► New 824 hp twin-turbo V12
► The wheelbase increases compared to the DB12
► Two places only

Those mourning the death of Aston’s twin-turbo V12 need not worry, there’s a new one in the nose of the latest Aston Martin Vanquish. Replacing the DBS, it was pushed further from the DB12 than before while still sitting at the top of the ‘normal’ range.

Is this one of best supercars? It entirely depends on what you consider a supercar, with Aston dubbing it at launch a “continent crusher”. It is certainly not without rival – the Ferrari 12Cilindri immediately comes to mind, as does the Bentley Continental GT Vitesseeven if it is significantly cheaper.

At a glance

Benefits : Comfortable, high-end performance, rich and friendly interior

Disadvantages: Boosted engine, no rear seats, a DB12 is just better

What’s new?

Although the V12 still has a displacement of 5.2 liters and breathes thanks to a few turbos, it is a big step forward from the old engine. Power and torque are increased thanks to a new, stronger block, stronger connecting rods, new cylinder heads and faster-spinning turbochargers.

The wheelbase has been extended by 80mm, with all of this distance between the front wheel and the A-pillar so that the V12 can sit (mostly) behind the front axle. Additional reinforcements and revised chassis elements add significant rigidity over the outgoing DBS, and there’s Aston’s six-axis stability control with an electronic limited-slip differential to improve traction.

Naturally, it looks very different from the outside with styling that distances it from the Vantage and DB12. You also get Aston’s new, greatly improved interior which replaces old Mercedes bits with bespoke switchgear and infotainment system.

What are the specifications?

The headline numbers are 824 hp and a big 738 lb-ft of torque. Even with larger gearing to enable a top speed of 214 mph, 0 to 62 mph takes just 3.3 seconds. It would get there sooner if the rear tires could fully deploy these reserves in first and second gear. Your only gearbox choice is an eight-speed automatic.

How does it ride?

If the compact Vantage is the sports car of the range and the V8-only DB12 the “super GT”, the Vanquish is designed for long distances and high speeds. Despite this, Aston has tried to ensure that you can still have fun when the roads start to get nervous.

A wheelbase extension is great for stability and helps with weight distribution, but is not so good for agility. Perhaps surprisingly, you won’t find four-wheel steering vehicles like Ferrari and Bentley.

Instead, the Vanquish is able to sense when you’re braking into a corner and apply a little more pressure to the inside rear wheel. The effect is nowhere near as pronounced as on a 4WS car like the 12Cilindri, but you can feel the nose being pulled to the apex effectively and predictably. Does this seem completely natural to you? This isn’t the case, but it certainly helps expand the Vanquish’s skillset.

The advanced electronics have a welcome nuance that makes them barely detectable when you put your foot on the long-throw throttle. Your mind knows that first gear can’t take all the power, but there’s no stutter or sudden power cut to stifle your progress.

Recalling the traction control, or just turning it off completely, reveals just how hard it works. After a break – the V12 has smoother power than the DB12’s AMG V8 – it will spread its tires on the road for as long as you want. Sharper throttle response would make oversteer slightly less terrifying.

Reduce your pace and the Vanquish is a good thing to drive at a brisk pace, enjoying the mid-range swell of the engine, the baritone soundtrack and the steering that connects you to the road surface. It’s not as good as a DB12 in the corners, but it’s probably quite an event.

A quiet stretch of road and a desperate dash to the airport reveal where the Vanquish is most at home. You’ll need to switch from GT mode to Sport+ mode to get the high-speed body control you want, in which case the Vanquish is comfortable, stable and extremely quick.

In fact, the ride comfort deserves a lot of praise. Despite 21-inch wheels and a chassis that has to deal with significant forces, it rides better than most executive sedans on the market. If I had the chance, I would have driven straight past the airport, taken a ferry, and taken Cannonball back home.

How is it inside?

The Vanquish is a strict two-seater, with surprisingly little space behind the rear seats for bags. Customized luggage is available to make the most of what’s inside, of course, but the trunk is big enough for a few carry-on suitcases and a large suitcase too.

Gently opening the swan door reveals another breathtaking Aston interior. Quality is improved on the DB12s I sampled, with a more robust feel to the interior door handles. The leathers are supple and the carbon fiber trim has depth beneath the veneer, while the rotary controls have satisfying tactility.

Much of it is controlled by the central touchscreen, but not too much. Volume, temperature and fan speed are adjusted on rollers, and ride mode/traction control on a dial. Separate buttons allow you to adjust the suspension, exhaust and stability control, as well as select manual mode for the gearbox.

Physical controls on the steering wheel would be welcome in place of wonky trackpads and tactile icons, but at least there’s plenty of adjustment. My 5′ 4″ frame fit easily and my taller colleagues didn’t have too much difficulty either.

Before buying

You’ll need at least £333,000 to order a Vanquish, and that’s before you’ve selected any options. This makes it much more expensive than the Continental GT and more comparable to the 12Cilindri. I could point out the 9mpg as the tested figure and other miscellaneous expenses, but that’s to be expected.

Verdict

If I’m completely honest, the cheapest DB12 is the best Aston Martin. It’s just as comfortable, but much more precise to drive, has two extra seats and costs a little less. However, this isn’t the kind of purchase you make while wearing your practical pants.

There’s no doubt that the Vanquish is more of an event. From excessive amounts of power to that more intoxicating soundtrack, it pulls on some heartstrings that can’t be reached by the DB12.

However, a nat-asp Ferrari V12 is the definition of an intoxicating soundtrack, and the 12Cilindri is the most entertaining car to drive. Despite this, the Vanquish’s luxuriously friendly interior and civilized manners make it a tempting choice among front-engined hyper-GTs.