Very brief as it turned out for this writer, but not without its pleasures. This is a car that delivers on its promises. Not a new model to the forecourts of course, the Aston Martin Vanquish has been consistently a top seller for the brand and it is easy to see why. The British manufacturer turned up the dial to a maximum ten when it created the Vanquish S. It truly is the ultimate GT car.
Sharper styling, greater potency and increased power define this evolution of an illustrious model line that originated from Aston Martin’s legendary works in Newport Pagnell and has proudly served as standard bearer for the marque’s sporting and stylistic values since 2001 and now in its second generation.
To emphasis the difference Aston Martin have evolved the Vanquish’s specification with careful attention being paid to the engine, chassis and aerodynamics and thus creating a machine honed to deliver and performance than ever before. Automotive grand touring doesn’t get any better than this.
Under the skin
Central to the Vanquish S is the naturally-aspirated 6.0L V12 engine, which now produces up to 592bhp (up from 565bhp from the standard version) and enjoys sensational throttle response, thanks to a revised, freer-breathing intake system. These larger volume inlet manifolds allow a greater volume of air to flow into the engine at high revs, creating a relentless, say the company, power delivery and a stronger feel all the way to the distant but soon achieved red line.
Building on this increased intensity, the calibration of the eight-speed Touchtronic III transmission has been revised to deliver faster gear shifts and greater refinement at low speeds for an enhanced sense of precision and immediacy. Likewise, the suspension, damper internals, spring rates and anti-roll bar bushes have also been re-tuned to give the Aston Martin Vanquish S a keener edge in the more sporting suspension modes, without compromising its ability to deliver supple, cruising ride quality on demand.
The looks
Visually the Vanquish S can be readily distinguished by its aerodynamic package. Built from exposed carbon fibre, the revised front splitter and rear diffuser combine to deliver meaningful reduction in frontal lift with a minimal penalty in additional drag. Combined with visually striking new quad exhaust outlets the Vanquish S has more aggressive appearance overall, entirely fitting for this most overtly sporting GT production model.
Options include carbon fibre bonnet louvres, forged 5-spoke diamond turned wheels and a choice of striking painted graphics packs. A new Vanquish S badge sits proudly on the tailgate as the perfect piece of motoring jewellery.
The inside
Inside, the Vanquish S can be further personalised with a choice of spectacular new ‘Filograph’ quilted leather and the use of new materials and finishes, such as the Satin Chopped Carbon Fibre fascia panel. Sumptuous ‘Bridge of Weir’ Caithness leather offers an added touch of luxury and tactility, while Vanquish S embroidery on the headrests provides a crafted finishing detail.
The Aston Martin Vanquish S is available in both Coupé and Volante forms and truly delivers what the appearance promises. If you have an urgent need to cross continents in a single bound, then look no further. Superb.
By Geoff Maxted