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The original Aston Martin Vanquish was actually called the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish. The second generation, was simply called Aston Martin Vanquish. Nevertheless, for the purpose of this article, we will refer to the 2013 to 2018 Aston Martin Vanquish as Vanquish 2.It is a model that we have coveted from the moment it was released. As we approach an era of a new Super GT coming to the Aston Martin range, we look back what made the Vanquish 2 so special.
Released in 2013, it was the second Aston Martin super GT to use the Aston Martin VH platform philosophy. It was considered phase 4 of the VH project. Therefore, we should start by discussing the VH philosophy. It is called a philosophy because it refers to a way of making vehicles rather than, strictly speaking just the chassis/platform. VH stands for vertical/horizontal. The vertical element refers to the models within which the VH platform could be adapted to. Essentially, covered everything in the Aston Martin range at that point; V8 Vantage, DB9, DBS, Rapide and Vanquish. With the strength and rigidity of the platform, it also meant that convertible variants were relatively simple to engineer on the same basis…..as were race cars!
The horizontal element refers to the components that could be shared across model lines including engines, dashboards, suspension etc. Essentially, the VH philosophy allowed a small manufacturer like Aston Martin to build a diverse model range with distinctly different characters all based around some superb core chassis and component ingredients.
And so in 2013, the Vanquish 2 was introduced to the world. It was considered the pinnacle Aston Martin’s sports car line-up. The breath-taking “super grand tourer” represented the zenith of Aston Martin design and engineering. It had a significantly upgraded 6.0-litre (technically 5.9) V12 engine that created 565bhp.It, of course, made a noise that was commensurate with the incredible aesthetics.
The design was intended to represent the latest take on Aston Martin's iconic visual language. Styling cues such as the elegant new waist, elongated side strakes and LED rear light blades were derived from the One-77 supercar. You could even order a One-77 steering wheel as nod to the top dog. Unmistakably an Aston Martin, the design showed a clear and coherent lineage from its heritage while providing an equally clear pointer to the luxury car brand's vibrant future.
There were some lovely design details too such as the rear Aero Duct on the rear boot lid. This elegantly devised passive engineering feature was created to counteract lift at the car's rear when travelling at high speed. The significance was not just the functionality but the complexity of execution. It required a large number of man-hours to craft the intricate contours for each car, something that could only done in a low-volume, hand-crafted scenario.
At the launch, Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez said: "Today's Vanquish is the ultimate expression of Aston Martin design ethos, engineering innovation and technical ability. It offers luxurious, continent-crossing capability and pure driving excitement without compromise. "Bearing the same name as the iconic original Vanquish that did so much to cement Aston Martin's reputation as a maker of great GT cars in the modern era, I believe the car unveiled today once again puts this great British brand at the top of its class. "The new Vanquish mixes beautiful design with impressive technology such as the superb new infotainment system. This is the latest incarnation of everything we know, informed and developed from One-77. It is the ultimate Super Grand Tourer -- confident and assured -- and is the newest representation of Power, Beauty and Soul."
There was only one gearbox available from launch; the Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic gearbox. It suited the car perfectly. The V12 under the bonnet was the most potent production model yet, outmuscled only by the strictly limited edition £1.2m One-77 supercar. The raw statistics speak for themselves: 573 PS at 6,750 rpm, 620 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm, 0-62 mph in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 183 mph placed the Vanquish firmly into supercar territory.
Just as impressive was the fact that each body panel on the car was constructed from carbon fibre because of the high strength-to-weight ratio and flexibility of form. Meanwhile torsional rigidity was improved by more than 25%. Practical enhancements such as a newly designed and significantly more spacious cabin and a boot that, at 368 litres, is more than 60% larger than that of the DBS, ensure the new Vanquish can carry sufficient luggage for even the most ambitious grand tourist.
So what was the Vanquish 2 like? Well, it felt like a huge step forward from the DBS it replaced. Whilst core ingredients were not staggeringly different, it was the way they were sewn together that made it stand out. Firstly, the styling. The DBS was a hard act to follow but time has shown that the Vanquish has aged incredibly well. In fact, it could be said that it has got better with time.
The next thing that struck a chord was the usability. Aston Martin have always liked the phrase “breadth of ability”. This really referred to the fact that they inhabit the sweet spot in the world of sporting cars. Their cars could be refined, long distance tourers or you could dial in the aggression and enjoy near supercar levels of performance and agility. The Vanquish 2 seemed to push this dual personality further that anything else Aston Martin had previously made. It makes the Vanquish joyful to live with; comfortable and quiet day to day but with the ability to become super-dynamic when the mood takes you.
The other delight is the space. Vanquish 2 had one of the largest front cabins of anything in the Aston Martin range. Therefore, those of greater stature would always find that it was most accommodating and comfortable. This space extended to the boot which makes it ideal for long European tours.
We will go into the various versions of Vanquish 2 another time but we should address the 6 speed auto. We often get asked if the early Vanquish 2 should be avoided. In short, it absolutely shouldn’t. The early cars were strong and well built. Back to back, you undoubtedly feel the benefit of the new 8speed set up but the 6.0 V12 is so strong and flexible, it makes very good use of the 6 speed box. It is smooth, swift and timelessly beautiful. An early Vanquish 2 makes a fantastic buy and looks very good value in the market place.
Aston Martin Vanquish Specification Body
Two-door coupe body style with 2+0 or optional 2+2 seating
New generation bonded aluminium and carbon fibre VH structure
Aluminium, magnesium alloy and carbon-fibre composite body
Extruded aluminium door side-impact beams
Bi-xenon headlamps
LED light blade rear lamps and LED side repeaters Engine
All-alloy, independent quad variable camshaft timing, 48-valve, 5,935 cc V12
Compression ratio 11.0:1
Front-mid mounted engine, rear-wheel drive
Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves
Six three-way catalytic convertors
Max power: 573 PS (565 bhp) at 6,750 rpm
Max torque: 620 Nm (457 lb ft) at 5,500 rpm
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.1 seconds
Max speed: 295 km/h (183 mph) Transmission
Rear-mid mounted, six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic
Alloy torque tube with carbon fibre propeller shaft
Limited-slip differential Wheels and Tyres
Front: 9J x 20'' Pirelli P Zero 255/35 ZR20
Rear: 11.5J x 20'' Pirelli P Zero 305/30 ZR20 Steering
Speed-dependent electronically controlled rack and pinion power-assisted steering, 2.62 turns lock-to-lock. Column tilt and reach adjustment Suspension
Lightweight aluminium front subframe with hollow castings
Front: Independent double wishbone incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers
Rear: Independent double wishbones with anti-squat and anti-lift geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers
Three-stage adjustable Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with Normal, Sport and Track modes Brakes • Front: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 398mm diameter with six-piston calipers
Rear: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 360mm diameter with four-piston calipers
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Track mode
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Positive Torque Control (PTC)
Traction Control
Launch Control
Lightweight aluminium front subframe with hollow castings
Front: Independent double wishbone incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers
Rear: Independent double wishbones with anti-squat and anti-lift geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers
Three-stage adjustable Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with Normal, Sport and Track modes Brakes • Front: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 398mm diameter with six-piston calipers
Rear: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 360mm diameter with four-piston calipers
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Track mode
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Positive Torque Control (PTC)
Traction Control
Launch Control