The Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition roadster comes with a 535 hp AMG V8 along with aerodynamics and chassis fine-tuning. What he can do, we explain in the driving report.
“Where I am in front of me”. This undoubtedly applies in an Aston Martin Vantage when it is leading the Formula 1 field on the racetrack as a safety car. Still, if you can afford a sports car like this, you should also find yourself in a higher position on the podium financially.
Even then you dream. Maybe closer to Formula 1? We can help there too. Aston Martin not only offers its share of safety cars, but also drives with its team in the premier segment of motorsport. The manufacturer celebrates it with the F1 version of the Vantage.
Not only does it get the red F1 sticker, but it also gets a subtle performance boost. The Mercedes-AMG supplied Biturbo V8 with a displacement of four liters delivers 535 hp instead of 510 hp. Changes have also been made to the chassis with new dampers and 21-inch wheels. The most notable change is the aerodynamics package. Apart from the carbon splitter at the front, it also gets a monstrous rear wing. The board should bring 200 kg more contact pressure to the rear axle at higher speeds. You should feel that mainly on the race track.
We are not going there this time. Because the Aston Martin Vantage F1 in coupe form was already allowed to hunt through Eiffel in the expert hands of collaborator Hirschfeld, we unwrap the cloth cap today. Also available as a non-limited Special Series Roadster. The fully automated process takes 6.7 seconds until the Vantage goes “topless.”
Benz inside, not just with the engine
Bernd Conrad
The Mercedes COMAND system conveniently controls the infotainment.
In the interior, which is littered with Alcantara covers, there is enough room for two people. The sports seats offer good lateral support, only the integrated headrests are a bit small. The infotainment system in Aston Martin is familiar to older Mercedes models. At that time it was called “Command”. A rotary pushbutton in the center console feels good in the hand, optionally it can be supplemented with a touchpad. However, the creative age of the system can be seen in the lack of an option to connect a smartphone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Less important, because we want to hear the sound of the V8. It starts when you press the button which can be found in the center of the cockpit. From four thick tailpipes, the Vantage delivers bass-heavy rumble when idle. But he refrains from shouting louder, sounds more subtle than some of Italy’s competitors.
You can confidently skip the switching job from the ZF to a neat eight-speed automatic transmission. In “Track Mode,” which can be set using a button on the steering wheel, click controls double-declutter while downshifting through the exhaust system. The Vantage then allows itself a little popping on the flap controls. The dampers can also be adjusted in three steps at the touch of a button.
100 km/h in 3.7 seconds
Bernd Conrad
The Biturbo V8 received a performance increase from 510 to 535 hp.
Switchback forward! Aston Martin enters the asphalt with the Pirelli P Zero. Despite the huge hips, it can be maneuvered uncontrollably through curves and hairpin bends thanks to optimal feedback on the valance as well. The ESP’s tuning also allows the powered rear wheels to help gently, pushing the rear in a controlled manner towards the outer edge of the Vantage curve. On the Straits, it goes straight to country road speed, which isn’t surprising. The factory specification for a sprint from zero to 100 km/h is 3.7 seconds – at least 0.1 seconds faster than the Vantage without the F1 kit, which is the regular fit.
As a roadster, the Vantage is quicker to 305 km/h on empty motorways or straight start-finish. With the top open, thanks to the glass wind deflector between the rollover protection humps behind the seats and with the side windows, you can easily reach 160 km/h without being warned of a storm in the cockpit. This is just for completeness, as roadster driving is supposed to be more fun on country roads than on freeways.
How much does fun cost?
Bernd Conrad
The plaques on the front fenders indicate the F1 version.
Let’s return to the topic of money. Anyone who is “at the fore” and interested in a British sports car should consider the price of 187,200 euros. The test car brought a few options like sound system, red painted brake calipers and carbon decorative elements in the interior. This takes the list price up to 197,900 euros.
The price area in which many Porsche customers are also configuring their 911s. Unlike Zuffenhausen’s competitor, however, the Vantage makes for an entirely different appearance. More extravagant, more present, more extroverted. And by the way, he brings with him closeness to Formula 1. According to the current plan, Porsche drivers will have to wait till 2026 for this.
conclusion
The Aston Martin Vantage Roadster is an open sports car with a lot of potential to enjoy driving. In addition to performance enhancements from the AMG V8 and a revised chassis, the F1 version also brings unmistakable wings. Friends of maximum driving dynamics admit that, the aesthetics will certainly be happy with the 510 hp Vantage roadster in the standard trim.
