Production versions of Aston Martin’s long-awaited new Vantage sports car will start arriving in New Zealand during July, and will cost just under $300,000.
It is the most radically changed road-going Aston Martin in decades, and replaces what has been the British marque’s best-selling model for more than a decade.
The new Vantage has a more aggressive appearance than the traditional street-going Aston Martin models, with a huge mesh grille dominating the front end of the car.
The Vantage has a predator-like appearance, is lighter, and the company says it will travel from zero to 100k/ph in just 3.5 seconds.
It is powered by a 4-litre V8 AMG engine that cracks and pops with the best of the traditional V8s.
Driven was among the first in the world to drive the street-ready production version of the car, during a launch in Portugal at the weekend.
Driving impressions must wait until an embargo is lifted next month, but we can reveal more about the car that is among the most eagerly anticipated new model launches of the year.
It is among seven new Aston Martin models promised by the company’s chief executive officer Dr Andy Palmer, before 2022.
He says each of the new models will extend the breadth and appeal of the brand, and attract new customers.
He says each of the models must have its own distinct identity.
“Differentiation is the key to our future success and ti attracting new customers to the brand,”
He says Aston Martin must become less reliant on the UK market and broaden its appeal internationally.
Among the new models will be an SUV, to be built at a new production plant being constructed in Wales. The DBX goes into production in 2019m and will go on sale during 2020,
Another new model will be an all-electric version of the Aston Martin Rapide luxury sports sedan, due to go on sale next year.
The company is also resurrecting the historic Lagonda brand, and the first models are scheduled to go on sale during 2021.
Driven was the only New Zealand motoring media to attend the Vantage launch in Portugal, and watch for extended coverage of the new car in coming weeks.