Vanquish S--------------------------------------

Calling the V12 'incredibly inefficient pumping out only 520hp out of 6.0L' is a bit harsh. Not everyone wants to pursue the same path as Ferrari (or Honda with the S2000 for that matter) of extremely high hp/L. While 100+hp/L is certainly a great achievement, unless there is some kind of forced-induction going on, it requires high rpms. That high hp/L usually brings with it a sacrifice of low end torque, because high rpms mean low torque. This is confirmed if you look at real world high revving engines (360 Modena has 275ft-lb, S2000 has 161ft-lb, and most motorcycle engines around half as much torque as hp). Don't forget, as engines grow in size it becomes more difficult to extract such impressive numbers (which shows just how great of an achievement the Enzo's 660hp V12 is), and 6.0L is quite large.

Sure you can look at it as Aston Martin being lazy, or you can look it as they wanted the V12 to be a less stressed engine, something of a different character than in the 360 Modena. Don't forget about the 575M, that engine 'only' produces 515hp from 5.7L, not much better hp/L than the Aston Martin, I guess that should also be considered an incredibly inefficient motor as well?

 

The DB9 vs. Vanquish arguement reminds me of the CL/SL65 vs. SLR arguement. Same performance, way different prices!

Atleast Aston put the more prestigous engine in the more prestigous car!

 

It's the same performance if you compare numbers only. We all know there is more to a driving experience that what can be expressed in digits. Much like there being more to a woman than her measurements and standardized test scores.

The DB9 is a smooth luxurious GT in the mold of the Bentley GT or Merc CL55/65. The Vanquish S is a driver's car, more along the lines of a Porsche GT2 or Ferrari 575.

(I agree the standard Vanquish does look a little pointless with the DB9 in the picture)

 

Vanquish Volante.

http://www.***************.com/frame.php?file=pic.php&imagenum=3&carnum=1932

 

That's the Zagato re-body. Different than a Vanquish Volante, which there are pics of floating around somewhere.

Anyone know if Aston Martin/Zagato will do a kind of "final series" Zagato? It looks good to me!

 

Go to this link to see clearer & Larger pics of the new Vanquish S

http://www.seriouswheels.com/top-2005-Aston-Martin-Vanquish-S.htm

 

Are you sure there is a Vanquish Volante ? I have never seen one. I know there is 1 or 2 Vanquish that have been cut but im sure AM never introduced a Vanquish Volante.

 

The production Volante is a DB9,not the Vanquish. There was a Vanquish volante that was a one off however.

 

I think there was also a DB7 volante, or maybe that was vantage, does anyone know?

 

Both


DB7 Volante ( 6 cyl )
DB7 Volante Vantage ( V12 )

 

Heh, thanks for clearing that up, guess I was right on both..

 

Yep, you are right but the DB7 is the outgoing model being replaced by the DB9 which we will check out in Tysons when it comes in!

 

The pics I've seen were prbably a photo shop, but regarless, it is different than a Zagato. I know they haven't built a Volante, I think the pics were a "what if"...

 

Good review. Thanks for the link.

 

In the flesh it's a different story but yes, the Aston's are more photogenic.


Forza,


Cavallini

 

Saw a Vanquish (not Vanquish-S) stopped at customs when going from Seattle up to Vancouver. Didn't get to hear it run though. Really is a great looking car, and it didnt even melt in the rain.