The new Aston Martin Vantage has been unveiled, with the heavily facelifted V8-powered coupe receiving more equipment, a new look and a hefty power increase.
Aston Martin’s new Vantage succeeds the model which launched in 2018, though it’s largely based on the same chassis – albeit with heavy revisions both on and under its bodywork.
Overseas deliveries of the Aston Martin Vantage are due to begin in the second quarter of 2024 (April to June inclusive), though the brand is yet to confirm when we can expect to see the coupe in Australian showrooms.
A new vertical headlight design and a wider grille – claimed to be 38 per cent larger – are reminiscent of the larger Aston Martin DB12, as is the Vantage’s new traditionally styled bonnet, replacing the clamshell unit from the outgoing model.
There are also updated front fenders to suit, while clear tail light lenses and new-look 21-inch forged alloy wheels complete the exterior changes.
Arguably the largest change has occurred under the Vantage’s bonnet.
While its Mercedes-AMG-sourced twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine might still look the same on paper, it now produces up to 489kW of power and 800Nm of torque – representing improvements of 114kW and 115Nm compared to its predecessor.
Aston Martin claims its engineers tweaked the V8’s cam profiles, lowered its compression ratio to accommodate more boost from a pair of larger turbochargers, and increased its cooling capacity.
Drive is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, now with a revised shorter-ratio final drive and faster shift times.
Despite the increase in power and torque, the Vantage’s 0-60mph (98km/h) time is unchanged, completing the sprint in a claimed 3.4 seconds.
A revised launch control system with driver-adjustable slip control allows those behind the wheel to tweak how much wheelspin they want off the line, giving better control to match the prevailing conditions.
The new Aston Martin Vantage retains its 50:50 weight distribution while shedding 23kg from its dry weight, now tipping the scales at 1605kg without fluids. The outgoing V8-powered Vantage has a kerb weight of 1745kg.
An optional carbon-ceramic brake package takes a further 27kg off the total, and improves both ride quality and steering response due to having less sprung mass.
Inside, the Aston Martin Vantage’s cabin is upholstered in Bridge of Weir leather with bright contrast stitching and gloss black highlights.
A conventional rectangular digital instrument cluster screen sits behind a new steering wheel, while the rest of the Vantage’s dash has also changed to accommodate a 10.25-inch infotainment screen (incorporating wireless Apple CarPlay) and a shift-by-wire gear selector.
Standard equipment includes a 390-watt, 11-speaker Bowers and Wilkins sound system, however an 1170-watt 15-speaker setup will be available in certain markets as an optional extra.
CarExpert will report on Australian timing, pricing and specifications for the Aston Martin Vantage when information becomes available.
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