aston martin vantage 2025 test drive: powerful design to push driver limits

aston martin vantage 2025 first drive

For 74 years, the Aston Martin Vantage has been a badge for high performance. Not simply riding on the success of its nameplate, the 2025 model pushes performance to the limit. More specifically, though, the sports car – loaded with new adaptive technologies, engine tuning, and construction innovation – empowers the driver to push the boundaries further. On the corners of Monteblanco Circuito, designboom test drove the Aston Martin Vantage 2025 on- and off-track outside Sevilla, Spain.

designboom test drove the Aston Martin Vantage 2025 at Monteblanco Circuito, Spain

all images courtesy of Aston Martin

vantage’s performance numbers

665PS and 800Nm of torque pushes the Aston Martin Vantage from 0-60mph in 3.4 seconds and up to a top speed of 202mph. If these numbers were not impressive alone, they are, in fact, 155PS and 115Nm higher than its predecessor – the marque’s biggest-ever jump between models. It made for an enticing dataset prior to testing on the Spanish racetrack.

the first drive of the Vantage took place on- and off-track

Beneath its sculpted exterior lies the heart of the sports car: a 4.0 V8 Twin Turbo engine. Each component, from optimized compression ratios to clever cooling yielding, has been meticulously tuned by Aston Martin engineers to deliver an exhilarating experience behind the wheel. Paired with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, every shift is a duet of power and precision, propelling and punching the car towards the next hairpin.

4.0 V8 twin turbo engine’s 665PS and 800Nm of torque accelerates to 60mph in 3.4 seconds and tops at 202mph

Breath-taking power is paired with finesse handling thanks to the balanced chassis of the front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car. It has been engineered to offer the driver ultimate control. 50:50 weight distribution is realized with additional underbody stiffening. Then, a state-of-the-art suspension system has been overhauled to, again, increase stiffness. Every corner can be conquered with utmost poise, enabling the driver to push their limits and maximize thrill.

50:50 weight distribution means every corner can be conquered with utmost poise

When the track – or road – demands more, the Aston Martin has a suite of technologies to assist. Both the different driver modes and electronic power-assisted steering system can be tuned by the driver depending on confidence, mood, and surface conditions – whether carving through mountain passes or navigating narrow city streets. As another perfect pair, brake slip vectoring and traction slip vectoring helps master corners, poising the car for entry and optimizing grip to accelerate out.

the interior design means the driver feels the car’s power before starting the ignition

powerful automotive design

The new Vantage has a design to match the power. As the car races up in the rear view mirror of other road goers, the recontoured veined grille aperture is striking. Now 38% larger, it increases airflow for engine cooling by 29% but also makes for a more domineering appearance. A new integrated splitter and matrix LED headlamps – with the marque’s new light signature – completes the face. The side strake returns to Aston Martin, starting at the front before shaping a blade-like line along the flanks that peaks at the wider wheel arches. These complete a more powerful stance that, together with vents and enlarged quad exhaust tailpipes, exudes an aesthetic of high performance.

ergonomic design ensures key commands are at the driver’s fingertips for ease of use at speed

Inside, the driver feels the power before starting the ignition. Flawless architectural lines create a hardcore sports-orientated cockpit. Physical switches on the lower section of the center console are ergonomically positioned for ease of use at speed. Buttons on the steering wheel further curates key commands at the driver’s fingertips. The bucket-shape seats are sculptures of functional beauty, hand-stitched with elegant materials and formed to mold around the driver. It creates the ideal setting for the driver to push limits.