Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur recently welcomed the new Aston Martin Vantage in Malaysia. The latest iteration of the sports car is the fastest Vantage to ever roll out of Gaydon in its 74-year history.
Powered by a heavily reworked, hand-built 4.0-litre Twin-Turbo V8 engine, the new Vantage hits new performance heights with peaks of 665PS and a colossal 800Nm of torque.
Extensive tuning by Aston Martin engineers, the adoption of modified cam profiles, optimised compression ratios, larger turbos, and increased cooling have produced the most substantial improvements in power and torque for a new Vantage in comparison to its successor, with the increases of 155PS and 115Nm equating to gains of 30% and 15% respectively.
Mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, the V8 engine propels the new Vantage to 100km/h from a standstill in just 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 325km/h. Standing start acceleration has been perfected with the introduction of a new Launch Control system.
Fully integrated with the powertrain, transmission and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), when engaged by the driver, Launch Control allows the car to deploy as much torque as conditions allow, using the E-Diff, ESP slip control and engine torque management to keep wheel slip in the optimal range throughout the launch.
The driver can also dial-in the precise amount of slip they desire during the launch by making changes via the Adjustable Traction Control (ATC) system – reducing or increasing the amount of controlled wheelspin permitted by the Launch Control System or allowing themselves full throttle control by setting the ATC to Traction Control (TC) Off.
The new Aston Martin Vantage is built around Aston Martin’s latest generation bonded aluminium construction. Its highly evolved aluminium body structure delivers more focused and engaging dynamics thanks to additional underbody stiffening components for increased overall torsional rigidity.
Optimisations to the front body cross member and front engine cross brace give the Vantage a stiffer and sharper front end while the rear has benefited from a 29% increase in stiffness under cornering load due to increased lateral strengthening between the rear suspension towers.
Precise calibration of the dampers has given the Vantage an inherently sporting feel while leaving room to introduce progressive tighter body control as the driver explores the range of dynamic modes. Combined with the E-Diff and Electronic Stability Program (ESP), the Vantage has the capability to adapt from the demands of a challenging winding mountainous roads to wide-open race tracks at the push of a button and twist of a switch.
Aston Martin engineers have given obsessive attention to the Vantage’s Electronic Power Assisted Steering system (EPAS). The fitment of a non-isolated steering column means steering inputs from the driver are quick and direct, while the flow of information from the road is granular in detail and pleasingly tactile. Steering response and front-end grip has been further enhanced by ‘AML’ coded Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tyres made specifically for the Vantage.
Measuring 275/35 R21 (103Y) front and 325/30 R21 (108Y) rear, they feature a bespoke compound and have been tuned by the Aston Martin dynamics team to suit the super-sharp response, high grip levels and progressive breakaway characteristics expected from the most driver-focused model in the Aston Martin range.
The Aston Martin Vantage features 21” forged alloy Five-Spoke wheels as standard, with optional Multi-Spoke and Y-Spoke designs that are offered in a range of colours and finishes, including Satin Bronze, first introduced on the DB12. The wheels shroud cast-iron 400mm front discs and 360mm rear discs with drilled faces for improved heat management and fade resistance.
Buyers can upgrade these to Carbon Ceramic Brakes (CCB) to enjoy increased braking performance and reduced brake fade at temperatures of up to 800 °C, alongside a reduction of 27kg in unsprung weight for improved steering response.
The muscular frame of the new Vantage measures 30mm wider than its predecessor, with a completely redesigned front-end featuring a 38% larger recontoured veined grille aperture, offering 29% increase in mass airflow for additional cooling.
Further cooling intakes set into the bumper either side of the grille sharpen the front-end’s features, while the new integrated splitter, with a wider and lower stance, adds drama as well as aerodynamic function, providing high speed stability through lift reduction. This distinctive front-end treatment is completed by all-new Matrix LED headlamp design with integrated DRLs, featuring Aston Martin’s new light signature.
Elsewhere the new Vantage sees a return of the iconic Aston Martin side strake, which now forms the sharp focal point of revised vents in each flank. Frameless door mirrors and presenting door handles are also new to Vantage, while a wider rear bumper incorporating side vents and larger diameter quad exhaust tailpipes ensure the Vantage looks as dramatic from the rear as it does from the front.
Inside the new generation Vantage is a breathtaking statement of ultra-luxury defined by flawless architectural lines, the finest materials, and state-of-the-art connected technology. Supple, aromatic hand-stitched Bridge of Weir hides create a cosseting, comfortable space, but the driving position, super-supportive sports seats and driver-focused ergonomics add an effortless functionality that underpins the opulence and adds to the enjoyment of every journey.
The centrepiece of the digital-forward cockpit is a fully-integrated multi-screen system featuring a 10.25-inch Pure Black touchscreen with multi-finger gesture control. Equipped with an embedded e-SIM, the Vantage’s infotainment system is built around online connectivity and an all-new companion Aston Martin app that enables Vantage owners to monitor, locate and protect their vehicle, all at their fingertips. Full-time connectivity empowers the navigation system in the Vantage with real-time features. However, Wireless Apple CarPlay remains available for drivers who prefer to use navigation apps via their mobile device.
The infotainment system in the new Vantage outputs crisp audio through a standard 390W 11-speaker audio system with QuantumLogic® surround sound processing for an immersive soundscape. However, true audiophiles will delight in the optional system developed with Aston Martin’s audio partner, Bowers & Wilkins.
Aluminium Double Dome tweeters and Continuum® midrange speakers give this 15-speaker, double amplified 1,170W surround sound system a balanced and accurate sound. Dedicated 3D headline speakers and a powerful subwoofer deliver a sound experience as dynamic and potent as the Vantage itself.
For further customisations that extend beyond the extensive catalogue of optional accessories, Q by Aston Martin offers bespoke personalisation services limited only by the imagination. This allows Vantage owners to push their creative boundaries and commission a sports car that is not only iconic, but also uniquely theirs.
The new Aston Martin Vantage is now available for booking in Malaysia, with a starting price of RM2,370,000 excluding options and customisation. The retail price includes a three-year factory warranty, which customers can opt to extend to enjoy up to 20 years of coverage. This complements the Aston Martin ownership experience with vehicle lifetime protection for total peace of mind, subject to terms and conditions.
