2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Aston Martins latest flagship, the Vanquish, is a high-performance grand tourer that exudes high-class British charm and craftsmanship. While it isnt as quick or cutting-edge as many of its rivals, the Vanquishs timeless good looks and impeccably furnished cabin should prove appealing to buyers who prioritize style and comfort over outright speed. With its powerful stance, elegant proportions and trademark Aston Martin grille, the Vanquish represents a careful evolution of its DBS predecessors styling. Much of the rest of the car is also directly derived from the DBS, including its lightweight aluminum VH platform and 5.9-liter V12 motor. Thats not to say that theres nothing notably new about the Vanquish - unlike the DBS, its body is completely built from carbon fiber, helping to improve torsional rigidity by 25 percent. The carbon construction also shaves 150 pounds from the coupes curb weight, although it still checks in at a somewhat hefty 3850 pounds overall. A central part of Astons brand identity since its introduction back in 2000, the V12 has also been upgraded since it resided in the DBS engine bay. In the Vanquish, it gains a number of upgrades - including variable valve timing on both cams, a revised intake manifold and larger throttle bodies. It now produces 565 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque, figures that are impressive in isolation but significantly behind what some competitors offer. Still, when given cane, the big twelve delivers a melodious mechanical roar that must be heard to be appreciated and adds an impressive element of drama to the driving experience. The only available transmission is a six-speed automatic that swaps ratios smoothly and delivers precise rev-matched downshifts. It sends power to the rear wheels via a carbon fiber driveshaft and includes a launch control mode - an Aston Martin first - that helps facilitate zero-to-60 mph sprints of roughly four seconds. Top speed is quoted at 183 mph. Bringing the Vanquish to a halt are ventilated carbon ceramic brakes, sized at 15.7 inches and squeezed by six-piston callipers up front and 14.2-inch discs with four-piston callipers in the back. The car rides on 20-inch wheels, with 255mm wide Pirelli P-Zeros up front and 305mm wide contact patches in the back. Complementing the Vanquishs dual aluminum control arm suspension are electronically adjustable Active Damping System that offers a choice of Normal, Sport and Track modes. Normal provides sports car-levels of body control along with a stiff but quite livable ride, while Sport firms things up even more and Track is really only suitable for race courses. Overall, the Vanquish is surprisingly agile considering its size, but still more of a relaxed grand tourer in character - notwithstanding the bellicose-sounding V12. Its chassis lends itself well to driving long distances in comfort, as does Cushy Cabin the richly appointed cabin, which coddles with acres of supple leather upholstery that contains no less than one million stitches, according to Aston. A flowing center stack houses user-friendly haptic feedback clusters that control the entertainment and climate control systems, and a simple but graceful three-spoke steering wheel sits in front of the understated four-gauge analog instrument cluster. Befitting a car that starts just below $300,000, the Vanquish come standard with a 1,000-watt, 13-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, mobile WiFi, heated front seats and a navigation system with a 6.5-inch pop-up screen. Unfortunately, the nav unit is hopeless dated even by economy car standards. Theres plenty of space for driver and passenger alike up front, while the rear cabin area can be fitted with a pair of almost conically tiny seats or a cargo shelf. The trunk can swallow 13 cubic inches of cargo, an impressive amount for such an exotic vehicle. Highlights from the options list include ventilated front seats, carbon fiber exterior trim and several interior trim treatments. As with other Aston Martin models, the Vanquish can be further customized through the companys Q by Aston Martin service. Occupant Safety All Vanquish models come standard with dual front, front side and side curtain airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems. Key Competitors As buyers considering the Vanquish are likely more interested in style and luxury than neck-snapping performance, comparable alternatives include the Bentley Continental GT and Maserati GranTurismo. For willing to trade attention-grabbing looks for corrupting power, the potent but posh Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG could also be worth a look.
Posted on: Sun, 17 Nov 2013 04:15:06 +0000
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