The new 503bhp V8-engined Aston Martin Vantage has been shown in public for the first time at the LA motor show.
The model is described by its designer as a “statement car” that showcases a more individual and confident direction.
Aston Martin's two-seater follows the Aston Martin DB11 as the second product of the British firm’s ‘second-century plan’, under which it will launch seven new cars in seven years. To ensure sufficient separation between the models, Aston is taking a bolder approach for each design.
How James Bond's DB10 contributed to the new Vantage
The firm has revamped its entry-level model with an “analogue” approach that puts the focus on providing a direct, engaging drive, and that is reflected in the car’s exterior and interior design.
“The design team is trying to push a lot more and show the character of each car,” designer Sam Holgate told Autocar. “The Vantage is about being the hunter. It’s a car you want to get in and chase down a Lamborghini HuracaÃn or a Porsche 911.”
Q&A with Aston Martin's Chief Technical Officer on the new Vantage
The new Vantage’s front end is dominated by the lowest-sited functioning grille to have been used on a mainstream production Aston Martin.
The bonnet is a single clamshell design, with minimal shut lines. The turbocharged V8 engine doesn’t require air vents cut into the bonnet, although a slight bulge has been employed to link the car to the old V12 Vantage design and to create room for under-bonnet airflow to the turbo.
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not the jaw dropping Aston I
not the jaw dropping Aston I was thinking. With mercedes gear in there and under bonnet, I wasn't as big fan when Jag used Ford bits, or Aston using Jag/fords bits and when it's done you just lose that character that's distinctive to the brand being represented.
from side on..
from the side does anyone else think it looks like a slightly squashed jaguar f-type?
Maybe.
But maybe just that it's been in a front and rear shunt, explaining why it looks bent in the middle too.
If anything, it makes the F-Type look so much better.
In isolation it isn't too bad
In isolation it isn't too bad, especially in the yellow, and it's great to see a splash of colour livening up the interior, that's a massive improvement. But, it's just too similar to every other Aston for more years than is healthy. For pity's sake, Aston, make a different bloody car.
Seriously???
Again with the "they all look the same" line. First, no they don't, and no they didn't. Similar, yes, but not the same. I never had any difficulty at all telling the various models from each other. And they were GORGEOUS. Second, this new one looks "too similar to every other Aston"??? You must be joking!