The new Aston Martin Vantage has finally made its way to Kuala Lumpur. The evocative name was first used in 1951 on a high-output engine option for the DB2, and many years after that, the 'Vantage' moniker was quickly established as a model in its own right. So now, this newest Aston Martin Vantage carries on the name and the heritage.
Ms Nancy Chen, Head of Sales Operations for Aston Martin, Southeast Asia, explained briefly about the new Vantage and the brand as a whole.
“This car is the second new model under our Second Century Plan. The second of seven new models in seven years. It (referring to Aston Martin's Second Century Plan) is a bold plan, and it is working. We have made a strong start with the DB11, taking Aston Martin back into profit earlier this year. The new Vantage will build on this success, and take the company to greater heights.” said Nancy.
“This car is the second new model under our Second Century Plan. The second of seven new models in seven years. It (referring to Aston Martin's Second Century Plan) is a bold plan, and it is working. We have made a strong start with the DB11, taking Aston Martin back into profit earlier this year. The new Vantage will build on this success, and take the company to greater heights.” said Nancy.
In terms of the Vantage, this gorgeous new sports car is powered by a 4.0liter 503HP (510ps) / 685 Nm bi-turbo V8 engine with a ZF 8 speed transmission powering the rear wheels. 0 to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 313km/h.
The engine, is something unique, it comes from the Mercedes-AMG plant actually and it is specially designed for the Vantage (It however uses a ZF gearbox). The Mercedes-AMG M177 engine is the engine used as is the Mercedes COMAND information system (with its drive modes and other technical stuff underneath) - you can see the somewhat familiar Mercedes type control pad and rotary knob in the centre console for a clue. On a personal note, I believe that this symbiosis of a super efficient (and brutal sounding V8) made by some Germans and the craftsmanship of the bodywork, suspension and other things British make this combination something to desire.
On the styling of the new Vantage, it has basically evolved from the track only Aston Martin Vulcan limited edition supercar and also DB10 which was specially made for the James Bond film, Spectre. From these two cars, the styling of the Vantage has taken the traditional Aston Martin silhouette into something a little more forward and futuristic than what most of us think of what an Aston Martin looks like.
It is still very much a familiar look to it, but the grille, lights and other details are a little bit more futuristic than it was before. Of course, change is quite good actually. It brings a bit of fresh air even into a car company like Aston Martin which to me has not stopped in making evocative looking cars over the past seven decades or so.
It is still very much a familiar look to it, but the grille, lights and other details are a little bit more futuristic than it was before. Of course, change is quite good actually. It brings a bit of fresh air even into a car company like Aston Martin which to me has not stopped in making evocative looking cars over the past seven decades or so.
In terms of the Aston Martin Vantage, the best cars that have used the 'Vantage' moniker include the William Towns-designed V8 vantage from the 1970s and 1980s, the twin-supercharged V600 Le Mans and the much-loved V8 Vantage which this model replaces.
So this all new Aston Martin Vantage can be viewed at the Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur showroom from this week onwards. Prices are estimated at over RM1.6 million before any excise duties and taxes.
The New Aston Martin Vantage Design Brief and details on ASTON MARTIN Kuala Lumpur:
The Inspiration for the Design
The new Aston Martin sports car is powered by 4.0-litre, 510PS/685Nm twin-turbo
V8 mated to eight-speed transmission. The strength of the powertrain and drivetrain is channeled by its bold and distinctive design language.
Pure, sculptural forms create an athletic, predatory stance, while the minimal front and rear
overhangs, muscular flanks and broad haunches express the agility and dynamism inherent
with the car. Its new head and tail lights form dramatic new signatures, giving the Vantage
unmistakable road presence and contribute to a strong, individual identity within the growing
Aston Martin model range.
The new Vantage is purposefully designed as an independent statement of poise, performance, and a beautiful distinction of meticulous British craftsmanship that commands a predatory character, whilst retaining the key principles; purity and beautiful proportion.
“It is crafted for the independent thinker, one who has a strong and individual identity who wants to make a statement with their car,” said Mr. Gabor Csurgai, Regional Managing Director of Wearnes.
