Aston Martin Revives Vanquish Name for New Flagship Sports Car
Aston Martin has announced the revival of the Vanquish name for its new flagship sports car. The car will feature a twin-turbo V12 engine, making it Aston Martin’s most powerful pure-combustion engined model yet. Originally planned to use a plug-in hybrid set-up based around a smaller V8, the decision to switch to a V12 was made by Aston Martin chairman Lawrence Stroll. The Vanquish will be the first all-new Aston to be developed entirely during Stroll’s time as company chairman.
The Vanquish’s V12 engine, which is an evolution of the unit that powered its DBS predecessor, will boast 824bhp and 738lb ft of torque. This power will allow the car to achieve a 0-62mph time of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 214 mph. The engine has undergone significant changes, including a new, stronger block, larger turbochargers, new camshafts, new cylinder heads, and new intake runners. Aston Martin’s chief engineer, Simon Newton, stated that “bar the cranks, pretty much everything is new” in the engine.
The Vanquish’s platform has also been tweaked to accommodate the larger engine and provide a longer wheelbase. The car is 125mm longer than the DB12 and weighs 89kg more. The chassis, made with bonded aluminium and carbon fibre, has been reinforced with larger anti-roll bars, making it 75% stiffer laterally and providing improved handling and steering feel. The car also features a new electronic differential and an improved ABS system for enhanced stability and braking performance.
Inside, the Vanquish boasts a modern, digital-focused interior. It features a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen and a digital display that runs Aston Martin’s new software stack. The dashboard has a unique centre console design, with physical buttons for quick access to functions such as audio and climate control. The cabin is finished with Alcantara and features new quilted seats.
According to Aston Martin’s product boss, Alex Long, the decision to invest in the V12 engine was driven by the belief that there is still demand for this type of engine. Long stated that the V12 has “gone from being ‘just that other engine option’ to something that is truly heralded.” Aston Martin has future-proofed the engine to meet emission regulations up to 2030 and has plans to continue using it into the next decade.
The Vanquish will be a limited-production vehicle, with only 1000 cars being built per year. Initially, sales will be invitation-only. Aston Martin’s goal with the Vanquish is to create a dedicated, flagship sports car that stands apart from the DB12 and Vantage models. The car has its own footprint, drivetrain, look, and interior, making it a powerful name that needs no explanation.
Overall, the revived Aston Martin Vanquish promises to be a thrilling and powerful sports car that combines a powerful V12 engine with enhanced handling and a modern interior. With its limited-production status and unique features, the Vanquish aims to capture the attention of sports car enthusiasts and stand out in the highly competitive luxury sports car market.
