We already know exactly what Aston Martin’s new DBS successor looks like thanks to a bevvy of exclusive uncovered spy pictures provided by one of our readers, but now Aston has finally put us out of our misery by divulging official information regarding its latest model; the AM 310 Vanquish.
The body, with its stylistic nods to both the Virage and One-77 supercar, is hewn from carbon-fibre – a first for a production-series Aston Martin – and has been described by chief exterior designer, Miles Nurnberger, as being “more deeply sculpted” than previous Astons. Although the AM 310 is heavily derivative, Nurnberger insists that the aforementioned sculpting will result in a car that will look significantly different to other Astons while retaining the marque’s fundamental character – “An Aston always wears a suit,” says Nurnberger. “It is assertive, not aggressive; powerful but polite.”
The AM 310 Vanquish is underpinned by a “Gen4” iteration of the company’s VH architecture which sports a 2 740 mm wheelbase identical to that of the DB9, which will continue to be sold as a core model in Aston’s line-up. Even so, the AM 310 is marginally wider, longer and taller than both models and the new VH structure serves up 30 per cent more torsional rigidity than the system used in the DBS. Despite its sporty packaging, the AM 310 Vanquish will reportedly feature a boot that is 60 per cent larger than that of the outgoing DBS and 10 per cent bigger than a Bentley Continental GT’s and will tip the scales at 1 739 kg; roughly 56 kg less than the car it replaces.
Thanks to a raft of changes to the company’s 6,0-litre V12 engine, the most significant of which is double variable-valve timing, the outputs now stand at 421 kW and 620 N.m of torque. Mated with a Touchtronic automatic transmission, this unit can propel the AM 310 Vanquish from standstill to 100 km/h in 4,1 seconds and on to a top speed of 295 km/h.
The all-new cockpit design retains its prominent centre stack, but a suite of new hardware, including lighter and smaller screen, ventilation and audio controls have been introduced. Hand-stitched trim finishes, unusual materials and a myriad of colour options ensure that the AM 310’s interior remains a special place to be.
Aston Martin CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez, said, “This is the latest incarnation of everything we know, informed and developed from One-77. It is the ultimate super grand tourer – confident and assured – and is the newest representation of power, beauty and soul.”
Available as a 2+2 or strict two-seater, the first consignment of AM 310 Vanquish units will go on sale in the UK and Continental Europe in late 2012.
