2025 Aston Martin Vantage - 665PS from a Twin Turbo V8

It doesn't feel like the current Vantage V8 design has been around for a long time. Perhaps that's because we're thinking about the long run of the previous design. Regardless, the 2025 Vantage is getting a somewhat subtle yet obvious upgrade, with the Vantage now looking more like the DB12 Super Tourer.

I wasn't really a fan of the current design, thinking it wouldn't stand the test of time like its predecessor. It appears Aston Martin shares my views, and the new design does elevate the Vantage, in my opinion. But opinions and preferences aside, the new car has more to it than an updated look.

Engine and Transmission

The big story here is the updated 4-liter Twin Turbo V8 engine under the hood. The powerhouse comes with 665PS and 800Nm of torque to make its predecessor look like a wimp. For perspective, that is a 155 PS and 115 Nm bump from the current model which translates to a 30% and 15% increase in each respective category. That's a lot for a Vantage, and the impressive numbers were achieved by using modified cam profiles, optimized compression ratios, and the use of larger turbos.

An 8-speed ZF automatic transmission is on duty to help dart the Vantage to a top speed of 202mph and a 0-60mph time of 3.4 seconds. With updated engineering, the shift speeds have been improved, and in-gear acceleration packs a bigger punch. In addition, the new Launch Control system helps the car deploy as much torque as conditions will allow to get the car off the 'starting block'. The driver can also control wheelspin during launch by changing the Adjustable Traction Control system.

As you can imagine, the additional engine performance will put a strain on thermal load. The engine cooling system has been redesigned to counter this negative side effect. A low-temperature radiator was fitted to the charge cooler water circuit, along with adding two auxiliary coolers to the main radiator to keep the thermal readings in check.

Styling

Back to the exterior design of the car, the body is 30mm wider with a more aggressive stance when compared to the current model. The new lower and wider integrated splitter contributes a big chunk to the updated look. Further complementing the look is the new matrix LED headlamp with DRLs, which features Aston Martin's updated light signature. Beyond the impressive look, the new grille aperture offers an increase in mass airflow of 29%.

On the inside, one thing that jumps out at you is the large center console with a 10.25-inch capacitive screen that supports single and multi-touch gestures. It is an excellent complement to the cockpit and certainly feels like a major upgrade. Featuring Aston Martin's new infotainment system first seen in the DB12, it includes a customer connectivity app with support for Android and IOS phones, allowing some controls via your personal devices.

Being an Aston Martin, you expect it'll have an exquisite interior, and you won't be disappointed here. Hand-stitched Bridge of Weir is used for the finishing along with supportive sports seats designed to be ergonomic and opulent to ensure a thrilling ride.

The Vantage has a standard Aston Martin 390W 11 speaker audio system with surround sound and Quantum Logic processing to keep you entertained while taking that long drive. Do you need something more interesting to satisfy the audiophile in you? You can upgrade to the optional 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system instead.

With a car like this, you're likely to take on unfamiliar roads for scenic drives, so the navigation system with online connectivity for real-time traffic overlays and easy restaurant lookup is bound to come in handy.

There's a lot to look forward to in the 2025 Vantage, and it's bound to catch the attention of buyers looking within its price range. Production is expected to start in Q1 2024, with deliveries set to commence in Q2 2024.