2020 Aston Martin Vantage Coupe Test Drive
Forget about James Bond drive a 2020 Aston Martin Vantage Coupe instead!
2020 Aston Martin Vantage Coupe Overview
The 2020 Aston Martin Vantage Coupe is considered to be an entry-level model (there’s also now a convertible model available). There was a new limited edition Vantage AMR that included an exclusive seven-speed manual transmission, in addition to other unique styling and equipment – all for an additional $27,000. All 200 AMRs have already been sold.
Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007 always piloted an Aston Martin DB series Coupe equipped with various and sundry features designed to foil evil adversaries. The Vantage offers no such features, hence its entry-level status in the Aston stable.
In 2018 the iconic British manufacturer, progressed into its ‘Second Century’ plan of existence, by adding a V8 powered DB11 Grand Touring Coupe model to its lineup as an alternative choice to the Aston Martin DB11 V12 GT Coupe. The engine was a lighter, compact Mercedes-Benz AMG sourced V8 that came with its own specific tweaks to meet Aston Martin’s requirements – features such as bespoke air intake, exhaust, and wet sump systems. It is that same engine that now powers the 2020 Aston Martin Vantage Coupe that we’ll review here.
AMG SOURCED POWER
The V8 is a longitudinally front low-mounted 4.0-liter, DOHC, 32-valve engine with dual single-scroll turbochargers (one per bank) with sequential electronic Direct fuel Injection. The compact engine now cranks out 503 horsepower at 6,000 rpm while producing 505-pound-feet of torque at 2,000 rpm, and represents a weight savings of 253 pounds from the V12’s mass. Its motive force is geared to the rear driving wheels via an eight-speed electronic shift-by-wire control system automatic transmission with overdrive and paddle shifters featuring Sport, Sport+, and Track modes. The top speed of the Vantage Coupe 195 mph and the 0-60 mph time is a mere 3.4 seconds.
ELEGANT SEDUCTIVE EXTERIOR STYLING
The styling of the Vantage Coupe is readily identifiable as having been penned by Aston Martin designers, yet it is a distinctively different marriage of form and function. Leading off is an iconic, but reinterpreted grille with accentuated lines. The bonnet or hood is hinged at the rear and is flanked by distinctive LED headlights.
In profile, the gracefully arched roof strakes flow without interruption from the A to C-pillar or sail panel. Fenders are dramatically pronounced and front-end lift is reduced by a gill-like aperture that releases high-pressure air from inside the wheel arch via a concealed vent within the modified side-strake. Clean lines continue at the rear, with a sloping decklid that smoothly blends into pronounced sculpted tail-lights creating an unmistakable graphic.
For 2020, Aston Martin has made only a few small changes to the Vantage. It’s now available with optional carbon-ceramic brakes made to withstand very high temperatures and to resist fade. Along with saving 53 pounds versus the standard cast-iron rotors, the newly optional discs also provide a revised master cylinder and brake booster that Aston Martin claims reduce brake-pedal travel. Additional changes include new interior and exterior packages for personalization.
2020 Aston Martin Vantage Coupe Interior Ambience
The driver-oriented cabin reflects old-world craftsmanship delivering the superbly elegant fit and finish. A full-color 12” TFT LCD display and instrument cluster presents primary vehicle information with infinite clarity, while a second, centrally-mounted 8” TFT screen focuses on infotainment, controlled via an intuitive rotary control, with an optional touchpad that offers character recognition, multi-touch and gesture support, the satellite navigation and audio system are highly effective, with enhanced sound and ease of operation. An auto-park assist feature and 360-degree birds-eye view camera aids in providing safe maneuvering at slow speeds and is also operated via the car’s infotainment system. Safety features include ABS, DSC, EBD, EBA, TC, HBA, PTC and Active
Torque Vectoring.
DRIVING DYNAMICS
The chassis, suspension, steering, and electronics are enhanced, providing adaptive damping and multiple driver-selectable dynamics including a Sport, Sport+, and Track modes. The latter intensifies suspension settings, steering responsiveness, shift mapping, and the Torque Vectoring system.
The Vantage’s suspension componentry consists of Independent double wishbone, coil springs, anti-roll bar and adaptive dampers up front and Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar, and adaptive dampers aft.
Aston Martin Vantage as tested
My test 2020 Aston Martin Vantage Coupe sported a rich, luxurious and elegant exterior coat of Magnetic Silver metallic, while the interior was executed in sumptuous Black leather with bright accents. The base price was set at $152.995. while the final tally was elevated to $181,881. after factoring in a host of expensive options and the Destination and Handling charge.
2020 Aston Martin Vantage Performance
The 2020 Aston Martin Vantage Coupe is an exemplary exercise in emotionally stirring elegance. The ultimate focus of its engineering was to provide maximum doses of exhilaration from gorgeous static visual appeal to dynamic levels of performance.
This newest jewel from Aston Martin is a genuine luxury two-seat Coupe. It belies its entry-level status. Acceleration is instantaneous and the electric power steering is a speed-dependent rack and pinion affair that delivers precise, spot-on responsiveness. Bringing the Vantage to a halt is equally impressive.
Seats are both highly supportive and comfortable, holding occupants in place during even the most spirited maneuvers.
Should one wish to abandon the sweet sound of the engine’s growl and melodious exhaust note, the standard Aston Martin Audio System admirably delivers one’s favorite tunes or one may choose the optional Bang and Olufsen Premium sound system.
Driving over virtually every imaginable road scenario from congested inner-city travel to challenging, twisty mountain roads with some high-speed freeway stints thrown in for good measure, this new Vantage Coupe delivered nothing short of a grand touring machine imaginable. Passing other vehicles was effortless, even in minimal situations, and maneuvering back and forth over the sharply twisting curves along the way, came across as smooth and “Ballet-like”. Both acceleration and braking were dramatically enhanced when the car was set in Sport+ mode. where the car seemed to be in its “Happy Place” delivering a flat and exceptionally stable ride quality.
A DELIGHTFUL CONCLUSION
The ottom line, the 2020 Aston Martin Vantage Coupe is a delightful exercise in elegant craftsmanship and design execution that provides an uncompromising sensory satisfaction on all levels as well as proof that the so-called entry-level may very well be more than enough. Often, less can indeed be more.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2020 Aston Martin Vantage Coupe
Base Price: $152,995.
Price as Tested: $181,881.
Engine Type and Size: 4.0-liter, DOHC, 32-valve AMG sourced Twin Turbo V8 with dual single-scroll turbochargers (0ne per bank) and sequential electronic direct fuel Injection.
Horsepower (bhp): 503 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 505 @ 2,000 rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic with overdrive and paddle shifters with Sport, Sport+, and Track modes.
Drive Train: Longitudinally mounted front engine / Rear-Wheel Drive.
Suspension: Front -Double wishbone
Rear – Multi-Link
Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel vented discs with 4-wheel ABS.
Tires: Pirelli P-Zero – 255/40 R20x8.5” 101Y front / 295/35 ZR20x9.5” 105Y rear-mounted on 10-spoke machine face alloy wheels with Black painted inners.
Wheelbase: 106.5 inches
Length Overall: 175.8 inches
Width: 76.5 inches
Height: 50.1 inches
Curb Weight: 3,373 lbs.
Turning Circle: 38.54 ft.
Fuel Capacity: 19.3 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 18 mpg city /24-mpg highway – 20 mpg combined
Drag Coefficient: Not listed
0 – 60 mph: 3.5 seconds – Top speed=195 mph
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