Aston Martin Vanquish

Aston Martin Vanquish
Overview
Manufacturer	Aston Martin
Production	2001–2007 2012–present
Body and chassis
Class	Grand tourer (S)
Body style	2-door coupé
Layout	FMR layout

The Aston Martin Vanquish is a grand tourer that was introduced in 2001 as a successor to the ageing Virage range. The first-generation V12 Vanquish, designed by Ian Callum, was unveiled at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show and was produced from 2001 to 2005. The prototype built by the collaboration of the Ford Motor Company and Indian designer Dilip Chhabria featured as the official James Bond car in the film Die Another Day. The Vanquish S was unveiled in 2004 with a more powerful engine and improved aerodynamics. The Vanquish S and V12 Vanquish were replaced by the DBS in 2007. In 2012 the Vanquish name was revived for the successor to the DBS.

First generation (2001–2007)

V12 Vanquish (2001–2005)

V12 Vanquish
Overview
Production	2001–2007 1492 produced (Vanquish) 1086 (Vanquish S)
Assembly	Newport Pagnell, England
Designer	Ian Callum
Powertrain
Engine	V12, 5,935 cc (362.2 cu in)
Transmission	6-speed manual gearbox with Auto Shift Manual/Select Shift Manual (ASM/SSM) electro-hydraulic control system.
Dimensions
Length	4,665 mm (183.7 in)
Width	1,923 mm (75.7 in)
Height	1,318 mm (51.9 in)
Kerb weight	1,835 kg (4,045 lb) - 1,875 kg (4,134 lb)
Chronology
Successor	Aston Martin DBS V12

The Aston Martin V12 Vanquish was designed by Ian Callum and bore a large resemblance to the production DB7 Vantage. However, the car had a strong influence from the Project Vantage Concept prototype which debuted with a V12 engine at the North American International Auto Show in January 1998. As underneath the car featured a strong aluminium/carbon composite construction, bonded chassis with a 5,935 cc (5.9 L; 362.2 cu in) V12 engine. It was available in 2+0 and 2+2 seating configurations.

The 48-valve 60° engine produces 456 PS (335 kW; 450 bhp) and 540 N·m (400 lb·ft) of torque. It is controlled by a drive-by-wire throttle and a six-speed Electrohydraulic manual transmission.The standard Vanquish model had 355 mm (14.0 inches) drilled and ventilated disc brakes with four-pot calipers, ABS, with electronic brake distribution.

Its appearance in the 2002 James Bond film Die Another Day^[1] earned the V12 Vanquish the number three spot on the list of Best Film Cars Ever,^[2] behind the Minis from The Italian Job, and DB5 from Goldfinger & Thunderball. This car also appears in the video games Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 and James Bond 007: Nightfire.

The Vanquish was the basis of two concept cars, both shown at the International Geneva Motor Show in 2004, the Zagato Roadster (a 2-seat, open-top roadster) and the Bertone Jet 2 (a 2-door shooting brake).^[3][4]

Vanquish S (2004–2007)

Aston Martin Vanquish rear view

The Aston Martin Vanquish S debuted at the 2004 Paris Auto Show, with increased horsepower and performance and slight styling revisions. The engine displacement remained at 5,935 cc (5.9 L; 362.2 cu in), with power increased from 450 to 520 hp (340 to 390 kW). Visual changes included new wheels, a slightly different nose shape, a new raised bootlid with a larger integrated spoiler incorporating the third high level brake light (in the rear window on the original Vanquish), a Vanquish S badge on the bootlid (the original Vanquish had no rear model designation) and the addition of a small front splitter (although this was mainly done for aerodynamic reasons). As part of its improvements, the Vanquish S featured a slightly improved coefficient of drag of 0.32 (from 0.33), with help from a redesigned splitter and boot lid. Its front and rear track were 1,524 mm (60.0 inches) and 1,529 mm (60.2 inches), respectively.

It also incorporated the features of a 2004 option package, the Sports Dynamic Pack, which incorporated sportier suspension, steering, and brake features. This model was sold for the 2005 (alongside the base Vanquish) and 2006 (as a stand-alone) model years in the United States with only minor running changes; it was not sold in the United States for 2007. The Vanquish S featured larger brakes than the V12 Vanquish; 378 mm (14.9 in) front discs with six-pot calipers and 330 mm (13.0 inches) rear discs.

The end of the Vanquish's production run was celebrated with the Vanquish S Ultimate Edition. Aston Martin announced that the last 50 cars built would have a new 'Ultimate Black’ exterior colour, upgraded interior, and personalised sill plaques. 1086 Vanquish S were built.

Vanquish production ended 19 July 2007, coinciding with the shuttering of the company's Newport Pagnell factory after 49 years operation. With a 200+ MPH top speed, the Vanquish S was (as measured by top speed capability) the fastest Aston Martin ever until the Vantage V12 S was introduced in May 2013.

