New 2019 Aston Martin Vantage Debuts With 503-HP AMG V8
The new 2019 Aston Martin Vantage has debuted with a radically different design and an AMG-sourced 4.0-liter V8.
The twin-turbo V8 outputs 503 horsepower and 505 pound-feet of torque and sends power to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic ZF transmission. Aston Martin says the new Vantage has a perfect 50:50 weight distribution and a dry weight of 3,373 pounds. All in, the sports car can get from zero to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and onto a top speed of 195 mph. Expect a V12 model and a seven-speed manual transmission option to debut in the future as well.
The new Vantage is also the first Aston Martin with an electronic rear differential. The new system can switch from fully open to 100 percent locked in milliseconds, which, combined with brake-based torque vectoring, will help the car feel more both stable in a straight line and more agile and responsive in corners.
ALSO SEE: 2018 Aston Martin DB11 V8 Review
The previous generation Vantage was starting to look stuffy and dated, and the major redesign helps this new Aston look more like a sports car than a grand tourer. The British automaker is trying not to give off country club vibes anymore and its new neon Lime Essence color helps the cause and might help make it more popular with younger buyers. The new front end is dominated by a massive grille, new headlights, and a stance that’s inspired by the Valkyrie hypercar.
Much improved aerodynamics are also part of the equation with a new front splitter, rear diffuser, redesigned side gills, and rear deck lid that all work together to make this the first production Aston to actually generate downforce.
Inside, the interior is luxurious as always but also more aggressive than before with a new dashboard layout with carbon fiber accents used throughout and sharper, less organic lines. Drivers interact with the all-new infotainment system and HVAC controls via rotary knobs, toggle switches, and a new central touchpad/rotary dial setup that looks a bit like the ones used in new Mercedes cars.
Deliveries of the 2019 Aston Martin Vantage are scheduled for the third quarter of 2018 and pricing in the U.S. starts at $149,995. The Vantage’s main competitors are the Porsche 911 and Mercedes-AMG GT.
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Jodi has been obsessed with cars since she was little and has been an automotive journalist for the past 12 years. She has a Bachelor of Journalism from Ryerson University in Toronto, is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and a jury member for the prestigious North American Car/Truck/Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY). Besides hosting videos, and writing news, reviews and features, Jodi is the Editor-in-Chief of AutoGuide.com and takes care of the site's day-to-day operations.
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Finally the Aston Martin has arrived with a high tech AMG engine to the 21st century. And I have to say It's even better looking than the DB11 itself! And the interior, oh my god it is a BIG step forward. But a lime color? Really? It's an elderly gentleman car, not for fucking rich kids.
As a diehard Aston fan, this is car is a major disappointment...both inside out side. The new "angular less organic" dash and center console are no longer elegant and actually is rather proletariat and bland not befitting a GT of car in this price segment. The face is confused, ugly and downright cheap looking. The rear tail light design reminds me of a certain Chrysler product and the overdone heavy looking lower back end is hideous..managed air flow or not. And who thought puke green paint would be a great idea for the introduction of the car? Trouble is that the photographed silver/gray painted model doesn't fix the front and rear design foibles. Sad...well, I can't afford it anyway.