Overview
Few cars blend beauty and driver enjoyment like the 2023 Aston Martin Vantage. In both coupe and convertible form, it casts a striking silhouette in its couture-inspired suit of impeccably pressed sheet metal. Most models are powered by a twin-turbo V-8 that produces more than 500 horsepower, while a few lucky buyers will end up with an even more powerful twin-turbo V-12. No matter the drivetrain, the Vantage impresses with an athletic chassis, lively handling and explosive acceleration – not to mention some of the most melodic exhaust notes available today. The interior is cozy and can be customized with several luxury options, though we have one complaint: a relative lack of luxury for the Vantage’s six-figure price tag. Still, with styling this sleek and movements this exciting, the Vantage is a highly desirable driver’s car with an iconic heritage.
What’s new for 2023?
A V-12 engine returns to the Vantage lineup for 2023 and it’s a big powerhouse with twin-turbocharging and 690 horsepower. The twin-turbo V-12 will be offered in both the coupe and convertible Vantage models, along with a special aerodynamics package for greater downforce. Aston claims a 3.4-second zero-to-60 mph time, which may be conservative. Unfortunately, the order book for this exclusive model is already closed, and only 333 will be produced.
Prices and which one to buy
Choosing between the Vantage coupe and convertible is tough. The hardtop is better for structural rigidity, but the softtop version lets us feel the wind in our hair—and better appreciate the Aston’s glorious engine notes. In the end, we think the money we would save by choosing the coupe will influence our final decision. Plus, that money will allow us to personalize our Vantage with the myriad of interior and exterior treatments on offer. We’d also opt for the heated and ventilated front seats to help keep our rears warm or cold on demand, but we’d pass on the carbon ceramic brakes.
Engine, transmission and performance
Under the Vantage’s clamshell hood lies either a thrilling, thunderous twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 or a monster of a twin-turbo 5.2-liter V-12. The base V-8 engine develops either 503 or 528 horsepower and 505 pound-feet of torque. The higher output V-8 is reserved for the track-inspired F1 Edition. The V-12 engine produces 690 horsepower, and Aston claims that’s good for a 3.4-second zero-to-60 mph time — but we think that’s a conservative estimate. We drove the F1 on track and discovered a significantly sharpened driving experience, recording a 3.5-second run to 60 mph. The Vantage’s V-8 sounds beautiful, starting with a low baritone rumble at idle and ending with a high-strung scream as it nears its redline. An electronically controlled limited-slip differential and adaptive dampers are standard. The Vantage’s handling is lively but predictable, which makes it hilarious fun on a racetrack; the suspension meets sufficiency for daily driver duty, although harsh bumps will be evident to passengers no matter which drive mode is selected for the adaptive dampers. Unfortunately, the optional carbon ceramic brakes are less friendly during daily driving. While they are excellent when designated for track duty, the upgraded brakes are too grippy for everyday use. We have get behind the wheel of the Vantage Roadsterpraising his look-at-me personality, as well as his ability to switch between acting like an athlete and a lounger.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The Vantage isn’t as fuel-hungry as its powerful V-8 engine might suggest, at least not when equipped with the automatic transmission. The EPA estimates that the Vantage will earn 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. We haven’t driven a Vantage on our 75 mph highway fuel economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regime, so we cannot evaluate its actual mpg. For more information on the Vantage’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, comfort and cargo
The outdoor theater continues inside with luxurious materials and countless custom options. Spending money on the Vantage is easy: Aston Martin offers fancy options like a full leather interior, heated and ventilated seats, a carbon fiber steering wheel, embroidered headrests, and several different interior trim options, among many other features. . The cabin is cozy for two, but it’s lined with leather and faux suede. Likewise, sports seats with power adjustments and memory settings are standard. Still, its luxurious experience is diminished by poor highway noise isolation. Interior cube storage is also scarce, save for a shallow center console bin and door pockets. The convertible’s power-operated fabric roof folds up and down quickly, and has a Z shape that Aston says helps save trunk space. While the Vantage Roadster has a slightly smaller trunk than the coupe, we’re told it can still fit a full-size golf bag.
Infotainment and connectivity
An 8.0-inch display emerges from the top of its dashboard and is primarily controlled by a dial and buttons on the center console. The Vantage’s infotainment system also includes an Aston Martin sound system, Bluetooth compatibility and built-in navigation. While an upgraded audio system and touchpad are optional, popular features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are absent.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Although Aston does not offer a full range of driver assistance technology, the Vantage can be equipped with various safety features. For more information on the Vantage’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Available 360-degree camera system
- Available blind spot monitoring
- Self-parking assistance available
Warranty and Maintenance Cover
While Aston’s standard warranty isn’t very impressive, especially since complimentary maintenance isn’t included, the company does offer extended coverage plans for extra money.
- Limited warranty covers three years or unlimited miles
- Powertrain warranty covers three years or unlimited miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2023 Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition
Vehicle Type: Front Engine, Rear Wheel Drive, 2-Passenger, 2-Door Coupe
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $171,586/$189,386
Options: carbon-ceramic brakes, $11,100; premium audio, $2200; Alcantara headliner, $1900; red brake calipers, $1200; body-color rear diffuser inserts, $900; underhood cross brace, $500
ENGINE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 243 inches33982 cm3
Power: 528 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 505 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 16.1-inch ventilated cross-drilled carbon ceramic disc/14.2-inch ventilated cross-drilled carbon ceramic disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
F: 255/35ZR-21 (98Y) A6A
R: 295/30ZR-21 (102Y) A6A
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 106.5 inches
Length: 176.8 inches
Width: 76.5 inches
Height: 50.2 inches
Passenger volume, F: 47 ft3
Cargo volume: 10 feet3
Curb weight: 3813 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.5 sec
100 mph: 7.9 sec
1/4-mile: 11.7 sec @ 121 mph
130 mph: 13.8 sec
150 mph: 20.8 sec
Results above show 1 foot deployment of 0.3 sec. away.
Acceleration, 5–60 mph: 4.1 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.6 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.0 sec
Top speed (mfr’s claim): 195 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 150 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 294 ft
Road holding capacity, 300-foot skid road: 1.00 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 17 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 20/18/24 mpg
C/D TEST EXPLAINED
More features and specifications