Feast your eyes on the fastest, most driver-focused Aston Martin Vantage in 74 years. Starting in 1950 with the uprated DB2 engine, it became a high-performance DB5 variant in 1964 and evolved into a standalone model in the 1970s. This new iteration embodies the brand’s current dynamic era, excelling in F1 2023, dominating GT racing, and preparing for entry into the 2025 Le Mans with the Valkyrie AMR. We had the chance to put this “once-baby” Aston to the test, and here’s what you should know if you plan to shell out your hard-earned cash.
DESIGN & AESTHETICS
A minute ago, the Vantage was a compact, svelte sports car conceived to play second fiddle to its siblings — but not anymore. While its elegant upswept rear deck and lamps remain, the rest has been transformed, impossibly blending muscularity and sleekness, drawing inspiration from the One-77 supercar.
Its face is packed with details — a massive grille and intricately designed almond-shaped LED headlamps. The teardrop-shaped body, seen from above, tapers toward the rear while widening at the haunches to accommodate massive AML-specific 21-inch, 325mm-wide Michelin Pilot S tyres. Furthermore, every panel features strategically placed ducts, grilles, vents, and frills of a complexity beyond the imagination of an ordinary designer. And yes, the large carbon front splitter, and rear diffuser that sit beneath quad exhaust tips, reinforcing its race-inspired aesthetics as before.
Simply put, this is Aston Martin’s finest work in years — no small feat given its stunning lineup. Whether as a statement piece, a collector’s gem, or pure eye candy, the Vantage is a reminder of the beautiful things that money can buy.
Beauty runs deeper than the Vantage’s exterior, evident in the doors engineered to open at an angle, cleverly avoiding tall curbs. You’ll also love cosying up in the sophisticated, dark-themed interior, rendered in a black-blue colour scheme and adorned with carbon fibre trims and artfully designed air vents.
The chunky three-spoke steering wheel is one of the most beautifully styled tools ever, sitting ahead of a fairly animated digital gauge cluster that can be customised using the finicky steering controls. Shift focus to the right, and you’ll find a 10.25-inch touchscreen atop the Panamera-style sloped centre console. Here, a stubby but cute toggling shifter sits alongside numerous buttons for powertrain and chassis adjustability, as well as roller controls for temperature and fan speed. Despite the busy visuals, these controls are easy to operate.
However, even this Aston is not without flaws. Finding the right driving position isn’t difficult, thanks to power steering adjustability and 16-way seat adjustment, but the Dark Knight Haircell leather on the seats and door panels don’t feel like true luxury hide. Additionally, the side mirror controls are finicky, the central console plastics creak, and the small infotainment fonts may spell trouble for older drivers.
POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE
The heavily revised twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 sends torque to the rear via a carbon fibre prop shaft. Enhanced cooling, modified cam profiles, and larger turbos boost outputs to a monstrous 665 PS and 800 Nm, a gain of 155 PS and 115 Nm. The V8’s thunderous roar demands attention as the Vantage surges forward with every blip of the sensitive throttle, devouring tarmac like a famished beast. The transmission isn’t the quickest, so use the paddles instead of relying on the electronically induced kickdowns. When everything aligns, it can hurl you across football field lengths in mere seconds, making you feel like the pilot of a SpaceX mission. And if you feel its blistering 0 to 100 kmph time of 3.5 seconds doesn’t match the 911 Turbo S’s, just wait until you’re thrown back into your seat by the gut-wrenching torque.
On the road, this small car feels larger at first, but the precise EPAS shrinks its size with speed. With 50:50 weight distribution, independent suspension, Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers, and E-diff, it steers tightly through corners, as intended. The ride isn’t plush due to the short wheelbase, but you’ll manage for your queen and country (maintaining status among peers). Standard steel brakes are adequate, but Carbon Ceramic Brakes (CCB) improve braking, reduce fade, and save 27kg — recommended for track enthusiasts.
FEATURES & FUNCTIONALITY
Aston Martin’s upgraded infotainment system is built in-house and paired with a new app for iOS and Android. The 1,170W, 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system delivers detailed sound, though it can be slightly over-synthesised. The navigation will get you to your destination, but I prefer Google Maps. The 360-degree camera helps keep bumper gashes at bay.
Boot space is a usable 346 litres, though the central cubby is tiny, holding just two USB-C ports. The seat cooling function is weak, but the heating is sufficient.
VERDICT
This baby Aston is baby no more. The latest iteration of the Vantage will leave you shaken, not stirred, with its stunning proportions inspired by the lines of the One-77 supercar. It earns a legitimate badge for its sophisticated, dark-themed interior, and the monstrous 665 PS V8 — befitting its muscular proportions — delivers gut-wrenching acceleration on call, with steering accuracy that’s on a knife edge. Yes, the ride isn’t quite plush, and some controls are finicky, but what’s a supermodel without a mole or a suave secret agent without a character flaw?
GOOD – Stunning proportions; gut-wrenching torque; thunderous exhaust; upgraded infotainment
BAD – Some cheap plastics; finicky steering controls; small infotainment fonts
SPECIFICATIONS
Body type - 2-seater; 2-door premium high-performance coupe
Engine – Front-engine; twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8; rear-wheel drive
Transmission -8-speed automatic
Peak output- 665 PS @ 6,000 rpm – 800 Nm @ 2,750 – 6,000 rpm
0 to 100km/h – 3.5 seconds (claimed)
Top speed-25 kmph (drag limited; claimed)
Price - Starting at Dh1,050,000
