Vanquish S V12 unveiled in Paris
The fastest ever production Aston Martin makes its debut
The fastest production model ever to be built by Aston Martin made its world debut at the Paris Motor Show yesterday.
With a maximum speed in excess of 200mph (321km/h) and a 6.0 litre V12 engine developing 520 bhp, 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," said 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.
Aston reckons the differences on the Vanquish S not only improve the appearance but also enhance performance. All-aluminium exterior body panels are 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 that's invested in its construction.
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 is designed to ensure consistent pedal feel under heavy braking, and a new brake pedal assembly reduces travel and is said to enhance 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 blend of traditional, classic and modern materials with Bridge of Weir leather upholstery matched to contemporary metal interior fittings and finishes, with a number of detailed improvements.
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."
Vanquish S customers will be eligible for a free 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.
Since the car's launch in 2001, Aston Martin has built 1,500 examples at its Newport Pagnell site in Buckinghamshire.
60bhp will make only a little difference to car of this weight and I wouldn't think the odd 0.2 of a second (0-60, in gears times)will really make a huge difference to the drivers of this type of car. However, I do think the other changes chassis/brakes etc will make this car far better than the original model.
Just wish I could afford one.
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