Is it Advantage Aston with the new Aston Martin Vantage? Or would you rather have an AMG?
Aston Martin’s Vantage nameplate has a storied past, used sparingly between 1973 and 1993, until it became a standalone model line with the 2004 V8 Vantage. Fast-forward to 2018, and the Vantage name was revived, dropping the V8 prefix. Now after seven years, the third-generation Vantage has arrived.
Although based on the outgoing platform, the extensive revisions and re-engineering efforts make it far more than a facelift. All it takes is a drive in the new Vantage to realise the substantial improvements in character and dynamics is not just from the additional power.
Stylistically, the Vantage has been improved, especially at the front, resembling the rare and super expensive Aston Martin One-77. The front openings while larger to cool the more powerful engine, are far better integrated compared to the outgoing one.
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Its aerodynamics now generate 77kg of downforce at Vmax without the need for wings. Having an extra 30mm, the rear haunches have a more aggressive stance. The rear vents aft of the tyre well are new as is the pronounced rear diffuser. Even the rearview mirrors sport fashionably thin bezels.
We journeyed to the Monteblanco Circuit outside Seville to experience its latest Vantage firsthand. Aston Martin took a bold step, allowing us to push the baby Aston Martin to its limits with 15 hot laps around this demanding track.
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It might seem harsh to subject the gentleman's GT to the rigours of such a bumpy, abrasive track, but it proved a point: even on its Aston-specific Michelin PS S5 street tyres, the Vantage displayed newfound poise and prowess.
Under the bonnet, the Vantage boasts a potent 665hp twin-turbo V8, capable of launching the car to 100km/h in a mere 3.5secs. While we didn't hit the top speed of 325km/h on the track, the Vantage's acceleration left a lasting impression. The optional 410/350mm Carbon-Ceramic brakes were put to the test, glowing red-hot at the end of the straight due to an arrival speed of 260km/h before braking.
The turbo 4.0-litre V8's throttle response has been fine-tuned to mimic the progression and linearity of a naturally aspirated engine.
This refinement proved essential for navigating several corners on the track and even more beneficial over the road course.
To handle the 665hp and 800Nm of torque, Aston Martin equipped the Vantage with a new beefed-up, rear-mounted 8spd ZF auto transmission for optimal 50:50 weight distribution having an additional gear ratio compared to the predecessor.
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The shift times have been further reduced for quicker, more decisive shifts, and a shorter (3.083:1) gear ratio in the e-Diff enhances acceleration in all gears.
While the Vantage showed its mettle on the track with street tyres, it truly shines on the twisty, challenging roads surrounding the Monteblanco circuit. You don’t have to drive far or fast to feel the car's positive connection with the road.
The development team deserves applause for tuning the electrically assisted power steering to deliver exceptional feedback, making it a standout among EPAS systems.
The steering’s weight and response convey what's happening at the contact patch convincingly well, displaying minimal understeer, instilling confidence when navigating winding roads.
Although its 1745kg mass is felt on the track, it seems to vanish on the road, with the Vantage stopping, accelerating, and changing direction as if it were a much lighter car, thanks to the meticulous chassis tuning done in conjunction with Michelin.
The ride quality of the Vantage, while not as polished as the DB12, is intentional. Using Bilstein DTX dampers, the Vantage caters to the sporty end of the Super-GT spectrum, while the same dampers in the DB12 are tuned for more comfort and refinement.
In default Sport mode, the Vantage offers an admirable degree of suppleness uncommon for such a sporty car. Sport Plus mode enhances body control to deal with meandering roads, while Track mode is firm and unyielding, obviously meant for smooth surfaces being too firmly damped for road use. I chose Sport Plus for much of the drive.
The Aston Martin-tuned twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 delivers 800Nm from as low as 2750rpm, just like the AMG GT 63. However, the thrill of wringing it out to the redline for the sound effects is too alluring.
The prodigious power is perhaps a touch excessive, with discretion being the better part of valour, I resisted flooring it with abandon in the hills, but this did not mean missing out on the fun.
Aston Martin's careful re-engineering of the AMG-sourced V8 has extracted 80hp more grunt than the AMG GT 63 has managed, but we reckon Merc typically keeps an ace up its sleeves with a more powerful variant in the pipeline.
One common criticism of the previous Vantage was its infotainment system, which was inherited from Mercedes-Benz. Aston Martin has addressed this by introducing its own system, featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen with a more responsive, cohesive user experience, incorporating Apple CarPlay and later, Android Auto.
The comfort sport seats are more than adequate for fast road use, providing good comfort and lateral support. For those seeking a more track-focused experience, a carbonfibre seat option is available, offering a snug, secure fit.
Aston Martin claims not only are the seats are mounted 10mm lower, the entire driver-touch points have been canted lower, enhancing the new driving position. Because the carbonfibre seats lack height adjustment, it may be a concern for shorter drivers.
Aston Martin's campaign in F1 has clearly influenced their road cars, evident from its "Track Podium Green" paintwork becoming the favourite choice, with "Satin Xenon Grey" also proving appealing.
The synergy between their F1 and GT4/GT3 racing efforts, brand-building, and vehicle development has finally culminated in a remarkable line-up of cars.
The new Vantage is so good it might even be a bit of a problem for Aston Martin's DB12.
Of course, the Vantage appeals to hardcore fans but its capabilities are far-ranging, overlapping with their brilliant DB12. Regardless, it is a good problem to have.
Aston Martin Vantage
Engine 4.0-litre V8, twin-turbo
Power at rpm 665hp at 6000rpm
Torque at rpm 800Nm at 2750-6000rpm
Transmission 8spd ZF auto
0-100km/h 3.5secs
Top Speed 325km/h
