Aston Martin AM 310 Vanquish

Aston Martin’s baby sports car has undergone a major transformation in terms of performance, design and luxury equipment. It borrows a lot from the most exclusive Aston Martin, the One-77, but still retains its compact looks and aggressive nature found in the previous model.  

Aston Martin AM 310 Vanquish

An elegant bright aluminium grill sits at the front as a restyled air splitter and side air intakes help boost its aggressive front look. Redesigned front bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights sit gracefully at each side of the front while two uniquely styled bonnet vents are visible on top of its low slanting bonnet. One-77 inspired waistlines are visible at each side. Matriculate lines flow from the side gills to its doors while 20 inch alloy wheels complete its majestic side design.

One-77 inspired rear

The sculpted roof flows to the rear where the LED light blade rear clusters inspired by the One-77 are visible. A rear spoiler sits just below the restyled rear windshield. Rear Aero Ducts are visible at the back while twin exhaust pipes pop out at each side of the diffuser. A near-continuous ring of carbon fibre is visible throughout the base of the Vanquish. It features on the splitter, side skirts and the imposing rear diffuser. Carbon fibre is also used on the body panels, door skin and the boot lid.

Visible carbon fibre skirt

Behind its aggressive carbon fibre air splitter is an all-new 6.0 litre V12 heart. The engine boasts of a reviewed engine block, an all-new dual variable valve timing system, an improved fuel pump and revised intake manifold that brings its total output to 565hp at 6,750rpm. It accelerates the ‘conquer’ from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.1 seconds. Top speed is achieved at 295km/h. Married to the V12 engine is a rear-mid mounted, six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic/sequential manual gearbox. It can be operated automatically by buttons located on the front dashboard or manually by paddle shifters located behind the multifunctional steering wheel. The car sits on an all new suspension.

One-77 inspired center facia

Its new lightweight aluminum suspension incorporates independent double wishbone technology on both the front and rear wheels. The suspension is controlled by a three stage adjustable Adaptive damping System. This lets the driver choose between three different driving modes. They are Normal (for everyday driving), Sport (for a slightly aggressive driving style) and Track mode (full aggressive driving style). Ventilated carbon ceramic disc, located behind the bold 20 inch alloy wheels, work together with ABS Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBD) to offer maximum braking power. Dynamic Stability Control is on hand to ensure the Vanquish remains stable at any given speed.  

Luxurious front cockpit

Just like its One-77 sister the new Vanquish boasts of a refined luxurious, roomy and comfortable interior. One can choose from different interior trim levels such as Weir Luxmil Leather, Semi-Aniline Leather and Alcantara. It has an all new innovative instrument cluster that conveys information through an improved Driver Information Module (DIM). The digital displays inside the instrument cluster have been revised and now show a permanent digital speedo and trip computer. A One-77 center stark retains its original elements such as the engine start button and gear selector buttons. It also has an all new infotainment system. The center facial is manufactured from a single piece of material. It hence has a uniform finish and no panel gaps.

Comfortable front heated sport seats

The driver grips a One 77 inspired multifunctional steering wheel as the redesigned heated sports seats provide a comfortable feel. They also ensure the driver remains well position to tame the beast under the bonnet. The interior is also roomier than ever before, providing a more spacious cabin for either two or four occupants. It also has sufficient rear luggage space and plenty of leg room for the front occupants. The new in-car infotainment system consists of a 6.5 inch LCD screen that rises from the center facia. Music from a 1000W Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 15-speaker audio system keeps occupants entertained. The system offers iPod and iPhone integration together with USB playback. It also has an AM/FM tuner, Bluetooth audio streaming, Wi-Fi hub and an optional six 6 auto changer. 

Now lives up to its name

The Vanquish has finally lived up to its name. It now has the bolder, aggressive and pretty characteristics that have haunted all Aston Martins. Prices for the Aston Martin AM 310 Vanquish start at base price £189,995 or Kshs. 24 million excluding taxes. Tick all the optional extras and that price shoots to unimaginable heights.