text by Ellfian Rahim
Aston Martin New Vantage
If you’ve heard of Aston Martin, then you definitely know the Vantage name. More than anything else, it forms a very important part of the British marque’s long history, having first seen in its model lineup way back in 1950. And over the years, the Aston Martin Vantage has become a performance monster and one of the most striking vehicles on the road.
The previous, 2021 Vantage drew in fans with the allure of exclusivity, powerful styling and a rich history. Sure, it was positioned as the entry point to the world of Aston Martin but should in no way be considered entry-level. Equipped with a 510 PS turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 and your choice of either a seven-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission, it offers crisp handling, and when equipped with the optional manual transmission, the overall mood is one of engagement and exclusivity.
Fast forward to the present, and we now have the latest incarnation of the Vantage name, with prices in Malaysia starting at RM2.37 million before options. The just-out-of-the box 2024 model wears updated styling atop revised technical specifications, while remaining the British marque’s most compact V8 two-door model.
Now featuring increased power and performance, the latest chassis technology and a redesigned interior and exterior, the new car represents the commencement of phase two in Aston Martin’s revamped product strategy.
This is especially true as the marque’s latest Porsche 911-rival incorporates performance and design elements from its new DB12 super GT elder sibling. Obviously, this outstanding move was driven by businessman Lawrence Stroll – the Canadian billionaire who’s the part- owner and executive chairman of Aston Martin, and the man behind Aston Martin’s fledgling Formula 1 Team.
The brand’s iconic front-engine, rear-drive layout continues in the new car, with the rather familiar AMG-derived 4.0 litre biturbo petrol V8 engine now rated to produce 665 PS and 800 Nm, or 155 PS and 115 Nm more than its predecessor, sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.
Despite a significant increase in output over its predecessor, the new Vantage accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.5 seconds – with a top speed of 325 km/h, 11km/h higher than the previous model. The slight improvement in acceleration is attributed to preserving the gearbox while managing the increased power and torque. For this, Aston Martin has developed a new nine-stage traction and stability control system to manage the enhanced performance, allowing for finer control over system intervention.
Meanwhile, the car is also shod with forged alloy, five spoke 21-inch wheels, while optimum stopping power comes courtesy of 400mm front and 360mm rear steel brakes, and an optional carbon ceramic setup. Steering response and front-end grip have also been enhanced with ‘AML’ coded Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tyres made specifically for the car.
Built using Aston Martin’s latest bonded aluminium construction method, everything from the A-pillar forward is entirely new, enhancing steering feel, rigidity, and overall dynamics. The new car also abandons the minimalist design approach of its predecessor for a more aggressive, purposeful aesthetic, resembling the DB12. The design includes taller, vertical LED headlight units, a 38 percent larger full-width front grille, additional intakes, and more dramatic surfacing throughout.
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The new Vantage gets Aston’s current grille and headlight design, as well as a more curvaceous and muscular body shape. It evokes the stance and presence of the earlier One- 77 hypercar, which can only be a good thing. Of course, in addition to the revised styling, the 2024 Vantage also gains technical revisions including modified cam profiles, revised compression ratios, larger turbochargers and improved cooling, enabling the aforementioned uprated power and torque figures.
Inside, the Vantage swaps the ageing Mercedes-sourced infotainment system for a 10.25- inch touchscreen designed in-house, with wireless Apple CarPlay (but no mention of Android Auto), satellite navigation and support for an Aston Martin smartphone app. Standard is an 11-speaker, 390-watt Aston Martin-branded sound system, with the option of a 15-speaker, 1170-watt Bowers and Wilkins system designed for the car.
While the screen is larger – and now touch-activated – there remain physical switches and dials for the gear selector, drive mode and climate control, and override shortcuts for suspension stiffness, exhaust mode, stability-control settings, lane-keep assist and parking sensors.
