By Gabriel Vega
–
February 11, 2024
The 2025 Aston Martin Vantage Is More Than A Refresh
Although spy shots published over the last 12 months hinted at the 2025 Aston Martin Vantage being, like the DB12, more of a refresh than an all-new car, no one could've predicted just how far the British marque would push it. Today's announcement officially unveiling the car confirms that Aston didn't just lightly update the Vantage. Instead, it implemented a long list of significant changes, all in the pursuit of turning its sports car into a proper driver's car.
The new Vantage sets out to correct the shortcomings that kept its predecessor from becoming a true segment leader. Its twin-turbo V8 now produces a massive 656 horsepower while its suspension and chassis receive major revisions to handle the extra output. Inside, its cabin gets a ground-up redesign, complete with a tech suite that finally allows the Vantage to compete with the industry's best. On the outside, Aston's sports car benefits from heavily restyled bodywork that delivers a more aggressive take on the brand's elegant styling cues.
On paper, it seems Aston Martin has given the new Vantage plenty of firepower to be more than just competitive.
Although the 2025 Aston Martin Vantage carries over some of its predecessor's bodywork, like portions of its rear end, its front sports a clean-sheet design. Aside from its body being 1.2 inches wider than that of the car it replaces, Aston adorned it with a front grille that is 38 percent larger, improving airflow by 29 percent. Two smaller intakes flank it and route cool air to this car's redesigned cooling system.
A new set of Matrix LED headlights, a redesigned hood, and wider fenders round out the exterior changes up front. The Vantage now comes standard with 21-inch wheels to support its more aggressive bodywork. Along the sides of the car, a prominent body line contours the air as it exits the front wheel well, accented by frameless door mirrors and redesigned presenting door handles. Towards the back, the Vantage gets a wider rear bumper with larger air vents and bigger exhaust tips.
As we've seen with other luxury brands, Aston Martin expanded customization options through its Q program, allowing buyers to create more unique builds. These options build on top of the Vantage's 21 standard colors.
The new Vantage carries over its predecessor's twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. However, thanks to larger turbochargers, modified cam profiles, updated compression ratios, and a redesigned cooling system, it now develops 656 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. That's 153 hp and 85 pound-feet over its predecessor, confirming that some of the engine upgrades that make the DBX 707 so powerful have begun to trickle down.
The Vantage remains a rear-wheel drive-only sports car. A ZF eight-speed automatic sends all of its power to the back tires, allowing it to sprint to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and top out at 202 mph. Performance stats aside, Aston shortened its final drive ratio to improve acceleration and driver enjoyment. Meanwhile, a new launch control system, coupled with an electronic differential, allows drivers to dial in how much wheel slip they'd like via a new adjustable traction control system.
The outgoing car's greatest limitation was its handling. Although the previous Vantage produced tons of power, it struggled to put down or confidently tackle twisty roads. In response, Aston significantly stiffened the Vantage's chassis with components that link its front suspension towers like its updated engine cross brace. The rear towers receive a similar treatment and revisions to the car's front and rear undertrays. According to Aston, these updates give the new Vantage a 50:50 weight distribution and improved handling balance and driver feedback.
To capitalize on the added torsional rigidity, the Vantage receives Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers, an electronic rear differential, and model-specific Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tires measuring 275/35 upfront and 325/30 in the rear. 15.8 and 14.2-inch cast-iron brakes come standard, along with a retuned brake booster to deliver a firmer pedal and improved response. Carbon ceramic brakes are available as an optional extra and reduce unsprung weight by around 60 pounds.
Inside, the 2025 Aston Martin Vantage sports a completely redesigned interior. Styled similarly to the DB12's this new cabin sports new seat options, a vastly updated tech suite, and improved materials.
As standard, the Vantage benefits from a new 10.25-inch central touchscreen that finally supports Apple CarPlay connectivity, although the carmaker has yet to announce Android Auto compatibility. It runs Aston's new in-house infotainment system, which first debuted in the DB12. The angled center display complements a new digital instrument cluster and a redesigned center console that benefits from a more streamlined layout.
Calling the 2025 Aston Martin Vantage just a refresh is an understatement. The British carmaker has gone to great lengths to update this car's exterior styling, powertrain, and cabin, creating an all-new car without technically doing so. Although the carmaker has yet to announce official pricing figures, the Vantage is expected to enter production in Q1 2024 with deliveries expected to begin in Q2 2024.
