After six years, Aston Martin operates a major facelift for the entry-level Aston Martin Vantage coupe. It gets a more powerful AMG V8 bi-turbo engine that develops 155 PS and 115 Nm more and a completely new interior.
Launched in 2018, the Aston Martin Vantage had the 4-litre AMG V8 bi-turbo engine under the bonnet developing 510 PS, the same as in the former Mercedes-AMG GT S. After six years, Aston Martin is substantially upgrading the front-engined, rear-wheel drive coupe which gets a more powerful AMG V8 engine.
The new engine develops 665 PS and 800 Nm, with 155 PS and 115 Nm more (30% more power and 15% more torque). To achieve increased power and torque, the AMG V8 bi-turbo engine features modified cam profiles, optimized compression ratios, larger turbos, and increased cooling yield.
Mated with the ZF automatic transmission and an electronically controlled rear differential, the Aston Martin Vantage 2024 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds and has a top speed of 325 km/h. The gears can also be changed manually from the paddles behind the steering wheel, and the new launch control system allows very fast sprints.
Stiffer bodywork
To showcase the new V8’s greater power and torque, Aston Martin has further stiffened the bodywork. The Aston Martin Vantage is still based on the bonded aluminum platform that gives it an ideal 50-50% weight distribution and has retained this after the additional body stiffening.
Thus, the Vantage has a re-engineered and re-positioned front body cross member, which has been moved rearwards to increase mounting point stiffness for the double-wishbone front suspension for improved on- and off-center steering feel. Further improvements have been achieved with the fitment of a stiffer-yet-lighter front engine cross brace for increased torsional rigidity and lateral stiffness between the front suspension towers. At the rear, Vantage benefits from a 29% increase in stiffness under cornering load due to increased lateral strengthening between the rear suspension towers.
Aston Martin Vantage keeps the short steering, with a gear ratio of 12.8:1, requiring just 2.27 steering wheel turns from end to end. The Vantage comes standard with forged 21-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, with two other 21-inch wheel designs available as options in various colors and finishes, including satin bronze introduced on the DB12. The wheels are shod with Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tires developed specifically for Aston Martin, measuring 275/35 front and 325/30 rear.
Steel brake discs of 400 mm front and 360 mm rear are standard, with optional 27 kg lighter ceramic disc brakes (410 mm front, 360 mm rear) available.
The driver can choose between five driving modes: Wet Sport, Sport Plus, Track, and Individual. The new ESP system comes with ATC adjustable traction control. On start-up, it is set to the mid-5 position, but the driver can choose to reduce or allow more wheel slip. The stability increases from levels 4 to 1, while levels 6 to 8 allow more wheel slip.
More aggressive design
The car is 30 mm wider thanks to the more flared side sills, and the radiator grille is 38% larger and has a new design, flanked by side air intakes. The Matrix LED headlights have been redesigned and now integrate daytime running lights. Other new elements are the generous intakes behind the front wheels and the more aggressive diffuser that integrates the four larger diameter exhaust pipes.
Completely new interior
Aston Martin ditches the Mercedes electronic architecture, relying on new software developed in-house, just like the DB12. The dashboard is all-new, ditching the free-standing screen at the top in favor of a 10.25-inch wide display recessed into the middle of the center console, above which are slimmer vents.
The digital instrument cluster is also new and uses DB12 graphics. The ergonomics of the physical controls on the high mid-tunnel are Porsche-inspired, with the driver having buttons for climate and drivetrain adjustments very close.
Deliveries will begin in the second quarter of 2024, but prices have not yet been announced. A V12 will probably be discontinued due to emissions, but a Vantage Volante convertible version will be unveiled at a later date.
