SPY PICS: Next-gen Aston Martin Vantage
British sports car brand’s new entry model emerges in spy shots ahead of world debut later this yearAston Martin’s next-generation Vantage has been exposed by spy photographers within months of its world debut later this year and its global release in 2018.
Revealing the final production body of the British sports car manufacturer’s new entry-level model for the first time, these images show the differences between the next Vantage and the DB11 with which it shares its new platform.
They also reveal a body design that’s been influenced by both the Vulcan hypercar and the James Bond movie car — the DB10 — as hinted by patent drawings leaked in June.
Aston’s newest rival for the Porsche 911 will be powered by the same twin-turbo 4.0-litre Mercedes-AMG V8 that was recently added to the DB 11 range.
In the Vantage the AMG V8 will produce 375kW/675Nm, resulting in a 0-100km/h dash of around 3.5 seconds. Both a seven-speed manual and eight-speed automatic will be available.
Later in its life, the Vantage is expected to become available with a range-topping 447kW/700Nm twin-turbo 5.2-litre V12.
Underneath its new skin is a shortened version of the DB11’s all-new extruded and bonded aluminium platform that is not only lighter but is claimed to be 40 per cent stiffer than the old ‘VH’ underpinnings.
Overall, expect the next-gen coupe to weigh in at less than 1500kg – more than 100kg lighter than the current Vantage.
As well as the lighter undergarments, the Vantage is expected to come with aluminium, magnesium and even composite body panels, plus injection-moulded plastic front and rear bumpers in a bid to cut the kilos.
Featuring a development of the DB11’s front double wishbone and rear multi-link suspension, the new car should be a dramatic improvement over the outgoing, decade-old coupe.
Not least because the new architecture places its engine front-mid-ship. That, combined with a transaxle transmission, results in a near-optimum 50:50 weight distribution.
Expect the new Vantage to be on sale in Australia by the end of next year, priced in line with the outgoing model (from $219,895).
It will be followed within 12 months by a convertible roadster version, due in 2019.
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