Review: Aston Martin Vanquish (2002-07)

Review: Aston Martin Vanquish (2002-04)

Overview

Released in November 2002, the Aston Martin Vanquish was a two-door coupe. Manufactured in Newport Pagnell, UK, the rear-wheel drive Vanquish was powered by a 5.9-litre V12 petrol engine that was mated to a six-speed semi-automatic transmission.

Hand-built in Köln, Germany, the all-alloy 5935 cc V12 petrol engine had double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), four valves per cylinder, Visteon engine management, a compression ratio of 10.5:1 and a fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system. As such, the Vanquish could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds and had a top speed of 306 km/h. Furthermore, the six-speed electro-hydraulic transmission was controlled by steering wheel gearshift paddles and provided 250ms gearshifts; a fully-automated mode, however, was also available.

The Vanquish had an extruded aluminium and carbon fibre bonded monocoque, while Vanquish itself was 4665 mm long, 1923 mm wide, 1318 mm tall and had a 2690 mm long wheelbase; kerb weight was 1835 kg. The Vanquish had independent, double aluminium wishbone suspension front and rear with coil springs, monotube dampers and anti-roll bars.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Aston Martin Vanquish included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and traction control.

Brakes

The Aston Martin Vanquish had ventilated cross-drilled 355 mm front steel brake discs and ventilated 330 mm rear discs (both with four-piston calipers).

Features: Aston Martin Vanquish

Standard features for the Aston Martin Vanquish included 19-inch alloy wheels with 255/40 front and 285/40 ZR19 rear tyres, a thirteen speaker sound system with six-disc CD stacker, climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, electrochromatic rearview mirror, tyre pressure monitoring, trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser

The Vanquish was also fitted with a limited slip rear differential.

Related links

• Guide: Aston Martin DB7, V12 Vanquish and DB9 (February 2004)

Review: Aston Martin Vanquish S (2005-07)

Overview

Released in February 2005, the Vanquish S introduced a more powerful V12 engine and subtle cosmetic changes. Furthermore, the previously optional Sports Dynamic Pack was made standard, such that the Vanquish S was fitted with stiffer springs and dampers and shorter steering arms. The suspension also had a new front suspension knuckle assembly and new wheel bearing hub assembly, while revised steering geometry provided a 20 per cent quicker response.

The V12 engine had a new cylinder head casting with machined inlet ports and combustion chambers with revised profiles to improve airflow, new fuel injectors and spark plugs, higher grade materials for the piston connecting rods and a remapped engine management system. Combined with a revised final drive gearing (shortened from 3.69:1 to 4.3:1), the Vanquish S could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and had a top speed of 320 km/h.

Visually, the Vanquish S could be identified by its new alloy wheel designs, more rounded grille, redesigned front splitter and raised boot lid with a larger rear spoiler. Inside, there was Bridge of Weir leather upholstery.

Safety equipment

The Vanquish S was fitted with an upgraded braking package with grooved and ventilated 378 mm floating front brake discs with six-piston calipers and 330 mm rear discs; there were also new high performance brake pads.

Brochure

• Brochure: Aston Martin Vanquish S (November 2004)

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Aston Martin Vanquish