block, redesigned cylinder heads, faster turbochargers, and repositioned spark plugs for a 10% improvement in fuel injector flow rate.

Aston Martin has also worked to close the gap on Ferrari’s throttle response, traditionally a challenge with turbocharged engines. The introduction of a new "Boost Reserve" function, which increases boost pressure even when the throttle is only partially open, makes this V12 the most responsive engine Aston Martin has ever offered. According to Roberto Fedeli, Aston’s Chief Technical Officer and a former Ferrari engineer, this engine is nothing short of a "modern masterpiece."

Cutting-Edge Technology and Engineering Excellence

The Vanquish’s power is transmitted through a recalibrated eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, and for the first time in a front-engined V12 Aston Martin, an electronic limited-slip rear differential is included. This e-diff, fully integrated with the vehicle's advanced ESP system, promises to make the Vanquish more agile and quicker than the DBS, with a top speed of 214 mph, edging out the Ferrari 12Cilindri.

The Vanquish is built on an evolved version of Aston Martin’s bonded aluminum platform, shared with the DB12 and Vantage. The extended wheelbase allows for a longer bonnet, while underbody reinforcements contribute to a 75% increase in lateral stiffness compared to the 770 Ultimate. These enhancements, combined with repositioned double wishbones, thicker undertrays, and upgraded suspension components, result in a driving experience that’s both dynamic and comfortable.

Unmatched Driving Dynamics

The Vanquish is equipped with advanced Bilstein DTX dampers, larger anti-roll bars, and a recalibrated electric steering system to provide greater feedback and dynamism. The 410mm/360mm carbon-ceramic brakes ensure exceptional stopping power, while the bespoke Pirelli P Zero tires, featuring the Pirelli Noise Cancelling System, reduce cabin noise by up to 50%. Aston Martin’s attention to detail extends to every aspect of the driving experience, ensuring the Vanquish is not only a high-performance machine but also a refined grand tourer.

A Design That Commands Attention

Visually, the new Vanquish is a head-turner. It features an all-new front bumper, fender, and grille, the latter offering a 13% increase in surface area to aid cooling for the powerful V12 engine. The car also includes a standard panoramic glass roof, but it’s the rear design that truly sets it apart. The abrupt Kamm Tail with an integrated decklid spoiler, full-width diffuser, and new stainless steel quad tailpipes give the Vanquish a distinctive and aggressive stance.

Production of the new Vanquish will be limited to under 1,000 units per year, making it a rare and exclusive model. If you’re interested, it’s time to act quickly, as deliveries are set to begin in Q4. While Aston Martin has yet to announce the official price, it’s expected to surpass the £315,000 starting price of the outgoing 770 Ultimate.

The new Aston Martin Vanquish represents the pinnacle of the brand’s engineering and design prowess. With its powerful V12 engine, advanced chassis, and cutting-edge technology, the Vanquish is poised to set new standards in the ultra-luxury sports car market. As Aston Martin looks to the future, the Vanquish is a clear statement that the brand remains committed to delivering unparalleled performance, style, and luxury.