AUTO
E ROTIC A
In Aston Martin’s corner sits
the enhanced 2015 Vanquish,
a model most notable for its
appearance in the 2002 Bond
blockbuster, ‘Die Another Day’
supremacy of their respective cars. As such, a comparison of their flagship
models is warranted.
In Aston Martin’s corner sits the enhanced 2015 Vanquish, a
model most notable for its appearance in the 2002 Bond blockbuster,
'Die Another Day'. Following the introduction of a raft of new features to
satisfy even the most demanding supercar aficionado, the revival of the
Vanquish looks complete.
'This has been a detailed piece of work involving careful
consideration of many technical parameters including gear ratios, software
integration and shifting strategies. This has delivered a significant step
change in both vehicle performance and economy whilst preserving the
unique Aston Martin V12 driving experience,' says Ian Minards, Product
Development Director at Aston Martin.
Equipped with a new-generation AM29 V12 engine, the 2015
Vanquish is the most powerful GT production engine in Aston Martin’s
history, spewing out a behemoth 568bhp and a screaming top speed of
201mph. For the dragster, the new model goes from 0 to 60 in just 3.6
seconds, cutting a whopping 0.5 seconds from its previous time. Perhaps
the biggest change is the introduction of a ZF 8-speed transmission,
which provides a gear for every occasion.
Stats aside, what’s it like to drive?
Well, experiencing any Aston Martin feels ceremonious. From the
moment you slide into the full-grain Luxmill leather interior, to placing the
logo-embossed, crystal key in the ignition, you’re honouring an automotive
heritage that few other brands can replicate.
Even though the Vanquish may not be considered a hard-core
thrill-seeking machine compared to other bristling engines in the same
class, the car remains plenty capable of delivering the supercar experience.
Start the engine and the V12 snarls like a disgruntled bear, ready
to unleash its aggression on the open road. Imagine the Scottish
highlands, with its magical, high-speed roads, as the perfect setting for
a scorching run with this car. Accelerating through sweeping curves, the
Vanquish leaves a bloodcurdling vocal signature in its wake, drawing
head turns aplenty.
In addition to fantastic performance, the car is a highly useable,
everyday commuter. It’s a genuine grand tourer after all, taking its roots in
Aston Martin’s long participation in grueling 24-hour endurance events
like Le Mans. The Vanquish, with its rejuvenated aesthetic, begs not only
to be driven around town, but also across continents, such is its comfort.
What’s more, Aston Martin zealots can pilgrimage in style.
The space-age carbon fibre of the chassis cuts razor sharp lines against
the skyline, flowing elegantly from a menacing grill at the front to slit-eyed
taillights at the rear.
The future for the Vanquish looks bright. With a recent investment
by Daimler (owners of Mercedes), Aston Martin will access much needed
resources to fuel its lofty ambitions and continue its impressive cachet in
the bespoke supercar niche.
2105 Aston Martin Vanquish
In comparison, how does the Ferrari stack up against its
impressive foe? Well Ferrari’s creator, Enzo, would undoubtedly be
mighty proud of its latest offering, the F12Berlinetta. It even sounds good
– more fighter jet than car.
And honouring their strong racing tradition, Ferrari has produced
another technical masterpiece. With more than 5,000 victories on the
world’s tracks and roads, the Italian firm has used high-stakes racing
competitions as a playground for technological advancements that
eventually find their way into the road-going fleet.
The goods under the hood speak for themselves. The 6.3 litre,
naturally aspirated V12 engine pours out a gargantuan 730 horsepower,
yielding a top speed of 211mph. The time it takes this beast to go from 0 to
60 mph will give you goosebumps – 3.1 seconds, assiste d by a Formula
One-style transmission.
bridge', which funnels wind through small vents and along the doors for
added downdraft and traction. As a car that demands attention, many F12
patrons will revel in their popularity with the car paparazzi every time they
nip out for a morning paper.
In the F12, Ferrari has created something special – a car that makes
you want to sell your house, personal possessions and possibly even
children to own. So, which marque will be top of the podium in 2015?
Well, both pull strong punches with these exquisite machines.
Ultimately, it boils down to individual taste. 'I would drive a Ferrari over an
Aston Martin any day,' says Cullen. 'But if I took one car home to my
girlfriend, she would choose the refinement of an Aston Martin.'
So there you have it. The Formula One glamour of Ferrari versus
the 007 sophistication of Aston Martin. Two beautiful sports cars, with
very different styles. The choice is yours.
A crescendo of raw, machine-gun engine noise accompanies
every twist and turn, leaving you feeling like Sebastian Vettel as you power
out of a corner. While Ferrari state that the F12 represents a mix between
supercar and grand tourer, it’s hard to think of it as anything other than a
road-modified Formula One racing vehicle, such is the thrills and
excitement that accompanies every drive.
And it’s the very technical trickery of this prancing horse that
makes you feel you’re ready for the track. The onboard computer
programming is so advanced to be forgiving to the inexperienced driver,
and as you toggle between the F12’s five drive modes you can bask in the
glory of your precision driving.
At first glance, the F12 resembles a sci-fi foray into a futuristic
world, a George Orwell creation perhaps. The car’s aggressive shark-like
nose signals its need for speed, and gives rise to a cutting-edge 'aero
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