The unveiling of the 2019 Aston Martin Vantage marked a bold step forward for Aston Martin, showcasing their commitment to innovation in the high-end sports car segment. This third-generation Vantage drew inspiration from its predecessors, which were renowned for their blend of elegance and performance, but aimed to set new benchmarks in the sports car world.
The 2019 Vantage was designed to not just meet the expectations set by its iconic lineage but to exceed them, offering a fresh and exciting driving experience.
At the heart of the new Vantage was a commitment to pushing the limits of what a sports car can be. It was powered by a potent 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, a significant departure from previous models, providing a combination of power and responsiveness. This engine was not just about raw power; it was a statement of Aston Martin's dedication to marrying performance with precision engineering.
The new Vantage wasn't just about what was under the hood. Its design was a head-turner, featuring a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette that was both modern and unmistakably Aston Martin. The car's aesthetics were not just for show; every line and curve was meticulously crafted to enhance performance, from reducing drag to improving downforce.
This attention to detail ensured that the Vantage was as stunning to look at as it was to drive.
Inside, luxury meets function in a stunning display of craftsmanship. High-quality materials and supportive, sculpted seats offer both comfort and a connection to the drive. An intuitive dashboard and sleek infotainment system ensure essential controls are at your fingertips, with extensive customization options available to reflect personal tastes.
The Vantage offers surprising space and practicality, making every journey comfortable.
Aston Martin also infused the new Vantage with the latest technology, making it a smart, agile beast on the road. It boasted advanced features that not only enhanced the driving experience but also ensured that drivers could harness the car's full potential with confidence and ease.
From its cutting-edge suspension system to the responsive transmission, the 2019 Vantage was a testament to Aston Martin's commitment to innovation.
Some of the Vantage competitors include the Porsche 911 GT3 and Mercedes Benz AMG GT, but the Aston Martin comes with British elegance and cutting-edge technology.
The launch of the 2019 Aston Martin Vantage was a celebration of the brand's storied history and a bold leap into the future.
Model Changes (Breakdown by Year)
2019 Aston Martin Vantage
The 2019 model is the first full year of production for the new Vantage, which replaced the previous generation Vantage.
Featuring a 4.0L V8 engine producing 503 hp made in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG mated to a 8-speed automatic transmission.
The beautiful exterior styling undeniably gives it a strong road presence. The starting base price was $152,000 slotting it right with the Porsche 911 GT3 and the Mercedes Benz AMG GT.
2020 Aston Martin Vantage
In 2020, Aston Martin introduced minor updates to the Vantage. Now on offer are carbon-ceramic brakes designed for exceptional heat resistance and minimal fade. These optional brakes also lighten the car by 53 pounds compared to traditional cast-iron rotors and come with an updated master cylinder and brake booster to shorten the brake-pedal distance.
Options include carbon-ceramic brakes, heated front seats, or heated and ventilated front seats.
The starting price for the Vantage was $156,000.
Moreover, for an extra $27,000, the exclusive 2020 Vantage AMR debuts, boasting a unique seven-speed manual transmission alongside distinct styling and features. The Vantage AMR comes equipped with a dog-leg seven-speed manual transmission, where the most commonly used gears are arranged in a double H pattern, similar to a traditional six-speed manual.
By forgoing the automatic transmission, not only is the driving experience made more authentic and engaging with the powertrain, but there's also the advantage of shedding 209 pounds in weight, enhancing performance.
Only 200 of the Vantage AMR was sold and the starting price was $183,000.
2021 Aston Martin Vantage
For the 2021 model year, Aston Martin introduces the eagerly awaited convertible variant to its Vantage range. Additionally, the coupe version is now available with a manual transmission, an option that was formerly exclusive to the track-oriented, limited-run AMR model. However, the newly unveiled roadster does not feature the manual transmission option.
Deciding between the Vantage coupe and the convertible proves challenging. The coupe model exclusively offers a manual stick shift, while the convertible variant provides the exhilarating experience of wind flowing through our hair and amplifies the magnificent roar of Aston's V8 engine.
Individuals preferring the coupe without the default manual transmission have the option to switch to an automatic for an additional cost of $7000.
The starting prices for the Vantage were $142,000 for the coupe and $150,000 for the roadster.
2022 Aston Martin Vantage
In 2022, Aston Martin unveiled the track-focused F1 Edition, an iteration of the Vantage equipped with a large rear wing and extensive aerodynamic enhancements, alongside specially adjusted suspension and engine improvements that elevate the horsepower from 503 to 528.
This edition introduces substantial chassis upgrades aimed at refining performance, including a comprehensive aerodynamic package with a full-width front splitter and underbody adjustments, creating an additional 440 pounds of downforce at maximum speed.
