- Beautiful proportions
- V12 performance
- Exclusivity
- Six-speed automatic transmission lacks ratios relative to rivals
- High running costs
Overview
Released in December 2012, the Aston Martin AM310 Vanquish was initially available as a coupe, with convertible (Volante) models following in late 2013. Hand-built in Cologne, Germany, the Vanquish was powered by a naturally aspirated 5.9-litre V12 petrol engine that was mated to a six-speed ‘Touchtronic II’ automatic transmission. As such, the AM310 Vanquish could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and had a top speed of 295 km/h.
Based on Aston Martin’s VH platform, the AM310 Vanquish had a bonded aluminium structure and carbon-fibre body panels. For the AM310 Vanquish coupe and convertible, torsional rigidity increased by 25 and 14 per cent relative to their DBS predecessors. Inside, the Vanquish coupe was available with 2+0 and 2+2 seating configurations, while the Volante had a 2+2 cabin.
The Vanquish had independent front and rear double wishbone suspension with a three-stage Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with selectable Normal, Sport and Track modes.
August 2014 update (15MY)
From August 2014 production, the Vanquish was fitted with an eight-speed ZH 8HP ‘Touchtronic III’ automatic transmission. The eight-speed automatic transmission could change gears in as little as 130 milliseconds and enabled the driver to perform multi-ratio downshifts when braking by pulling and holding the downshift paddle (prompting the transmission to select the lowest available gear). The additional transmission ratios contributed to improved fuel consumption, while a revised final drive ratio increased the top speed of the Vanquish beyond 322 km/h (200 mph).
Other changes for the post-August 2014 Vanquish included:
- A new Bosch engine management system;
- A reduction in exhaust gas back pressure (for increased power and torque);
- A revised torque tube to reduce transmission noise;
- A revised steering ECU for ‘more crisp and precise’ steering response;
- A retuned brake booster;
- 15 per cent stiffer front dampers and 35 per cent stiffer rear dampers for improved dynamics; and,
- 20 per cent stiffer rear suspension bushes.
The updated Vanquish could be identified by its new ten-spoke forged alloy wheels, while new leather trim colours (such as blue-black Dark Night and Fandango Pink) and paint finishes (including Diavalo Red) were also offered.
| Engine | Trans. | Years | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanquish | 5.9-litre petrol V12 | 6sp auto | 2012-14 | 421 kW at 6750 rpm | 620 Nm at 5500 rpm |
| 5.9-litre petrol V12 | 8sp auto | 2014-18 | 424 kW at 6750 rpm | 630 Nm at 5500 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Vanquish included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with dual-pretensioners and load limiters; the Vanquish coupe was also fitted with curtain airbags.
Brakes
The Vanquish had Brembo Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes with 398 mm by 36 mm front brake discs with six-piston callipers and 360 mm by 32 mm rear discs with four-piston callipers.
Features
Standard features for the Aston Martin Vanquish included 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero tyres, a fifteen speaker Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system, a Garmin satellite navigation system with a 6.5-inch LCD, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, a Wi-Fi hub, power adjustable and heated front seats (with memory settings), full-grain leather upholstery, Alcantara headlining, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a trip computer, tyre pressure monitoring, an alarm and immobiliser.
Related links