Technical specifications

model	year	engine displacement	Transmission	max. motive power @ rpm	max. torque @ rpm	max. speed	acceleration 0–60
Vanquish V12	2001-04	5.9-litre (5935 cc) V12	6-sp automated man	460 bhp (343 kW; 466 PS) @ 6,800	542 N·m (400 lbf·ft) @ 5,500	306 km/h (190 mph)	4.7 secs
Vanquish S	2004-07	5.9-litre (5935 cc) V12	6-sp automated man	520 bhp (388 kW; 527 PS) @ 7,000	577 N·m (426 lbf·ft) @ 5,800	321 km/h (199 mph)	4.5 secs

Second generation (2012–)

Vanquish
Overview
Production	2012–present
Assembly	Gaydon, England
Body and chassis
Class	Grand tourer (S)
Body style	2-door coupe 2-door convertible (soft top convertible)
Layout	Front mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Platform	VH Generation4
Powertrain
Engine	V12, 5,935 cc (5.9 L; 362.2 cu in)
Transmission	Rear-mid mounted, six-speed Touchtronic2 automatic (2012-2014)/ Eight-speed Touchtronic3 automatic (2014- )
Dimensions
Length	4,720 mm (185.8 in)
Width	1,905 mm (75.0 in)
Height	1,280 mm (50.4 in)
Curb weight	1,739 kg (3,834 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Aston Martin DBS V12

Project AM310 Concept (2012)

It is a concept car based on the fourth generation VH platform. It included a tweaked version of Aston's familiar grille and headlight design and a more pronounced bulge in the bonnet – with the real One-77-inspired flourishes saved for the sides and the rear, Aston side vents run almost to the door handles (from One-77), new rear light design from One-77, 5.9L V12 engine rated 550PS.

Aston Martin unveiled the Project AM310 Concept at the 2012 Concorso D’Eleganza at Villa D'Este on the shores of Lake Como, Italy.^[5] Aston Martin later announced that the concept would be put into production as the all new Aston Martin Vanquish.^[6][7][8]

Vanquish (2012–)

2012 Aston Martin Vanquish rear view

The exterior styling of the Vanquish is an evolution of the DBS with many styling cues such as the elongated side strakes being inspired by the Aston Martin One-77. The boot lid includes an integrated rear spoiler designed to look as if it is impossible to make; this was done on the orders of Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr. Ulrich Bez. The car has an exposed carbon fibre skirt showing its all carbon fibre body. The Vanquish uses the new Generation 4 VH chassis which is lighter and uses more carbon fibre than the Generation 2 VH used in the DBS.^[9]

The car features an all new interior based on the one found in the exclusive One-77. The standard interior is trimmed in hand stitched leather and alcantara available in a range of colours. The centre stack features an improved infotainment system over the one found in the DBS.^[10] The car is available as either a 2-seater or 2+2.^[11]

The Vanquish uses an upgraded version of Aston Martin’s flagship AM11 V12 engine with a power output of 573 PS (421 kW; 565 bhp) at 6,750 rpm and torque of 620 N·m (457 lb·ft) at 5,500 rpm. Like most Aston Martins, the engine is front mid mounted with the power going to the rear wheels. It uses a fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves. The Vanquish uses an updated Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic gearbox. It will be the first Aston Martin available with launch control.^[11] The combined space of cabin and a boot that, at 368 litres, is more than 60% larger than that of the DBS.^[12]

The brakes are ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 398 mm (15.7 in) six-piston callipers in the front and 360 mm (14.2 in) four-piston callipers in the rear. The suspension is a lightweight aluminium front subframe with hollow castings with independent double wishbones incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar, and monotube adaptive dampers in the front and independent double wishbones with anti-squat and anti-lift geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar, and monotube adaptive dampers in the rear. It has a three-stage adjustable adaptive damping system including normal, sport and track modes. The tires are Pirelli P Zeros, 255/ZR20 in the front and 305/30 ZR20 in the rear.^[13]

The vehicle was unveiled in the London Film Museum, Covent Garden,^[14] followed by 2012 Monterey Car Week.^[15] Deliveries to UK and Continental Europe began in late 2012.^[16]

In August 2014 Aston Martin revealed technical modifications to the Vanquish. The changes include a new eight-speed Touchtronic III gearbox and upgraded AM29 568 bhp V12 engine. This makes the new Vanquish faster, with a top speed of 201 mph (324 km/h) and a 0–60 time of 3.6 seconds.

Vanquish Volante (2013–)

In 2013 Aston Martin launched a convertible version of the Vanquish, called Volante. The Volante includes fully carbon fibre-skin, triple-skin lightweight fabric roof, boot 50% larger than previous DBS Volante, third generation Brembo 398 mm × 36 mm front and 360 mm × 32 mm CCM rear Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brake discs, six-piston front (from One-77) and four-piston rear brake callipers. The Vanquish Volante is 13% torsionally stiffer than the outgoing DBS Volante. The carbon fibre-skin from Vanquish Volante was created by the engineering team at Aston Martin.