The modifications extend beyond aerodynamics, with the F1 Edition improving upon the standard Vantage through enhanced structural rigidity via stronger front-end bracing, revised damper settings, firmer rear springs, an optimized electronic limited-slip differential, and larger 21-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero summer tires, collectively enhancing the vehicle's driving dynamics.
Starting price for the F1 Edition is $165,000 and $176,000 for the roadster variant.
Beyond the introduction of the F1 Edition, the Vantage remains mostly the same as the prior model year.
2023 Aston Martin Vantage
The 2023 Aston Martin V12 Vantage marks a significant moment as the final iteration of its kind, blending Aston Martin's most powerful engine with its most compact sports car. This exclusive model, limited to just 333 units, quickly sold out, showcasing its desirability. In an era increasingly dominated by hybrid and electric vehicles, the V12 Vantage commands attention with its 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine.
This engine delivers 690 hp and 555 pound-feet of torque, channeling all that power to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drawing inspiration from the minimalist V12 Speedster, the car's design, and engineering focus heavily on high performance while not sacrificing driving dynamics and comfort, featuring a conventional plate-type limited-slip differential and either a coupe or roadster body style.
The performance of the V12 Vantage is as impressive as its specs suggest, offering a driving experience that is both fast and agile. This agility is supported by stiffened springs, an active exhaust system, and carbon-ceramic brakes that ensure pure stopping power.
Despite its capability for high performance, the V12 Vantage exhibits a more composed demeanor than its more aggressive V8 sibling, with a dynamic behavior that skews towards comfort, even when the suspension is dialed to firmer settings.
The optional carbon bucket seats might offer a sportier aesthetic, but they're noted to be less comfortable for long drives than the standard sport seats. Despite these minor issues, the car's aggressive design elements like the large rear wing hint at a spirited driving experience, yet its overall character remains true to Aston Martin's grand touring heritage, providing a luxurious blend of high-speed performance and stability.
The starting price for the V12 Vantage is $300,000.
Aston Martin Vantage Common Problems
Aston Martin typically hasn't been synonymous with reliability, often due to the broader perception that British cars lack dependability. However, the third generation might have shattered this stereotype.
Several owners have reported experiencing little to no problems with their Aston Martin Vantage models from 2019 onwards.
However, it is essential to keep in mind that all cars, even supercars, can have issues and it is crucial to perform a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) from an authorized dealer or experienced independent mechanic to reveal all issues.
Whining Rear Differential at Highway Speeds: A prevalent concern among owners is a noticeable whining noise emanating from the rear differential during highway cruising. This issue has been frequently cited as a significant annoyance, detracting from the otherwise smooth driving experience of the vehicle.
Coil Pack/Spark Plug Corrosion Leading to Misfire: Owners have also encountered problems with corrosion affecting the coil pack and spark plugs, which leads to engine misfires. To address this, the manufacturer updated the MB coil packs to incorporate a more robust insulator, designed to prevent water ingress and the subsequent corrosion issues. This problem was predominantly observed in the 2019 V8 models, indicating a specific vulnerability in these vehicles.
Touchy Brake Calibration at Low Speeds: The calibration of the brakes has been reported to be overly sensitive during slow speeds or when the vehicle is creeping, making smooth stops more challenging to achieve. This issue was particularly noted in a pre-production demo car, suggesting initial teething problems with the brake system's software. However, it has been mentioned that this issue was rectified through a software update applied during the production phase, improving the brake feel and responsiveness for production models.
Build Quality Below Expectations: Another point of contention for owners is the build quality, which has fallen short of expectations. The interior fit-and-finish, in particular, has been criticized for not matching up to the standards set by rivals, indicating areas where attention to detail and craftsmanship could be improved to enhance the overall luxury feel of the vehicle.
Recalls
2019-2020 Vantage vehicles
Air bags (Recall no. 20V604000)
Loose fasteners can cause the air bag to improperly deploy, increasing the risk of injury. The front seat air bag fasteners may not have been tightened correctly.
2019 Vantage vehicles
Air bags (Recall no. 19V806000)
In the event of a crash necessitating passenger air bag deployment, the air bag may not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury. The locking nut fasteners on the passenger air bag may not be tightened properly.
Maintenance and Ownership Costs
Aston Martins are not usually known for their reliability, but surprisingly, the Vantage stands out as an exception with very good performance and low maintenance requirements.
However, it is important to remember that regular maintenance and repairs will still be necessary, and the costs can vary depending on whether you take your car to a dealer or an independent mechanic.
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