2022 Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition Review: Tweaking The Formula

Design | Consolation | Expertise | Efficiency | Security | Gas Economic system | Pricing | FAQs

With the present reputation of Method 1 within the US, fueled partially by the hit Nexflix present Drive To Survive, it will be straightforward for Aston Martin to slap F1 badges onto a road-going Vantage and name it a particular trim. However there’s far more to the 2021 Vantage F1 Version than meets the attention.

Whereas this mannequin positively stands out over the bottom coupe with its racy bodywork and matte paint job, Aston additionally upgraded the engine, suspension, and transmission to make it really feel sharper. After a while behind the wheel, it’s apparent that this automobile is worthy of its efficiency badging and its $162,000 price ticket.

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• Exterior Shade: Aston Martin Racing Inexperienced Satin
• Inside Shade: Phantom Grey/Lime Inexperienced
• Wheel Diameter: 21-inch

The Aston Martin Vantage is a good-looking car, with an athletic stance and crisp angles that give it archetypical sports activities automobile proportions. Signature Aston design parts be certain that it would not look overly generic, too. Different editors have criticized the Vantage’s “mesh mouth” grille – and that’s comprehensible. However visible tweaks to the F1 Version assist alleviate most of these gaping front-end qualities.

Horizontal strakes reduce the influence of the Vantage’s black gap–like entrance fascia, whereas the elimination of the protruding grille encompass leads to a cleaner, less complicated entrance finish. The ridiculous 20-spoke, 21-inch wheels are unique to this mannequin too – and is perhaps the most effective of the Vantage bunch – whereas “F1 Version” badges dot the outside and a frightening wing lives on the trunk lid. And if you may get the automobile as much as its 195 mile-per-hour high pace, that wing provides an additional 440 kilos of downforce.

The beautiful Aston Martin Racing Inexperienced paint is an F1 particular, accessible in each gloss and satin finishes, paired with darkish gray accents that stretch all the way in which from the hood to the trunk lid. Our tester – with the latter satin end – appeared completely beautiful in any gentle. However you can too get this mannequin in Lunar White and Jet Black when you’re feeling a bit boring.

The fundamental format would not stray removed from the overall Vantage formulation, which incorporates crystalized buttons for the shifter and twin air vents beneath an 8.0-inch display. However at the very least this Aston good points a number of options unique to F1 mannequin, like extra Alcantara upholstery on the middle console and door panels, new sport bucket seats with a neon central stripe, and neon-colored distinction stitching all through. All of it helps the cabin really feel extra premium.

• Seating Capability: 2
• Cargo Capability: 7.1 Cubic Toes

The bucket seats on this automobile are elegant. They comply with the contours of your physique like a glove, and the combo of leather-based and further Alcantara is a comfy combo that feels further tender and of the very best high quality. Including Alcantara to the middle console and door panels is a pleasant contact too, making for for a comfortable place to relaxation your elbows.

However as with many high-end sports activities vehicles, the Vantage has its drawbacks within the consolation division. This automobile is loud on the freeway, with the rear wing giving off extra wind noise, and since the rear springs are 10 p.c stiffer than on the usual Vantage, the F1 Version is harsher round city than a comparable Porsche 911.

That stated, the Vantage isn’t as back-breaking as you may suppose within the softest “Sport” setting; the trip is pliable over imperfect pavement. Sport Plus and Monitor modes change that, stiffening as much as cut back roll, however even with ultra-thin Pirelli P Zero tires (255/35 ZR21 entrance and 295/30 ZR21 rear), the Vantage is a tremendous day by day driver.

• Heart Show: 8.0 Inches
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay / Android Auto: No

That is the one space the place the Vantage falls brief. Aston makes use of a comparably tiny 8.0-inch show working an outdated model of the Mercedes-Benz COMAND infotainment system with poorly reskinned graphics – and it would not even supply Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Not less than the clickwheel controller makes all the pieces straightforward to navigate, contemplating the display itself is not touch-capable. However that is a small consolidation for an in any other case small show and an outdated interface.

By comparability, the Porsche 911 Turbo presents a good-looking 10.9-inch touchscreen show with attractive graphics and a concise setup. The Audi R8 does away with a central display solely, for instance, choosing a streamlined format solely throughout the digital cluster that we a lot choose. The Vantage’s digital cluster is primary solely presents a little bit of configuration. The Vantage isn’t class-competitive right here.