Aerodynamic performance was central to the Vantage design concept: the front splitter directs airflow underneath the car, where a system of fences channels cooling air where it is needed, and also ensures the rear diffuser is fed with clean airflow. The design of the diffuser creates an area of low pressure air, while simultaneously preventing turbulence generated by the rear wheels from disrupting the flow of air exiting centrally from beneath the car.
“The aerodynamic performance central to the new design concept enables a seamless, yet
exciting driving experience, be it in the city or whilst touring, and we are confident that the new
Vantage is able to deliver an unmistakably thrilling experience to Malaysians.”
Together with the new side gills, which have been integrated into the body surface and bleed air pressure out from the wheel arches, and the pronounced upswept rear deck lid, the Vantage generates a significant level of downforce – a rarity on any production car and a first for a core production Aston Martin model.
The design story continues inside the Vantage, with a dynamic focused sports car cockpit that rejects long, fluid curves in favour of sharp, focused lines denoting the more aggressive nature of the car. A high waist interior theme and lower driving position creates a more immersive driving experience, and contributes to significant gains in occupant space and significant improvement in headroom compared with the outgoing Vantage.
Engineered for a Purposeful, Intense and Beautiful Experience
The heart of the Vantage is Aston Martin’s potent new alloy, 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine set low and as far back in the chassis as possible for optimal centre-of-gravity and perfect 50:50 weight distribution, denoting a high performance and high efficiency engine. Deploying its impressive power and torque to the rear wheels via a rear-mounted ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, the archetypal hunter is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 195mph, employing a sophisticated suite of integrated electronic systems to offer maximum control and driver enjoyment.
For the first time on an Aston Martin, the new Vantage also features an Electronic Rear
Differential (E-Diff). This differential is linked to the car’s electronic stability control system, so it can understand the car’s behaviour, and react accordingly to direct the engine’s power to the relevant wheel. At higher speeds, the E-Diff’s speed and sensitivity of response enables the system to take very fine control of the car’s dynamic behaviour. It makes the car feel much more composed both in terms of its straight-line stability and its cornering performance, providing the driver with increased levels of confidence to explore and enjoy the car’s capabilities to the fullest.
The chassis is an evolution of the latest generation bonded aluminium structure first seen on the DB11, though some 70% of the structure’s new components are new for Vantage. Balance, strength, rigidity and weight efficiency were all priorities in the new Vantage design, as was handling purity and consistency.
Thanks to the full integration of engine, transmission, E-Diff, Dynamic Torque Vectoring,
Dynamic Stability Control, Adaptive Damping and the electric power steering systems, each
mode optimises every area of the car as one. With each step the Vantage gains in agility and responsiveness, its character becomes progressively sharper, more vocal and more exciting.
“This is the essence of the Vantage driving experience – a car that’s never less connected and engaging with the breadth of capability to revel in challenging roads and bare its teeth on the track,” continued Chen. “A true sports car with a sharper look and a keener dynamic edge, the new Vantage is the Aston Martin pure driving machine enthusiasts have been waiting for.”
Supported by Unparalleled Service Excellence & Facilities
Earlier this year, the new home of the Aston Martin Service Centre in Sungai Buloh was
revealed, with Wearnes Quest investing a substantial amount in equipping the 4,000 square
feet, fully air-conditioned service centre with the latest tools, technology and equipment to
ensure Aston Martin owners in Malaysia experience unparalleled British standards of
excellence.
“Our investment in this new centre proves our dedication to ensure a comprehensive and quality Aston Martin experience to our current and future customers. The latest tools and equipment, managed by professionally trained personnel, warrants in-depth understanding of the latest Aston Martin technology, promising optimum after-sales support for our customers,” said Csurgai.
The new Vantage will be available for viewing in the showroom. For viewing appointment,
please call +60 3 2163 1196. Estimated price from RM1,600,000 after duties.
The Aston Martin Service Centre is located at Lingui Industrial Park, 15 1⁄2 Miles, Sungai Pelong, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
For more information, visit www.astonmartinkualalumpur.com
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