After months of teasers (including camouflaged testing on tracks and leaked images at the end of October), Aston Martin has finally revealed the 2018 Vantage. And without a doubt, its unveiling has marked a brave and bold new direction for the car manufacturer, with a more dynamic and youthful appearance being favoured over the typical, black-tie style which shot the Vantage range to fame.
From the aerodynamic front splitter to an increased cabin space, here’s everything you need to know about the winged badge’s newest hot rod sports car…
Design
The latest iteration of the Vantage is speaking a new design language, opting for a sporty, aggressive and athletic aesthetic over the classy and timeless look so frequently associated with previous models.
While elements of the DB10 – including wide-set narrow headlights – have been incorporated into this new set of wheels, it’s the muscular curves and the sharp chrome-lined grille that are most striking. Moreover, the horizontal slats give the new Vantage an open grille design that’s commonly seen in motorsport.
Additionally, aerodynamic performance was the main focus behind the Vantage’s design concept. Notably, the aggressive front splitter is made to improve airflow underneath the Vantage and at the rear diffuser. Add to the mix an upswept rear deck lid and a set of side gills, and the car supposedly generates significant downforce.
One of the colourway options – radioactive lime – puts the finishing touch on this radical overhaul.
Performance
Powering the 2018 Vantage is a 4.0-litre AMG twin-turbo V8 that belts out an impressive 510PS and 685Nm of torque. As a result, it can accelerate from 0 to 60mph in 3.5 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 195mph.
This two-seater’s chassis is an evolution of the bonded aluminium structure which first debuted on the DB11 and has been fitted with new, specially-made Pirelli P Zero tyres. It also comes with a rear-mounted ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and a 50:50 weight distribution that should help drivers with handling.
And, for the first time on an Aston, the 2018 Vantage features an Electronic Rear Differential that’s linked to the car’s electronic stability control system, meaning it can monitor the vehicle’s behaviour and react accordingly by funneling power to the relevant wheel.
Interior
The interior supposedly allows for more space and headroom than there is in the outgoing Vantage.
Alcantara and leather interior options and sport seats have also been included, as well as redesigned button clusters. And, in the same vein as the DB11, Mercedes (which holds a 5 percent stake in Aston) provides the digital dashboard and media screens.
At the rear, there’s a surprisingly large boot space of 350 litres, which isn’t bad for a two-seater 195mph sports car.
Pricing
The 2018 Vantage is on sale now from £120,900, but deliveries won’t begin until early next year.
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