Aston Martin is a brand in transition, and its future—with some help from Mercedes-AMG—looks promising. The brand recently invited us to drive its complete 2016 lineup and discover more about its cars. What we learned stretches from the brand’s newly added V8 Vantage GT base model to the stunning Vanquish flagship. But whatever you do, don’t call the V8 Vantage GT cheap.
Different Degrees
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT made its debut last year with an eye-popping $99,900 price before destination. The entertaining 2016 model we drove now starts at $107,825 including destination and a gas-guzzler tax. That’s right in line with many Porsche 911 models. “We don’t do cheap,” Aston brand communications manager Matthew Clarke says. “Just lesser degrees of expensive.”
The V8 Vantage GT functions as a reverse halo car, filling the showroom with people who might not have otherwise considered an Aston Martin, the automaker tells us. And once they’re in, they might just be convinced to consider a more expensive Aston. Beyond the V8 Vantage GT are the V8 Vantage, V8 Vantage S, and V12 Vantage S. There’s no non-S V12 Vantage model anymore because if you’ve decided to go all-out in the small Vantage with a 12-cylinder engine, why not go all the way?
Manuals: Still Alive at Aston
We’re not fans of Aston Martin’s automated manual transmission, so the V8 Vantage GT’s available six-speed manual serves as a good alternative (though there’s no hill start assist). Worldwide, 30 to 40 percent of all V8 Vantage sales are manual-transmission cars. When the DBS offered a manual, the take rate was 3 percent.
Real Clever, Aston
To celebrate the release of the latest James Bond movie, “Spectre,” Aston Martin revealed the DB9 GT Bond Edition. The car is painted in Spectre Silver; features 007 sill plaques, gun barrel embroidery on the rear seat divider, and other visual upgrades; and comes with a Globe-Trotter luggage case and an Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra watch with the purchase. The U.S.-market price before destination is $237,007.
You’re Too Late
Well, the U.S.-spec price would have been $237,007 before destination, but it’s sold out. Better luck with the next Bond-themed Aston Martin.
To 200 and Beyond
Most Aston Martins have a manufacturer-estimated top speed beyond 200 mph. And with speedometers that reach to 220 mph or even 240 mph (the DB9 GT’s speedometer is pictured), Aston Martin reminds drivers of this every time they look at the analogue speedometer, though there’s a digital display, too. The V8 Vantage models are exceptions. They’re good for 190 mph.
Shifting Your Mindset
Some potential Aston Martin customers might cross-shop a Bentley or another high-end car, but the automaker reminded us that the cross-shopping extends well beyond cars—these buyers could be also considering the purchase of art, a watch, property, or something else.
A Rapide Surprise
The best-selling Aston in China is the Rapide four-door hatch. Many wealthy Chinese consumers appreciate being chauffeured around in their cars, and although the Rapide isn’t especially spacious (it’s not designed to be an S-Class competitor), it has resonated with some buyers. Once the brand introduces a four-door SUV, we’re guessing that will instantly become the best-selling Aston around the world.
Vanquish in Eight Hours
After seeing every regular-series-production Aston Martin in the same parking lot at the same time, I found the new Vanquish to be the most beautiful. One of the best details is the panel behind the rear windshield—it slopes down beneath an integrated rear spoiler and takes eight hours to make before painting. Aston Martin has made the most of the same design language for many years now, but the aero duct is a cool design variation not (yet) found on other Astons.
A Closer Look
And if you ever find yourself in the same parking lot as a Vanquish, take a closer look at the taillights. Put them together, and Clarke says they just about form the wings of the Aston Martin logo. An even easier connection: The strakes inside the taillights match the strakes on the logo.
The 2+0: A New Segment?
Interestingly, the Aston Martin Vanquish comes standard as a 2+0 and not as a 2+2. As a two-seater, the Vanquish’s predictably not-spacious rear seats become a useful shelf for extra cargo. Of course, most customers opt for the rear seats.
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