title:New Aston Martin Vantage Review: Track, Road & Chassis Deep Dive
content:Is the New Aston Martin Vantage Worth Your £120k?
You’re eyeing the new Aston Martin Vantage, but wonder if it can outshine the Porsche 911 GTS or deliver the fun of a Ferrari. After analyzing this detailed test drive video, I’ll break down its track prowess, chassis tech, and road comfort to help you decide. The video covers everything from weight savings to handling balance, giving you a complete picture of this luxury sports car.
Track Performance: Balanced Fun & Precision
The Vantage’s 500hp V8 (tuned like the DB11 V8) delivers flat torque from 2000rpm, and the exhaust note is cranked up via three drive modes (Sport, Sport+, Track). Weight savings—10kg from forged wheels and 24kg from carbon ceramic discs—keep it agile at 1530kg dry.
On Portimao’s track, the car feels stable and playful with 50/50 weight distribution. Torque vectoring via braking eases turn-in, and the e-differential lets you slide just enough for fun. The ZF 8-speed auto (not twin-clutch) locks up quickly for responsive shifts, and column-mounted paddles (best after Ferrari) make manual mode a breeze.
Chassis Tech: Aluminium Strength & 50/50 Balance
The Vantage uses an all-aluminium structure (30% shared with DB11) with more castings/forgings for stiffness. Its wheelbase is 100mm shorter than the DB11, matching the Porsche 911’s length. A rigidly mounted rear subframe (vs DB11’s squishy mount) boosts lateral stiffness, making the car feel planted on track.
The e-differential is a key upgrade: it acts as a limited-slip diff for fun and unlocks easily for road agility. The engine sits behind the front axle, and the rear-mounted transmission balances weight perfectly—critical for its neutral handling.
Road Driving: Comfort & Practicality
On the road, the Vantage’s ride is smooth in normal suspension mode (Sport+ works too; Track is too harsh). The interior offers leather or alcantara trims, with decent storage (boot space and behind-seat room). Visibility is good, though the car feels wide (wider than a 911).
The exhaust note is a highlight—way better than the DB11’s flat sound. At £120k+, it’s pricier than a 911 GTS, but its crafted feel (handmade touches) and unique character justify the cost for Aston fans.
content:Toolbox for Potential Buyers
Actionable Checklist
- Test both track (alcantara) and road (leather) trims to feel the difference.
- Ask about weight-saving options (forged wheels, carbon ceramics) to boost agility.
- Check interior fit/finish on early models (some plastics may need refinement).
- Test the column-mounted paddles—they’re intuitive for manual mode.
Recommended Resources
- Aston Martin Official Site: Get exact specs and trim options.
- Top Gear: Compare the Vantage to Porsche 911 and Ferrari models.
- Car and Driver: Read independent road test data for real-world performance.
content:Final Verdict & Your Turn
The new Vantage stands out with its balanced handling, thrilling exhaust, and crafted interior. While pricier than the 911 GTS, its playful track character and road comfort make it a strong luxury sports car choice.
When considering the Vantage, which feature matters most to you—track fun or road practicality? Share your thoughts in the comments below!