LONDON: Celebrating its return to Formula 1 for the first time in over 60 years, Aston Martin has released the new Vantage F1 Edition that is said to be the most track-focused production variant.
Sitting at the top of the Vantage model line-up, the Vantage F1 Edition is a direct result of the engineering work that went into the development of the Vantage as an Official Safety Car of Formula 1.
Available as Coupe and Roadster, the variant is the first core model to benefit from direct input from Aston Martin’s recently appointed Chief Executive Officer, Tobias Moers.
Its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, has been boosted by 25PS to a new maximum of 535PS.
While maximum torque remains unchanged at 685Nm, the peak is sustained for longer to further increase tractability and in-gear urgency.
The eight-speed automatic transmission gets an optimised torque cut during upshifts that reduces shift times and increases the feeling of directness and precision.
The suspension and steering with further detailed underbody modifications, increase front structural stiffness for a further improvement in steering feel and response.
The internals of the dampers have also been reworked to increase their effective force range.
The chassis also benefits from increased rear spring rate and lateral stiffness to help sharpen turn-in, increase traction (especially over bumps) and ensure the rear-end is tuned to compliment the front-end’s rate of response.
The wheel size is also bumped up from 20-inch on the regular Vantage to 21-inch as standard with low-profile tyres specially developed by Pirelli.
Completing the Vantage F1 Edition’s performance enhancements is a comprehensive aero kit designed to deliver positive front and rear downforce, totaling 200kg more downforce than the Vantage at top speed.
The aerodynamic changes comprise a full-width front splitter, front dive planes, underbody turning vanes and the new rear wing.
Distinctive colour palettes and trim options, including one that celebrates Aston Martin’s return to Formula 1 with an Aston Martin Racing Green colour scheme, mimicking that of the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team car, as well as the Official Safety Car of Formula 1.
Exterior paint colours are available in both a Satin or Gloss finish, and other colour options include Jet Black and Lunar White, all of which are complimented by a Solid Matte Dark Grey racing graphic.
Inside, the new Obsidian Black Leather and Phantom Grey Alcantara upholstery and trim come with a choice of Lime Green, Obsidian Black, Wolf Grey or Spicy Red contrast stripe and stitching.
Additional enhancements include vaned grille as standard, 2x2 Twill Carbon Fibre exterior detailing, unique graphics, quad exhausts and a new design of Satin Black Diamond Turned alloy wheels.
Recommended retail price starts from £142,000 in the UK and €162,000 in Germany with deliveries scheduled to begin in May.
