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This new addition to the product range is the fastest production
model ever to be built by Aston Martin. With a maximum speed
in excess of 200mph (321km/h) and a 6.0 litre V12 engine developing
520 horsepower, the Vanquish S has been designed to deliver
even greater performance, complemented by subtle suspension
and steering changes and a number of interior and external style
revisions.
"The Vanquish is our flagship model and the standard 460bhp
will continue to be built," says Aston Martin CEO, Dr Ulrich
Bez. "However, this derivative makes the car even more
exceptional. The latest Vanquish S is not only the fastest Aston
Martin ever, but it is the best handling too. It is the ultimate
high-performance Aston Martin."
The Vanquish S has received subtle but effective changes to
complement its elegant muscular body. The famous Aston Martin
grille has a new rounded and more open appearance for better
cooling, and an aerodynamic splitter improves high-speed stability.
At the rear, a redesigned boot lid featuring a new high mounted
stop lamp reduces lift and improves balance and stability, helping
to achieve an impressive Cd figure of 0.32.
These differences on the Vanquish S not only improve the appearance
but also enhance performance. All the exterior body panels are
constructed from aluminium with each individual panel hand tailored
to the central structure to ensure a perfect panel fit. Every
carefully detailed feature provides graphic evidence of the
painstaking craftsmanship and quality, which is invested in
its construction at Aston Martin’s Newport Pagnell site
in Buckinghamshire.
Revised steering geometry provides a 20% quicker response, allowing
the driver to apply a reduced input for required steering response.
This enables the driver to be more precise with inputs - especially
on winding roads - and more accurate feedback from the chassis.
The Sports Dynamics suspension, steering and braking package
is now standard on the Vanquish S. This includes stiffer springs
and dampers and shorter steering arms.
The brakes have been upgraded to incorporate larger six piston
calipers and larger grooved and ventilated front discs. The
rear discs are 2mm wider for improved heat dissipation. The
use of floating discs ensures the driver has consistent pedal
feel under heavy braking whilst a new brake pedal assembly reduces
travel and enhances pedal feel.
Further development of Aston Martin’s low emissions, all
alloy, quad-overhead camshaft, 48 valve, 6.0-litre V12 engine
has generated an increase in power from 460bhp to 520bhp (388kW)
@ 7000rpm and torque is boosted to 425lb ft (577Nm) @ 5800rpm.
Engine enhancements include new cylinder heads with fully machined
inlet ports and combustion chambers to improve airflow, revised
engine mapping and new fuel injectors.
The overall interior design is a subtle blend of traditional,
classic and modern materials with Bridge of Weir leather upholstery
matched to contemporary metal interior fittings and finishes.
A number of detailed improvements have been made to the interior
of the Vanquish S to enhance the overall appeal. The luxurious
but purposeful two seat or optional 2+2 cabin now features supportive
all leather trimmed sports seats with many additional and exquisite
detail touches which amply demonstrate the truly special nature
of this unique hand crafted sports car.
"The Vanquish S V12 is a combination of state-of-the-art
aerospace technology and hand craftsmanship," said Dr Bez.
"It is the flagship model of a confident and growing company
that is proud to display its heritage but is also determined
to make the most technologically modern and inspirational sports
cars in the world."
Illustrating Aston Martin’s continuing commitment to customer
care Vanquish S customers will be eligible for a complimentary
Performance Driving Course. This comprehensive one-to-one driving
experience can be taken at one of three proving grounds –
Millbrook in the UK, Lommel in Belgium, or Romeo, Michigan,
in North America.
With the capacity to continue to turn heads, the design of the
Vanquish is already established as a modern classic. Since its
launch in 2001, the Vanquish has proved to be a huge success
for Aston Martin with over 1500 cars built.
(Text / Picture: Aston Martin)
With its principal, Sotira SA of France, Automotive Technology
continues to build on its now well-established relationship
with Aston Martin for supply of major components and structures
in composite materials. ‘We are proud of our involvement
with the Aston Martin model range of which the Vanquish S represents
the latest development’ says Automotive Technology Chairman
Peter Purdom ‘and we look forward to the continuing application
of cutting edge technology to current and future models of this
prestige brand.’
ATL: October 2004
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