25 years ago this month, Aston Martin unveiled the V12 Vanquish – an all-new nameplate for an all-new model that was, at the time, nothing less than the most sophisticated and technologically advanced sports car yet designed, developed and built by the brand.
Today, and now in its third distinct generation, Vanquish remains the pinnacle of Aston Martin’s fabled front-engined sports car range. Showcasing exceptional in-house engineering ability, when it debuted in 2024 this third generation Super GT, with 835PS and 1000Nm of torque on tap, was the most potent flagship in the marque’s illustrious history.
While the current model takes pride of place in the marque’s front-engined sports car line-up, the emotional and aspirational template for today’s astonishing 5.2-litre Twin-Turbo V12-powered halo model was developed a quarter of a century ago with the debut at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show of the first Aston Martin to bear the now illustrious Vanquish name.
Incorporating what were, at the time, cutting-edge technologies such as drive-by-wire throttle control and F1©-style finger-tip controlled gearshift paddles, the final model to be built at the brand’s then Newport Pagnell HQ before its move to Gaydon in Warwickshire, the V12 Vanquish laid down a clear marker for the future – both in terms of technical ambition, and sheer power.
The first Aston Martin to bear the ‘Vanquish’ name featured a new 6.0-litre V12 engine with an output of 460bhp, mated to an F1©-inspired paddle shift gearbox. It used a cutting-edge aluminium tub and composite body panels and, at the time, represented a major leap in both design and technology for the luxury marque.
The car’s body structure, including the floor and the front and rear bulkheads, was formed from extruded aluminium sections bonded and riveted around the central transmission tunnel, which was constructed entirely from carbon fibre. Single-piece composite inner body side sections with carbon fibre windscreen pillars were also bonded to the central structure to create a high-strength safety cell.
Precise, computer-controlled manufacturing processes were required to create the structures – a huge manufacturing leap for Aston Martin at the time – and these were developed in Cupertino, in California’s Silicon Valley, and at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom.
Media and customers alike heaped praise on this hugely ambitious newcomer after its glittering launch, and the V12 Vanquish, later joined by the yet more potent V12 Vanquish S and, finally, the V12 Vanquish S Ultimate Edition, became an integral part of Aston Martin lore in the early part of this century.
When the second-generation Vanquish broke cover in 2012, ahead of a production start the following year, the automotive world was, once again, nothing short of enraptured.
The unique features of the second-generation Vanquish took Aston Martin’s design ethos into a new era. The all-new exterior form was influenced by the One-77 hypercar, with each carbon fibre body panel taking on a taut, aggressive shape.
Every external panel on this Vanquish was made from aerospace-grade carbon fibre, essential for crafting pure surfaces and maintaining the precision required to create such a beautiful design. This made the body 25% lighter than the DBS this model superseded.
Beneath that elegant bonnet lay a 6.0-litre V12 engine boasting significant revisions over its predecessors, including larger throttle bodies, the company’s first dual variable valve timing, and new fuel pumps and air boxes. This translated into a prodigious 565bhp power peak, with 457lb ft of torque on offer. Those numbers powered the Vanquish to 62mph in 4.1 seconds and then on to 183mph. Carbon Ceramic Matrix braking technology reduced brake fade and improved heat dissipation during deceleration.
Offered in 2+0 or 2+2 seating configurations, and with a capacious boot space of up to 368 litres, this Super GT rightly sat at the pinnacle of the Aston Martin production sports car range and, like its predecessor, was joined by open-roof Volante, and yet more potent 600bhp, 201mph, ‘S’ versions as the production cycle developed.
Scroll forward once more, and we land in 2024, with the debut of the current and most impressive Vanquish yet devised by Aston Martin.
A technical masterpiece befitting a true class leader, today’s Vanquish sits at the pinnacle of Aston Martin’s fabled front-engined sports car range. Showcasing exceptional in-house engineering ability, this new legend extends the Vanquish dynastic bloodline in magnificent style.
Highlights include a world-class V12 engine of monumental potency, a bespoke chassis bristling with state-of-the-art dynamic technology, carbon fibre bodywork of unmatched presence, and an interior that sets new standards of modern luxury. With production limited to under 1,000 examples per year, this icon continues to reign supreme in ultra-luxury exclusivity.
Powered by a new 5.2-litre Twin-Turbo V12 producing an astonishing 835PS and 1000Nm of torque, Vanquish achieves a new benchmark for supercar performance with immense in-gear acceleration, demonstrated by a 0-60 mph time of 3.3 seconds. Meanwhile, the top speed of 214mph made this car, at the time of its launch, the fastest Aston Martin series production model to date.
Like its acclaimed stablemates, the DB12 and Vantage, this generation of Vanquish is built around a bonded aluminium body structure with a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension.
As the marque’s flagship sports car, Vanquish features a Carbon Ceramic Brake system as standard. Comprising 410mm discs on the front axle and 360mm on the rear, the CCB system offers increased braking performance, reduced brake fade at temperatures up to 800°C and a significant reduction in unsprung weight.
As would be expected of any Aston Martin, the car’s aesthetics naturally match its technical prowess. With an all-new surface language, Vanquish expresses contemporary elegance through its toned physique, broad stance and fluid curves. The key to achieving such a compelling presence is an increased wheelbase; the distance between the ‘A’ pillar and the front axle is extended by 80mm, lengthening the bonnet for a rakish, dramatic profile.
Reflecting on the three generations of Vanquish to date and the importance of a nameplate coined a quarter of a century ago, Aston Martin Historian, Steve Waddingham, said: “Look up the word ‘vanquish’ and you will find it has, in my opinion, one of the best dictionary definitions in the English language. Terms such as ‘conquer’ and ‘overwhelm’ pop up as synonyms, and that, broadly speaking, is what the first Aston Martin to bear the now legendary name set out to do, both in terms of its competitors and in the hearts and minds of buyers.
Learn how costly mistakes with DIY vehicle upgrades can affect your vehicle. Read along to…
Sun exposure, spills, and daily wear can damage your car’s interior. Avoid these issues by…
Discover how automated palletizers improve workflow, reduce manual handling, and streamline production in modern automotive…
Learn how to keep your diesel truck ready to pass emissions testing with flying colors…
The average first-time driver spends more than £2,500 getting their licence, so being efficient with…
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has a longstanding relationship with the world of yachting, through a shared…