MOTORING
Does it make a nice noise? Start it up and there’ s a typically exciting V12 woofle. It’ s hardly subtle. Crucially though, it’ s more‘ real’ than some other start-up explosions. All real noise, not artificial stuff. As I’ d later discover, Aston’ s enhanced this throughout the rev range, so the noise is even richer and more delicious on the move. Like watching a 60s driving movie in surround-sound cinemascope. Lovely.
What were your first impressions? First impressions were of a lovely, elegant V12 GT supercar. These machines can be intimidating: not the Aston. Sure, it’ s low, wide, potent-feeling and so expensively-crafted you almost fear taking it onto public roads in case someone lunges at you. But this only adds to the feeling of knowing where your £ 200k goes. There’ s something else, too: so-called‘ zero backlash’ tech in the gearbox makes the eight-speed transmission feel even tighter and shift gear even more impeccably. You subconsciously notice this: it adds to the sophistication and quality.
Obvious question … is it fast? 0-62mph takes 3.5 seconds and Aston’ s targeted a 201mph top speed. So it’ s fast, yes, but not massively faster than the already-fast Vanquish. One thing Aston has been careful to retain is that 200mph-plus top speed – something the extra drag from its new aero kit put at risk. Cleverly though, this is actually more aerodynamically sleek than the standard car.
Is it now too fast? The power hike is mild, so it’ s not colossally faster than the Vanquish. The extra power is felt less than the improvement in pulling power. It has the same torque, but it’ s delivered across a fuller rev range – even though it’ s not turbocharged, it’ s been given a bit of turbo-like depth. It’ s faster, but it’ s actually easier to drive – and, as proven on the wintry roads of the test drive, a subtle and very progressive traction control system is there to help you out when things get slippery …
How does it feel different to a regular Vanquish? The regular Vanquish is a fine car but this one perfects it. Revisions to the suspension, led by ex-Lotus R
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