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.^[17] Delivery to Europe began in late in 2013,^[18] with deliveries to the Americas in early 2014.^[19]

Technical specifications

Model	Year	Engine displacement	Transmission	Max. motive power @ rpm	Max. torque @ rpm	Max. speed	Acceleration 0–60 mph
Vanquish coupé	2012–14	5.9-litre (5935 cc) V12	6-sp auto	565 bhp (421 kW; 573 PS) @ 6,750	620 N·m (457 lbf·ft) @ 5,500	295 km/h (183 mph)	4.1 secs
Vanquish Volante	2012–14	5.9-litre (5935 cc) V12	6-sp auto	565 bhp (421 kW; 573 PS) @ 6,750	620 N·m (457 lbf·ft) @ 5,500	295 km/h (183 mph)	4.1 secs
Vanquish coupé	2014–	5.9-litre (5935 cc) V12	8-sp auto	568 bhp (424 kW; 576 PS) @ 6,650	630 N·m (465 lbf·ft) @ 5,500	324 km/h (201 mph)	3.6 secs
Vanquish Volante	2014–	5.9-litre (5935 cc) V12	8-sp auto	568 bhp (424 kW; 576 PS) @ 6,650	630 N·m (465 lbf·ft) @ 5,500	317 km/h (197 mph)	3.8 secs

Special editions

Centenary Edition Vanquish (2013)

The Centenary Edition is a 100 unit limited version of Vanquish commemorating 100 years of the Aston Martin company, unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.^[20] Changes include unique graduated paint finish, solid sterling silver Aston Martin wings badges with tailored 'trans flux' enamel inlay, a special Aston Martin hallmark, leather interior upholstery from Aston Martin One-77 with contrasting silver stitching, a silver thread embroidery of the Aston Martin wings in the head restraints, solid sterling silver sill plaques individually numbered with an Aston Martin hallmark, a unique presentation box containing a number of exclusive gifts to mark the first 100 years of the company (two glass keys, two bespoke key pouches made from leather matching the car's interior trim, solid silver cufflinks featuring the Aston Martin script, solid silver Rollerball pen, Bang & Olufsen headphones, a silver polishing cloth).^[21][22]

Neiman Marcus Edition Vanquish Volante (2013)

A limited edition model of 10 cars were produced and named after the US department store Neiman Marcus. Based on the US market Vanquish Volante, designed by the company's bespoke customisation arm; Q by Aston Martin. The design was inspired by the 1969 DB6 Volante owned by HRH Prince of Wales. The vehicle was unveiled in 2013 Pebble Beach Automotive Week, followed by 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show^[23] with delivery scheduled for early 2014.^[24]

Marketing

As part of Aston Martin's 100th anniversary celebration, a Vanquish was airlifted onto the helipad of the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on January 17, 2013 using an AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter.^[25][26]

References

1. "James Bond 007 – Die Another Day". 007.info. 18 November 2002. Retrieved 20 March 2011.
2. "The Italian Job's Mini Cooper S named best film car". Autotrader.co.uk. 11 April 2008. Retrieved 20 March 2011.
3. "Geneva 2004 – Bertone Jet 2 Concept – Automobile Magazine". Automobilemag.com. 13 December 2010. Retrieved 20 March 2011.
4. "2005 Aston Martin Zagato Vanquish Roadster – AutoWeek Magazine". Autoweek.com. 17 May 2004. Retrieved 20 March 2011.
5. "Project AM310 Concept".
6. "Aston Martin Vanquish".
7. New Aston Martin Project AM310 concept previews new Aston DBS
8. 2013 Aston Martin DBS Previewed by AM310 Concept
9. "Aston Martin Vanquish Exterior".
10. "Aston Martin Vanquish Interior".
11. Delorenzo, Matt (August 2012). "2014 Aston Martin Vanquish". Road & Track 63 (12): 14–15.
12. Aston Martin unveils its new hero: the Vanquish
13. "Aston Martin Vanquish Specs".
14. EXCLUSIVE DEBUT FOR ASTON MARTIN VANQUISH
15. ASTON MARTIN VANQUISH SET TO STAR IN MONTEREY
16. "Vanquish - Model Information".
17. Aston Martin Vanquish Volante to bow at Pebble Beach
18. Aston Martin Vanquish Volante: the ultimate convertible super GT
19. 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante drops its mind-blowingly beautiful top
20. Aston Martin Vanquish Centenary Edition Shines in Geneva
21. Aston Martin Vanquish Centenary Edition sparkles in silver
22. 100 YEARS OF ASTON Martin
23. Aston Martin Vanquish Volante Neiman Marcus makes holiday shopping easy, expensive
24. LICENSE TO THRILL
25. "A helicopter airlifts the Vanquish onto the helipad of the Burj Al Arab hotel as part of Aston Martin's centenary celebrations in Dubai". Reuters/Yahoo!. 2013-01-17. Retrieved 2013-01-18.
26. Croucher, Martin (2013-01-18). "Dh700,000 Aston Martin lands on Burj Al Arab heli-pad to mark centenary". The National. Retrieved 2013-01-18.

External links

• Official Aston Martin Site