New Aston Martin Vanquish revealed

Aston Martin has revealed its replacement for the DBS – and it’s called the Vanquish.

The previous Vanquish broke new ground in terms of design and technology in 2001, and this latest version aims to make a similar impact with its new design, carbon body and 565bhp 6.0-litre V12.

The Vanquish is the first in a new generation of Astons, so the exterior and interior have been completely redesigned. “Aston Martin is all about evolving something until it’s perfect,” said design director Marek Reichman.

The classic Aston grille has been trimmed to sit above a front splitter. Long side strakes, deep side sills and sculpted haunches create an elegant profile, while an integrated spoiler, diffuser and tail-lights inspired by the One-77 finish off the rear.

By using an all-carbon body, Aston has saved around 6kg, and made intricate parts such as the spoiler possible. “Ask anyone in manufacturing if they can make that [in aluminium] and they’d say it can’t be done. But carbon enables us to,” said Reichman.

Inside, the dash’s ‘waterfall’ theme is taken from the One-77, and features mobile phone-style touchscreen buttons that vibrate when pushed. A new infotainment system controls the sat-nav, B&O stereo and Bluetooth phone connection on one screen.

The dash is moved forward to give extra room – although the rear seats are as cramped as ever. (You can order a two-seater version) at no extra cost. Boot space is up by 60 per cent to 368 litres.

The 6.0-litre V12 engine has been rebuilt with a new block, variable valve timing and a larger intake manifold. The result is 565bhp and a 0-62mph time of 4.1 seconds – 55bhp more and two tenths faster than the DBS. Fuel economy has yet to be confirmed, but expect a slight improvement, despite the power boost.

To sharpen the handling, the engine is lowered by 19mm, the six-speed ZF gearbox has been recalibrated for 37 per cent faster shifts in Sport mode, while the steering rack has a quicker ratio of 15:1.

The VH platform – which has underpinned every Aston except the Cygnet since the DB9 in 2004 – is now in its fourth generation and has received significant upgrades. The chassis is still bonded aluminium, but carbon fibre is used for elements such as the boot floor, and torsional stiffness has been improved by 20 per cent.

A lighter engine, front subframe and exhaust system, as well as the carbon-fibre body, have reduced weight by at least 40kg, too.

The new Vanquish is priced at £189,995, with first deliveries due to reach customers early next year.