Aston Martin Unveils Track-focused Vantage F1 Edition
Celebrating the brand’s return to Formula 1 for the first time in over 60 years, Aston Martin today introduced the new Vantage F1 Edition.
Hailed as the most track-focused production Vantage to date, it is a direct result of the engineering that went into the development of the Vantage as an official safety car for F1 Grand Prix races beginning this upcoming weekend.
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Let’s start with the twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, whose power is cranked up from 503 horsepower to 527 horsepower. Peak torque is unchanged at 505 pound-feet, but is sustained for longer. Meanwhile, the eight-speed automatic transmission has an optimized torque cut during upshifts that reduces shift times and increases the feeling of directness and precision.
When it comes to the chassis, engineers have improved front structural stiffness, retuned the damper internals and increased rear spring rates for even sharper handling and grip. Further improvements have been made to the steering system, allowing feedback from the road to be transmitted more clearly, the company says.
As you can see on the pictures, there’s a special aero kit, too. It includes a full-width front splitter, front dive planes, underbody turning vanes and a raised rear wing. The aerodynamic changes deliver positive front and rear downforce, totaling 200 kilograms (440 pounds) more downforce than the standard Vantage at top speed.
Unique 21-inch wheels replace the 20-inch units and come with lower-profile Pirelli tires developed specifically for the F1 Edition.
Available as a coupe or roadster, the hot new Vantage offers a selection of body colours including Aston Martin Racing Green mimicking the F1 cars, plus new Obsidian Black Leather and Phantom Grey Alcantara upholstery and trim, with a choice of Lime Green, Obsidian Black, Wolf Grey or Spicy Red contrast stripe and stitching.
Canadian pricing has not been announced yet. In the U.S., customers will pay at least $162,000 and pre-orders are already being taken.
