New Aston Martin Vanquish Bows With 824 HP Twin Turbo V12 Heart

One of the most celebrated nameplates in the supercar world returns this week, and it stands as one of the most powerful series production Aston Martin ever created. Moreover, we’re certain fans will also be glad to note that the new Aston Martin Vanquish has retained a V12 heart too.

The Vanquish nameplate returns following a six-year hiatus. In the same timeframe, there was even an attempt to build a mid-engined successor, but this was ultimately cancelled. For this latest reboot though, it appears Aston Martin has returned to its roots somewhat.

The new Aston Martin Vanquish ironically does not wear any 'Vanquish' badges anywhere, with Aston Martin banking on its unmistakable styling instead to identify it.

What’s ironic here is the fact that Aston Martin hasn’t placed any ‘Vanquish’ script badges anywhere on the exterior. Instead, the Gaydon-based supercars marque is banking on its styling to leave you without any doubts as to what it is. Then there’s its powertrain of course…

Positioned as its new flagship ‘super-GT’ offering, the new Aston Martin Vanquish sees much of its body structure underneath its carbon fibre skin are constructed out of bonded aluminium. In turn, the former offers a 75% increase in lateral stiffness over the DBS 770 Ultimate. 

Compared to the DB12, the Vanquish sits longer, wider and lower. It even has an 80 MM longer wheelbase which, as Aston Martin reasoned, was intentional towards creating its classic long-bonnet GT proportions.

Compared to the DB12 'Super Tourer', the new Vanquish is in fact longer, wider and lower. Its wheelbase has been lengthened by 80 MM, with Aston Martin insisting this was done to create its classic long-bonnet GT proportions.

Notable too is the massive front grille, which is 13% larger than the DBS Superleggera’s, and there are bow-and-arrow-inspired side vents. Whilst the front fascia looks identical at a glance to the Vantage and DB12, there’s certainly no mistaking the Vanquish from the rear.

At the rear, the Vanquish features a striking "Kamm Tail' design flanked by seven LED 'light blades' on each side - a radical new look versus what's seen in the derrieres of the DB12 and Vantage.

That’s because the Vanquish rocks a radical new rear fascia featuring a ‘Kamm Tail’ design flanked by seven LED ‘light blades’ on each side. Primed here too is a large diffuser matched with stainless steel quad-tailpipes that can also be swapped for optional and lighter titanium units.

As for rolling stock, the Vanquish rolls on 21-inch forged alloy wheels that are each wrapped in bespoke Pirelli P-Zero tyres. Whilst here, it’s also worth noting that there are massive 410 MM (front) and 360 MM (rear) carbon ceramic brake rotors primed behind each wheel.

Whilst the headlights are 'borrowed' from the DB12 and Vantage, the bonnet lourves are inspired by the Aston Martin Formula 1 racecar. Notably, the latter isn't just a show piece as it serves to aid with ducting and cooling.

The side vents feature a design inspired by a bow-and-arrow and, like the bonnet lourves, these also serve to aid with ducting and cooling.

What really sets the Vanquish apart from its stablemates though is its V12 heart. The 5.2-litre twin-turbo mill produces 824 HP and a whopping 1,000 NM. This sees the Vanquish stand as the “most potent flagship in its 111-year history” says Aston Martin, and it holds a slight upper hand over the rivalling Ferrari 12Cilindri that boasts a naturally aspirated 820 HP V12.

For this mill, Aston Martin even engineered a ‘Boost Reserve’ feature that promises swift responses. It works by having the turbos overboost for most of the time, with the extra boost pressure is ‘stored’ until full throttle application. In short, the drag race comparo between this British bruiser against said rivalling Ferrari will be interesting.

Additionally, the mill is paired with an 8-speed automatic box that sends drive to the rear wheels, and the driveline includes an electronic limited-slip diff. Altogether, Aston Martin touts 0-60 MPH (96 KM/H) takes just 3.2 seconds plus a V-max of 214 MPH (344 KM/H). The latter also sees the Vanquish claim the “highest top speed of an Aston Martin series production car to date.”

21-inch forged alloy wheels forms the Vanquish's rolling stock, and hiding behind each are massive carbon ceramic brake rotors. Notably, the Vanquish also rides on a sorted chassis featuring revised Bilstein dampers, thicker anti-roll bars, recalibrated power steering plus a new electronic stability control system.

Apart from the beefy carbon ceramic brakes mentioned, added control and agility also stems form a well-sorted chassis. There are revised Bilstein DTX dampers primed on each corner that allow greater flexibility between drive modes, thicker anti-roll bars, recalibrated power steering plus a new electronic stability control suite all primed aboard.

Aston Martin adds that the stability control has been programmed better than before as it now promises to avoid “abrupt interventions, predicting optimum grip levels through cutting edge algorithms, while also reacting to momentary vehicle instabilities.”

On board, the Vanquish is a strict two-seater affair but it does come with high levels of lux and tech that Aston Martin is renowned for.

Moving to the cabin and, in typical Aston Martin fashion, the Vanquish sees a strict two-seater layout here, but it is decked out in high luxuries matched with a high-level of tech. Key highlights include 16-way powered front seats wrapped in Alcantara and semi-aniline leather, 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio suite, and a pair of 10.25-inch digital dash and infotainment displays.

At the time of writing, Aston Martin did not disclose any pricing figures for the new Vanquish, but did iterate its plans to have first deliveries commence in the fourth quarter (Q4) of this year. The firm adds that annual production will not exceed 1,000 units as well, thus adding further to its exclusivity.

Aston Martin says it will produce no more than 1,000 units of the Vanquish annually, thus adding to its exclusivity. Moreover, it plans to begin first deliveries by Q4 this year too.

Well, what do you folks reckon then? Are you digging Aston Martin’s rendition of the V12-powered super-GT genre over what rivals Ferrari did with its 12Cilindri? Is it fitting enough for anyone to live out their James Bond fantasies with?

Share your thoughts in the comments below, as well as our social media pages…