Our tester additionally comes outfitted with Aston Martin Premium audio system, which boosts the general audio expertise. Nevertheless it’s a lofty $2,000 by itself in comparison with another upgraded audio methods we have skilled that aren’t as individually dear. The Audi R8’s Bang & Olufsen sound system, for instance, outputs a greater sound.

• Engine: Twin-Turbocharged 4.0-Liter V8
• Output: 528 Horsepower / 503 Pound-Toes
• Transmission: Eight-Velocity Computerized

In contrast to another styling packages, the F1 Version presents extra than simply attractiveness. Powering this mannequin is a reworked model of the Vantage’s Mercedes-AMG twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. The output improves from 503 horsepower in the usual mannequin to 528 right here, whereas torque stays put at 505 pound-feet.

The eight-speed computerized transmission from the usual Vantage carries over, albeit with some slight re-tuning for faster shifts, and the suspension will get minor stiffening to assist address that further oomph. The rear spring charge is 10 p.c extra inflexible, and tweaks to the entrance management arms add extra destructive camber.

The F1 Version’s 60 time stays unchanged at 3.6 seconds in comparison with the usual Vantage, whereas the highest pace additionally retains at 195 miles per hour – which is spectacular given all that further aero. Though we did not spend any time with the Vantage F1 Version on the monitor, within the corners is the place this mannequin distinguishes itself from the usual model.

The stiffer springs and newfound destructive camber make this Vantage really feel a lot tighter. And the upgraded digital limited-slip differential yields higher management within the corners, which supplies this automobile its extra gusto. Diving right into a flip feels extra exact, too, due to the tighter and faster steering with higher on-center compliance. And with the $10,600 carbon ceramic brakes outfitted, though they’re a bit trickier to modulate round city, this Vantage stops in addition to it goes. All in all, flinging across the Vantage F1 Version is a totally fulfilling expertise.

• Driver Help Stage: SAE Stage 0
• NHTSA Score: Not Rated
• IIHS Score: Not Rated

On the earth of Aston Martin, collision avoidance options are an idea of the distant future. Neither the usual Vantage nor the Vantage F1 Version examined right here supply any form of energetic tools – ironic for a automobile that does security obligation at races all around the world.

If you happen to’re shopping for a Vantage, we perceive that energetic security in all probability isn’t a precedence in your buying listing. However when you have a look at the competitors – Audi R8 and Porsche 911 specifically – these two vehicles supply a complete suite of superior options.

• Metropolis: 18 MPG
• Freeway: 24 MPG
• Mixed: 20 MPG

Consider it or not, Aston’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 is surprisingly fuel-efficient – at the very least, in comparison with a few of the different vehicles on this class. Attaining 18 miles per gallon metropolis, 24 freeway, and 20 mixed, the Vantage beats the V10-powered Audi R8 (16 mixed) and Porsche 911 Turbo S (17 mixed). Predictably, premium gasoline is required in every of these autos.

• Base Value: $142,000 + $3,086 Vacation spot
• Trim Base Value: $165,086
• As-Examined Value: $177,686

The Aston Martin Vantage is definitely fairly inexpensive while you have a look at the competitors, asking simply $142,000 to start out (plus a steep $3,086 price of vacation spot charges). The Audi R8 V10 RWD prices $148,700 by comparability, whereas the outgoing McLaren 570S and Porsche 911 Turbo S ask $191,500 and $207,000, respectively.

The F1 Version is pricier, after all, nevertheless it nonetheless solely prices $165,086. The R8 V10 Efficiency with Quattro all-wheel drive is $201,295, and naturally, the McLaren and Porsche are pricier nonetheless.

With two lone choices outfitted, this automobile prices $177,686 as-tested. The carbon-ceramic brakes are the costliest add-on at $10,600, whereas the premium audio system is one other $2,000 on high of that. Nonetheless, although, $177,000 appears like a relative cut price for all that you simply get.

Positive, the Aston Martin F1 Version is probably not as highly effective or as technological as a few of the different vehicles on this class – however it’s method prettier. And while you mix these drop-dead-gorgeous attractiveness with tweaks to the engine and transmission, there’s loads of cause to think about this Vantage over a few of the extra apparent options.