With the Vanquish, Aston Martin opens a new chapter. Striking design, a silky-smooth V8, ample power, and agility blended with comfort. James Bond will be eagerly awaiting his new company car.
Who the next James Bond will be is still up in the air. Rumours suggest that British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson might step into the role of the world-famous secret agent. But as for the car driven by the man with a licence to kill, we’re quite sure: it’ll be the Aston Martin Vanquish. A super sports car with a V12 engine, delivering 614 kW / 835 PS and a hefty 1,000 Nm of torque. Making it the fastest production model in Aston Martin’s history. Anything less just wouldn’t be worthy of 007. And there’s a good chance that Q will add a few extra features.
Ours may lack the machine guns in the headlights, but this Aston Martin Vanquish in Supernova Red commands respect. The name alone is ambitious – but rather than fading into obscurity, this Aston is here to shine brightly. The Vanquish seeks to be both a sports car and a grand tourer. In other words, it’s a ‘Super GT,’ setting its sights on Ferrari’s 12-cylinder territory – an ambitious goal. Visually, the Vanquish is impressive. Its design brings refined dynamism even at a standstill, giving Aston Martin a fresh identity. The design language was getting a bit stale, but the Vanquish points to where future models are heading. “The Vanquish isn’t just another DBS; it’s our flagship, with a uniquely tuned platform,” says product planner Alex Long. And under the bonnet, there’s a newly developed 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12, five years in the making.
This V12 is a true marvel. Engineers strengthened the cylinder block and connecting rods, reshaped cylinder heads, and refined camshafts as well as intake and exhaust valves. Lighter turbochargers spin 15% faster than before, delivering more power while improving response. To meet emissions targets, engineers equipped it with new fuel injectors with 10% higher flow rate. For bursts of acceleration, a boost function temporarily increases pressure. But all that fades once the twelve cylinders come to life. This engine sounds beautifully rich without the slightest hint of brashness – exactly how a gentleman’s sports car should be. We didn’t even consider turning on the radio. The symphony of this V12 beats any tune.
With a wheelbase of 2,885 millimetres, the Vanquish outspans the DB12 (2,805 mm) and Vantage (2,705 mm). This gives it a poised steadiness in corners, enhancing comfort. Adaptive Bilstein dampers, also used in the DB12, have been specifically tuned for the Vanquish. “We reduced the hydraulic damping because we didn’t want to over-dampen the car; we wanted the driver to stay in control,” explains Chief Engineer Simon Newton. The result is impressive: in GT mode, this 1,774-kilogram car offers smooth comfort without being overly soft. Even over large bumps, there’s no excessive bounce; it stays well-connected to the road. In the Sport and Sport+ modes, it’s obviously firmer, but still comfortable.
The Vanquish handles lateral dynamics well, too. Credit goes to the electronic differential, which can shift from fully open to 100% locked in just 135 milliseconds, giving the rear wheels serious grip. The car’s body is 75% stiffer than the DBS 770 Ultimate, enhancing both comfort and agility. The strut brace in the engine bay noticeably improves cornering. The steering fits into this cohesive package, with a sporting touch without excessive resistance. Some may prefer a more direct ratio, but we find it suits the GT style well. Its performance befits a super sports car: it reaches 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and tops out at 345 km/h. The brakes are powerful, bringing it to a stop from 100 km/h in less than 30 metres.
Inside, the Vanquish marks a fresh start. Aston Martin now proudly uses its own infotainment system, and it’s about time. Previously, it was jarring to see the screens and controls of older Mercedes models in such a high-end sports car. Now Aston Martin designs its own interface, and the difference is immediately clear. The 10.25-inch touchscreen and equally large digital instrument display blend seamlessly into a setting of fine leather and exposed carbon fibre. It looks and feels great, complementing the Vanquish’s luxury GT vibe. However, the dashboard and rear shelf reflect in the windows under bright light, which can be a bit distracting. And our pre-production test car had a few creaks – the quality control team might need to pay closer attention.
The instrument graphics are somewhat dated, resembling something from a decade ago. Classic analogue dials might have been a better choice – at least as an option. If any brand could pull this off, it’s Aston Martin. Most of its customers likely still wear mechanical watches, after all. As befits such luxury timepieces, these treasures are not made in abundance. Priced at €386,000, fewer than a thousand Vanquishes will be built each year. High demand and an exacting build process for the engine ensure a waiting list for this super GT.
