Launched: Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition – Most Track-Focused Vantage, From RM978K*

Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur (AMKL) has officially launched its most track-focused production Vantage to-date, dubbed as the Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition. Interestingly, the F1 moniker this track-ready car boasts is not just for show, as this model is built to commemorate AM’s return to the pinnacle of motorsport, that is Formula 1 (F1) back in 2021.

Aside from that, this track-ready Vantage is built based on the Formula 1’s Official Safety Car version of the Vantage. Meanwhile, its bigger sibling, the DBX707 is deployed alongside as the Official Medical Car in the sport.

Officially the most powerful Vantage to-date, the Vantage F1 Edition employs a peppy 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 mill that delivers up to 528 HP and 685 NM – 25 HP more than the standard Vantage. This V8 powertrain is mated with an 8-speed automatic gearbox that features an optimised torque cut during upshift, reducing shift times significantly, as well as providing more precise and direct gear shifts.

The track-oriented treatment doesn’t end there, as the Vantage F1 Edition is bestowed with a reinforced and stiffer chassis and reworked racing dampers. To complement this, the spring rate and lateral stiffness of the dampers have also been improved to increase traction and ensure the rear-end is tuned to complement the front-end’s rate of response.

Adding further to its track-focused pedigree, the Vantage F1 Edition now rides on a massive 21-inch multi-spoke wheels finished in Satin Black, wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tyres that are tailor-made for this car.

Visually, the Vantage F1 gets a sportier look and stance over the base Vantage, much of which stemming from the additional aerodynamic parts. Starting off with the front, the Vantage F1 a prominent front lip plus canards on either side. Also noteworthy is the blacked-out treatment of the famed AM’s winged crest and emblem, plus the presence of carbon fibre air vents primed in the front hood.

The aero kit continues with the addition of side splitters – also finished in black. The front fender also gets carbon fibre side air vents plus a Formula 1 badge tacked on. Elsewhere, there’s also carbon fibre side mirror caps, as well as a carbon-fibre roof.

At the rear, the Vantage F1 sports a massive rear wing that sits above the elongated, and curvy taillights unit. Just like the front, both the AM emblem and lettering are now finished in black to match the rear wing’s hue. Below that, the Vantage F1 boasts a dark-hued rear diffuser with functional fins, engulfing the black-finished quad tailpipes.

All of the aforementioned aero parts are designed to deliver positive front and rear downforce. According to Aston Martin, it all generates 200 KG more downforce than the standard Vantage at top speed.

On board, the Vantage F1 Edition cabin is laden with premium materials like Phantom Grey Alcantara and Obsidian Black leather upholstery and trim, with a choice of Lime Green, Obsidian Black, Titanium Grey or Spicy Red contrast stripe and stitching. The central console features the car’s gear select buttons, with the F1 Edition logo mounted at the centre.

There’s also F1 badging mounted on the door sills that greets the passengers every time they get into the car. Aside from the race-ready flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle-shifters, the Vantage F1 also boasts a touchscreen infotainment display, digital driver’s instrument cluster, as well as functional climate control vents – amenities that keeps this car both ‘comfortable’ when take off the circuit and into the concrete jungle.

Available in both Satin or Gloss exterior finished, the 2023 Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition comes in two body styles, those being the Coupe pictured and an open-top Roadster twin. Its price starts at RM978,000 excluding taxes, duties and other options*.