The Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition at a glance
Safety car for the road
Aston Martin’s marketing department made the most of its entry into Formula 1. Because you not only rely on the radiance of your own racing team in the premier class of motorsport, but also provide the safety car. But this advertising object in front of the Formula 1 starting field in the best camera position was not enough either. Because now, with the Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition, there is also a street version with F1 folklore (combined fuel consumption: 11.6 l / 100km; combined CO2 emissions: 264 g / km²).
The Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition breaks with classic traditions
At first glance, the special model hardly looks like a classic Aston Martin. Understatement, nonchalance and restrained coolness are in vain in the F1 edition of the Vantage. Instead, it causes a stir with a lush carbon fiber aerodynamic package.
After all, the interaction of the vehicle-wide front splitter, additional dive planes on the front apron, adapted underbody baffles and the powerful free-standing rear spoiler also significantly improve aerodynamic performance. On the front and rear axles, the Vantage F1 Edition is now pressed onto the road by the airstream, and the downforce is up to 200 kilograms higher than in the series Vantage.
A new chassis provides more control
The developers put extensive hands on the chassis of the F1 Vantage not only due to the higher load caused by the increased contact pressure, but also the higher driving dynamics requirements on the racetrack. The dampers have been fundamentally redesigned with a completely different interior. As a result, a greater spread of the damping force was achieved. This means that the F1 edition not only dampens significantly better in high-speed passages or in road damage, but also on long bumps. The balancing act has not only increased in terms of sport, but also in terms of comfort.
To match the adapted damper setup, experiments were also carried out with the springs. A stiffer spring rate on the rear axle, in combination with the higher damping force, enables better control of the Vantage around the transverse axis. The F1 edition rolls less, which means that it steers more sharply and increases the level of traction.
More top performance for the per-se powerful AMG V8 biturbo
This is necessary because the 4.0-liter V8 biturbo, which is supplied by AMG from Affalterbach, has been further increased in performance. Instead of 375 kW / 510 PS as in the series model, the F1 edition comes with 394 kW / 535 PS. The maximum torque of 685 Newton meters has remained, but is now held longer.
The increased power output does not fundamentally change the character of the Vantage, but the changes can still be experienced. Above all, the new set-up of the eight-speed automatic transmission fits perfectly with the higher-performance orientation of the F1 edition. The electronics take away torque more quickly during the switching process and thereby accelerate the possible switching times. Even when downshifting, the shorter pauses between gears give the driver more control.
The transformation from a power cruiser to a real athlete
The result of the long list of small technical changes adds up to a remarkable end result. The new talent of the Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition is particularly evident off the beaten track. While it used to be more of a power cruiser that could hardly hide its relationship to some AMG models, it has now become a real athlete.
The steering, which has also been fine-tuned here, is lively and the whole car willingly plunges into every curve. He remains neutral for a long time and can bundle his strength wonderfully at the exit of a curve. The chassis is convincing even on bad roads and keeps the Vantage under control at all times. Our recommendation, however, is clearly the “sport” position of the dampers – it is the most comfortable setting option. You only need to use the Sport Plus mode or even the racetrack setup on a track that is really flat. In everyday life, apart from unnecessary harshness, there are no advantages to be seen here.
Because despite all the aero war paint, the Vantage is not a riot brother even as an F1 edition. Instead, the subtle changes have made it a real driving machine. Small details such as the specially mixed 21-inch Pirellis, which are deliberately not semi-slicks but normal UHP tires, also show it: the special model is a real driver’s car, which, among other things, features the new Porsche 911 (992) GTS that has just been presented (Combined fuel consumption: 10.7-9.7 l / 100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 243-221 g / km²) must and can measure.
First conclusion
The F1 Edition Aston Martin Vantage may have wild war paint, but at its core it remains wonderfully British. Its driving dynamics have increased significantly and make it particularly suitable for the early lap on Sunday morning. Do you really need the fixed spoiler? Certainly hardly in everyday use, but it is the price that you have to be prepared to pay for the fine chassis. To stay with the topic: The coupé starts in Germany from 162,000 euros. If you want an open one, you have to add another 8,100 euros and do without the carbon roof. (Text: Fabian Mechtel | Pictures: Manufacturer)
