Aston Martin Vanquish: New pics and video

Aston Martin has released a plethora of new images and a video of its stunning new Vanquish, which is destined to replace the DBS following its international launch in October.

The stunning new coupe derives inspiration from the megabuck, low-volume One-77, both in styling terms and in its use of carbon fibre and alloy to keep weight down.

With more chiselled and aggressive design language than the DB9 and Vantage, the Vanquish manages to move the game forward for Aston Martin, even though its powertrain and VH (Vertical-Horizontal) platform are largely carryover items. Where the newcomer differs from past offerings is in the fact that it’s Aston Martin’s first series production model with carbon fibre bodywork.

Although slightly longer and wider than the DB9 and DBS, the Vanquish shares its wheelbase with these cars and the front and rear double-wishbone suspension is largely as before. That said, the Vanquish gains slightly wider tracks, firmer spring rates and a steering rack that’s about 15 per cent quicker than on the DBS.

Meanwhile, tweaks to the platform and various other weight-saving measures are said to make the Vanquish 50kg lighter than the DBS and 30 per cent more rigid.

The three-mode adaptive dampers are claimed to deliver grippy and precise handling without sacrificing the ride comfort required for its job description as a grand tourer.

Propulsion comes from Aston’s familiar 6.0-litre V12 engine, albeit upgraded via double variable valve timing, new cylinder heads with bigger intake valves and new intake and exhaust systems. The net result is that power is up to 422kW (a 10 per cent increase over the DBS), while torque is bumped up to 620Nm.

Equipped thus the Vanquish should be a lively performer, even though it won’t pose a threat to the likes of the new Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, which kicks out 545kW and 690Nm.

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site.