As it re-enters Grand Prix racing for the first time in over 60 years Aston Martin is marking the occasion with its fastest-ever Vantage.
The Vantage F1 Edition is more track-focused than its predecessors, and is closely-based on the new Aston Martin safety car that will make its debut at the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix, alongside a DBX medical car.
Developed under the watchful eyes of new boss Tobias Moers, the Vantage F1 Edition is said to wring an additional 25 horsepower from the four-litre twin-turbo V8 engine to bring the total to 528bhp, and sees the eight-speed automatic re-engineered for faster shift times and a more direct, precise feel, especially on downshifts under braking.
The chassis has some underbody stiffness added and this additional rigidity benefits steering response and feedback, while the damper internals are new, and the rear spring rate has been upped. Wheel size is increased from 20 inches to 21 inches, and specially-developed Pirelli tyres are fitted.
The car’s aerodynamics have also had an overhaul to chase lap times. There’s a full-width front splitter, front dive planes, underbody turning vanes, and an almighty rear wing. Together these deliver 200kg of downforce at maximum velocity. It may be incredibly effective but, especially on the Roadster, that rear spoiler looks more Fast and Furious than F1.
The Vantage F1 Edition is offered in the Aston Martin Racing Green to match its Grand Prix stablemate, but can also be had in Jet Black or Lunar White. Each comes with matte dark grey stripes. Inside the cars are trimmed in Obsidian Black leather with Phantom Grey Alcantara and a choice of Lime Green, Obsidian Black, Wolf grey or Spicy Red contrasting stitching and piping. The carbon kickplates are marked with the official F1 logo.
The F1 Edition is a full production model, topping the Vantage range at a price of £142,000. Deliveries begin in May.
