Aston Martin has just released the all-new Vantage front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car with class-leading engine output.

The announcement of a new Vantage follows the introduction last year of the acclaimed DB12 Coupe and Volante. 

Further strengthening Aston Martin's next generation of sports cars, Vantage reaffirms the brand's position in the ultra-luxury, performance sports car market alongside its leading roles in the ultra-luxury sporting GT, SUV and hypercar arenas, and the highest echelons of world championship motorsport.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Amedeo Felisa, said: "Any car bearing the Vantage name has much to live up to, which is why this newest model makes an unwavering commitment to high performance in its purest and most explicit form.”

“Class-leading power and speed establish its credentials, but it is through expert application of the latest technologies to the Vantage's perfectly balanced front-engine rear-drive chassis that we have created a sports car with addictive capability. Together with assertive styling, all-new interior and state-of-the-art infotainment, Vantage is world-class in every respect".     

Powered by a heavily reworked, hand-built 4.0 Twin-Turbo V8 engine the new Vantage is the fastest in the nameplate's history. With peaks of 489kW of power and a colossal 800Nm of torque it also makes the biggest-ever jump in power and torque compared to the model it succeeds. Those increases of 144kW and 115Nm equated to gains of 30% and 15% respectively. 

These higher outputs have been achieved through extensive tuning by Aston Martin engineers, the adoption of modified cam profiles, optimised compression ratios, larger turbos, and increased cooling yielding the impressive new figures and creating an engine with a sharper, more visceral and more vocal character. 

Mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission this is enough to propel the two-seater sports car to a top speed of 325km/h and punch it from a standstill to 100km/h in just 3.4sec. 

Both the shortened Final Drive Ratio (3.083:1) and transmission shift calibration have been honed to maximise response and enjoyment, the former delivering punchier in-gear acceleration, while the latter reduces shift speeds and offers different shift characteristics to suit each of the Vantage's dynamic modes. 

Standing start acceleration has been perfected with the introduction of a new Launch Control system. 

The driver can also dial in the precise amount of slip they desire during the launch by making changes via the Adjustable Traction Control (ATC) system - reducing or increasing the amount of controlled wheelspin permitted by the Launch Control System or allowing themselves full throttle control by setting the ATC to Traction Control (TC) Off.

Highly evolved aluminium structure, perfect 50:50 weight distribution and state-of-the-art suspension provide the foundation for a definitive driving experience. Built around Aston Martin's latest generation bonded aluminium construction, Vantage features an enhanced body structure to deliver more focused and engaging dynamics thanks to additional underbody stiffening components for increased overall torsional rigidity.

Amongst these changes is a re-engineered and re-positioned front body cross member, which has been moved rearwards to increase mounting point stiffness for the double-wishbone front suspension for improved on and off-centre steering feel. Further improvements have been achieved with the fitment of a stiffer-yet-lighter front engine cross brace for increased torsional rigidity and lateral stiffness between the front suspension towers.

The new generation Vantage makes a breathtaking statement with an all-new ultra-luxury interior defined by flawless architectural lines, swathed in the finest materials and packed with state-of-the-art connected technology and a stunning surround sound system developed by audio partner, Bowers & Wilkins. 

The all-new Vantage is priced from NZ$375,000 with first deliveries to Kiwis customers expected in December.