2025 Aston Martin Vanquish V12 GT Review
“How much horsepower does it have?” That was the first question from Aston Martin insiders when they learned iBestTravel just had a look at Ferrari’s new front engine gran turismo, the 12Cilindri, earlier this year. “818.” There were smiles all round, eyes glittering. “We’re good with that.” Now we know why. The twin-turbo 5.2-liter V-12 under the hood of the new Aston Martin Vanquish makes 824 horsepower and a thumping 738 lb-ft of torque. This Vanquish is not merely the most powerful front engine Aston Martin in history; it’s the fastest, too, with a claimed top speed of 214 mph. Furthermore, it steals bragging rights from Ferrari’s new flagship GT.
Design and Features
The new Vanquish looks like an Aston Martin, complete with an iconic grille, a long hood, and a low roofline that sweeps back to voluptuous haunches over the rear wheels. However, it has a character all its own, primarily because it rolls on a wheelbase that’s 3.15 inches longer than that of the DB12. The extra length extends between the base of the A-pillar and the front axle center line, giving it a touch more formality to the DLO at the C-pillar along with a bolder take on the Aston vent in the front fenders.
Grille and Aerodynamics
The grille is larger than that of the DB12 and Vantage, providing 13 percent more surface area to the airflow than the grille of the 760-hp DBS 770 Ultimate. This enhancement helps keep that potent V-12 cool. A panoramic glass roof is standard while a lightweight carbon fiber roof is available as an option, tinted to allow only six percent light transmission.
Bold Rear Design
The rear end is perhaps the boldest styling statement on the new Vanquish. Although not as extreme as the Kamm tail of the limited edition, manual transmission Valour, the Vanquish rear end is the most abrupt on a production Aston Martin since the 1967 DBS, capped by a semi-floating structure nicknamed the ‘Shield’ that can be finished in custom colors or carbon fiber.
Performance and Engineering
Underneath the gorgeous carbon fiber panels lies a bonded aluminum body structure, similar to that used for the smaller DB12 and Vantage. Additional underbody stiffening elements, plus a stiffer cross brace, deliver a 75 percent increase in lateral stiffness compared with the DBS 770 Ultimate. The suspension system employs multi-link front and rear, controlled by Bilstein DTX adaptive shocks and larger anti-roll bars. First utilized on the DB12, the Bilstein DTX shocks allow for precise tuning of the damping characteristics in three drive modes: GT, Sport, and Sport+. The electric power steering rack is designed to enhance feel, making driving more engaging.
Braking and Tires
The new Vanquish comes equipped with carbon-ceramic brakes, featuring 16.1-inch rotors at the front and 14.2-inch rotors at the rear. These brakes allow for fade-free performance at temperatures exceeding 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit while also reducing unsprung mass by 60 pounds compared to steel brakes. Standard wheels are forged 21-inch alloys, fitted with Pirelli P Zero tires specifically developed for the Vanquish, highlighting its dual identity as a ferociously powerful yet comfortable gran turismo.
Interior Luxury
Stepping inside the cabin reinforces the Vanquish’s mission statement. The interior is adorned with premium materials and high technology, with an array of screens and switchgear that are shared with the DB12 and Vantage. However, the Vanquish cabin boasts a horizontal center console, resulting in an increased sense of spaciousness.
Unique Features
Luxury elements unique to the Vanquish include the chrome horizon line across the dashboard and new quilting patterns on the standard Sports Plus seats. Optional saddle leather luggage sets are available, along with lightweight carbon fiber-shell Performance seats, further elevating the luxury experience.
Powertrain Details
The heart of the new Vanquish is its powerful V-12, a vital component for any Aston Martin flagship. According to Roberto Fedeli, the chief technology officer at Aston Martin, it was inconceivable for such a flagship to be powered by anything other than a state-of-the-art V-12. This engine is heavily based on the 5.2-liter twin-turbo V-12 that debuted in the 2017 DB11, but has seen significant reworking.
Engine Specifications
The block has been reinforced, while redesigned cylinder heads offer new intake and exhaust port geometries and repositioned spark plugs. The combustion chambers are fed by higher flow rate fuel injectors and turbochargers that spin 15 percent faster. An innovative ‘Boost Reserve’ feature accumulates boost pressure at part throttle, enhancing driver responsiveness.
Conclusion
The revamped V-12 propels power to the rear wheels via an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and an e-diff that transitions from fully open to 100 percent locked in just 135 milliseconds. This innovative engineering supports the Vanquish’s unique blend of power, agility, and luxurious comfort, confirming its position as the flagship of the front-engine Aston Martin lineup. Priced at $429,000, the new Aston Martin Vanquish is poised to compete directly with Ferrari’s 12Cilindri, raising the stakes in the grand touring category.
