title：New Aston Martin Vantage Review: Road & Track Performance Deep Dive

content：Opening Hook

Are you searching for a sports car that blends daily drivability with track thrills? The new Aston Martin Vantage promises exactly that—with a 30% power boost and chassis upgrades that transform its performance. Autocar’s recent test drive (road and track) reveals whether this restyled icon lives up to the hype. After analyzing the video, I believe the Vantage strikes a rare balance between muscle and refinement.

content：Core Upgrades & Technical Foundations

The new Vantage’s biggest change lies under the bonnet: a heavily modified Mercedes-AMG 4L V8. Aston replaced key internals, fitted new turbos, and even changed the block (new part number) to push power from ~500hp to 656hp—a 30% jump. Torque now hits 510 lb-ft (800 Nm), giving it serious muscle.

Chassis improvements focus on local stiffness (nodal areas) rather than global. Longitudinal beams at the front are better tied together, and a new, stiffer yet lighter strut brace reduces flex. A boot strut brace adds further rigidity. Aston’s engineers explain this lets the adaptive suspension work more effectively—no slack in the chassis to absorb suspension movement.

Notably, there’s no active rear steer. Aston tested it but found it unnecessary for the Vantage’s length; the result is a more natural steering feel compared to cars with this feature.

content：Road & Track Performance Breakdown

On the Road

The Vantage shines on daily drives. It defaults to Sport mode—perfect for UK roads—with adaptive dampers that “breathe” over bumps (Aston’s term for a smooth ride). The steering is electrically assisted, with 2.2-2.4 turns lock-to-lock, medium weight, and a solidly mounted column (no bushing now, tuned for refinement).

Driving position is excellent, though visibility has quirks: a high window line and letterbox windscreen mean you sit “in” the car rather than “on” it. The 8-speed ZF auto (torque converter, not twin-clutch) handles the high torque smoothly, with short enough ratios for brisk progress.

On the Track

Track performance is surprisingly relaxed yet capable. Gear ratios are 5% shorter than the old Vantage, and the stability control has 8 adjustable stages (plus off). For bumpy circuits like Montblanc, Aston recommends Sport Plus dampers over Track mode (Track is best for smooth tracks).

At the limit, the Vantage has mild understeer (expected for a front-engine rear-drive car). But bleeding the brakes as you turn in shifts weight to the nose, creating a balanced feel. The engine’s mid-range torque lets you surf through corners without constant gear changes—ideal for maintaining flow.

content：Interior & Everyday Usability

The interior borrows heavily from the DB12, with high-quality materials and physical switchgear (a win for usability). Rotary dials for temperature and fan add a premium touch, and the carbon fiber steering wheel feels great.

A minor pre-production issue: the door pull felt loose, but Aston will fix this for customer cars. The driving position is adjustable, though taller drivers might want to raise the seat to see the bonnet better.

Everyday usability is solid—this isn’t just a track toy. The boot has enough space for weekend trips, and the ride quality in Sport mode means you can drive it to work without jarring.

content：Toolbox & Action Guide

Immediate Action Checklist

1. Test drive the Vantage in Sport mode to experience its balanced ride.
2. Try the Individual driving mode to customize dampers and throttle response.
3. Ask about the carbon ceramic brake option (improved feel and weight savings).
4. Test visibility by adjusting the seat to your preferred position.
5. Take it on a mix of smooth and bumpy roads to assess suspension adaptability.

Advanced Resource Recommendations

• Autocar Archive: Access 129 years of automotive reviews (including classic Astons) at magazinshop.com/autocar.
• Track Days: Choose smooth circuits like Montblanc for Track mode, or bumpy ones for Sport Plus.
• Aston Martin Owner Communities: Join forums to learn from other Vantage owners about real-world performance.

content：Conclusion & Engagement

The new Aston Martin Vantage is a triumph of balance—powerful enough for track days, refined enough for daily drives, and packed with character. Its 656hp engine and improved chassis make it a serious competitor to cars like the Ferrari Roma, but with a relaxed, approachable feel.

What feature are you most excited to try in the new Vantage? The 656hp engine, the physical switchgear, or the track-ready chassis? Share your thoughts in the comments below!