This is the first look at Aston Martin (opens in new tab)'s new flagship, the AM 310 Vanquish. Building on the classic lines and tried and trusted technology that has turned this old-school British manufacturer into one of the best known and most admired luxury brands in the world, the new Vanquish takes an old name and thoroughly reinvigorates it.
Sitting at the top of a family tree that includes out and out sports cars like the V12 Vantage and classic sporting tourers like the Rapide, the new Vanquish is pitched squarely at the supercar enthusiast who cares more about an all-enveloping experience than ultimate top speeds or acceleration.
That's not to say the Vanquish is a slouch - far from it - but it marks a shift away from statistics as the only signifier of excellence towards a more mature, confident demonstration of design excellence and technological expertise.
For a relatively small company, Aston Martin has always punched above its weight, and the Vanquish is no exception, gliding effortlessly into the upper echelons of our list of most beautiful cars on the market. The Vanquish takes a chunk of design inspiration from the already-legendary One-77, the strictly limited edition supercar that Aston has been building to special order for the past two years. The company's experience of ultra-bespoke manufacturing, especially with materials like carbon fibre, has been seamlessly transferred to the Vanquish (which is over a million pounds cheaper than its elder sibling).
Powered by a revised and improved version of Aston Martin's venerable V12 - the brand's long-standing core ingredient - the Vanquish is subtly but significantly improved in every area, from fuel economy to boot space, in-car entertainment, ergonomics and everyday practicality.
The Vanquish won't make it to public roads until the start of 2013, which is coincidentally Aston Martin's centenary year. Every effort has therefore been made to build a car that makes a statement, in a bold, beautiful and, above all, brilliant fashion. We'll report back from behind the wheel in due course.
The freshly-unveiled Vanquish marks a shift away from statistics as the only signifier of excellence towards a more mature, confident demonstration of design excellence and technological expertise for the brand
The company's experience of ultra-bespoke manufacturing, especially with materials like carbon fibre, has been seamlessly transferred to the Vanquish
Powered by a revised and improved version of Aston Martin's venerable V12, the Vanquish is subtly but significantly improved in every area, from fuel economy to boot space, in-car entertainment, ergonomics and everyday practicality
It takes a chunk of design inspiration from the already-legendary One-77, the strictly limited edition supercar that Aston has been building to special order for the past two years
Sitting at the top of a family tree that includes out and out sports cars like the V12 Vantage and classic sporting tourers like the Rapide, the new Vanquish is pitched squarely at the supercar enthusiast who cares more about an all-enveloping experience than ultimate top speeds or acceleration
-
Venice Architecture Biennale 2023: who, when, and what to look forward toAs we start gearing up for the Venice Architecture Biennale 2023, we explore what's in store for visitors at the world's famous celebration of building design
-
John-Paul Philippe presents ‘Ombre’, an evocative show at Cristina Grajales, New York
New York gallerist Cristina Grajales presents 'Ombre' by John-Paul Philippe (until 28 April 2023): the artist tells us about this new body of work, and finding inspiration in parakeets
-
Jacques’ wellness-promoting objects by Vincent Van Duysen explore functionality in mindfulness
Vincent Van Duysen and Jacques' founder Gregg Cohenca present a collection of versatile objects and furniture that encourage tranquillity and mindfulness
-
Peugeot’s sparky 308 gets hybrid power and handsome lines
The Peugeot 308 proves that mass-market design needn’t be dull, blending hybrid power with sharp lines and excellent detailing
-
BMW Motorrad brings out the big guns for its newest cruisers
BMW Motorrad R 18 Bagger and Transcontinental set the tone for high-voltage cruising with a brand collaboration with speaker specialist Marshall
-
Dacia’s new Manifesto concept is a true outdoor utility vehicle
Utilitarian auto brand Dacia sets a bold new agenda with its Manifesto, a concept car pitched at the active outdoor market
-
The sun sets on traditional supercars at California’s Monterey Car Week
Monterey Car Week, the world’s most prestigious car gathering, is showcasing ever-more extravagant special editions, coachbuilt cars and all-new electric concepts. Here are seven key machines from 2022
-
Is McLaren’s GT a sports car, a tourer, or the best of both?
The McLaren GT is a capable all-rounder dressed up in svelte supercar clothes. It might also be the last of its type
-
Rolls-Royce puts the Phantom back on its lofty pedestal
A mid-life refresh ensures the flagship Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II is at the top of its game, a last hurrah for traditional engines before an electrified future
-
Prodrive’s new racing simulator is shaped by Callum to be front of the grid
The racing simulator shapes up – this new design from Prodrive and Callum is honed for the high-end games room
-
The Cupra Formentor is a dark star for bright minds
For all its moody styling, the Cupra Formentor – from the SEAT spin-off brand – is a compact, swift and fun-to-drive crossover
