Se o DB11 começou a nova era da Aston Martin, o Vantage 2018 parece ser a realização disso. Se inspirando no DB10 de James Bond no filme Spectre, onde apenas 10 foram feitos exclusivamente para o filme, o Vantage se diferencia significantemente do resto da linha GT da Aston. "Se o DB11 é um cavalheiro, o Vantage é o caçador", disse o chefe de design exterior, Miles Nurnberger. 

Enquanto ele mantém as proporções básicas do Vantage, como um coupé de motor frontal com teto baixo em forma de arco, ele tem um visual mais atlético e agressivo que seu antecessor. Com uma dianteira baixa, tipo nariz de tubarão, e uma grade mais aberta, o Vantage parece estar farejando seu almoço no chão.  

Um vinco definido atravessa a lateral do carro, desaparecendo nas portas do Vantage. Mesmo parado, parece que ele está quebrando a lei em 48 estados diferentes. 

Aston Martin Vantage 2018
Aston Martin Vantage 2018
Aston Martin Vantage 2018
Aston Martin Vantage 2018
Aston Martin Vantage 2018

Enquanto a dianteira é agressiva, a traseira é chamativa. Todos os elementos aerodinâmicos estão incorporados na estrutura de design do Vantage, o que significa que não há nada exagerado ou parafusos aparentes. Um complexo difusor traseiro controla a turbulência nos pneus e, com a ajuda de um aplique dianteiro e nos painéis laterais, cria um grande downforce. 

Mesmo 5 cm menor no comprimento que o Porsche 911, o entre-eixos do Vantage é quase 25 cm mais longo que o atual 911 Carrera. O longo entre-eixos e curtos balanços dianteiro e traseiro fazem o Vantage visualmente diferente - e ainda há um amplo espaço no interior. 

O interior do novo Vantage tem uma pegada mais cockpit, com tudo, das portas ao painel, esculpido com um estilo côncavo, longe do condutor, como as paredes dos prédios modernos de Frank Gehry. Isso cria mais espaço no interior, acomodando motoristas mais altos mais facilmente. 

Aston Martin Vantage 2018
Aston Martin Vantage 2018
Aston Martin Vantage 2018
Aston Martin Vantage 2018

O console central, inspirado no DB10 de James Bond, que se move na horizontal como se fosse uma cachoeira, inclui os botões da transmissão, agora arranjados de forma mais eficiente, em um painel triangular. Até mesmo o volante tem a base achatada, dando mais espaço para as pernas do motorista. 

A distribuição de peso é neutra, com 50/50, e o motor 4.0 V8 biturbo fica bem próximo do centro do carro, no chassi de alumínio, visto primeiro no DB11. Com uma estrutura construída como nos aviões, além de um subchassi traseiro sólido, o coeficiente de torção foi melhorado em comparação com o Vantage anterior. 

O maravilhoso motor fornecido pela Mercedes-AMG, e especificamente ajustado para o Vantage, é o gerador de força desta criatura. Mapeamento de motor, combustível, câmbio e ajustes de escape são exclusivos do Vantage. Ele produz 510 cv, ou 81 cv a mais que o Vantage V8 GT, com 69,8 kgfm de torque. Com 1.530 kg, o novo Vantage é cerca de 130 kg mais leve que o antecessor, o que melhora a relação peso/potência. A Aston diz que ele vai de 0 a 96 km/h em apenas 3,6 segundos, com velocidade máxima de 312 km/h. 

Aston Martin Vantage 2018
Aston Martin Vantage 2018
Aston Martin Vantage 2018
Aston Martin Vantage 2018

A relação de câmbio "trepada" do novo câmbio ZF de 8 marchas deixam o rodar do Vantage mais rápido e suave. Depois de algum tempo das entregas começarem no final do primeiro semestre de 2018, uma versão manual será lançada, e, por enquanto uma especulação, achamos que terá um câmbio de 7 marchas manual vindo do Vantage S V12. 

O novo Vantage ganhou um diferencial traseiro eletrônico, disponível em um Aston Martin pela primeira vez. Este e-diff trabalha com o controle de estabilidade e varia a distribuição de torque para cada uma das rodas traseiras. Para melhorar a experiência de direção, os controles de tração e estabilidade podem ser totalmente desligados se você quiser. Para ter certeza que ele é divertido mesmo, os engenheiros mapearam o mapa de torque no gelo e neve da Suécia. Amamos a ideia de deslizar pela neve. Ainda bem que temos um escritório em Detroit...

A arquitetura da suspensão dianteira usa o mesmo double wishbone do DB11, mas ajustado para uma condução mais rígida e esportiva. E o Vantage usa os pneus Pirelli P-Zero. Freios de carbono estão disponíveis como opcionais. 

Aston Martin Vantage 2018
Aston Martin Vantage 2018
Aston Martin Vantage 2018
Aston Martin Vantage 2018
Aston Martin Vantage 2018

Quando questionada sobe uma versão V12, a Aston Martin disse que não trabalham nesta opção ainda. "Nem sabemos se o V12 caberá ali", disse uma pessoa de relações públicas. Veremos isso. 

O novo Vantage, etiquetado em US$ 149.995, é parte de uma segunda fase do plano da Aston Martin depois do lançamento do DB11. Próximo passo: substituir o Vanquish por um novo em algum momento de 2019. Além disso, a expansão do portfólio com o DBX leva a marca a um território não explorado, mas necessário, dos SUVs. Um esportivo com motor central está em projeto, além do reinvestimento na marca Lagonda, e um RapidE, elétrico, levará a empresa ao espaço dos elétricos. 

Se uma das maiores queixas sobre a marca é que não há diferenciação entre os seus modelos, o Vantage 2018 quer mudar isso. E se ele andar como é belo, é perfeito.

Imagens: Aston Martin

Galeria: Aston Martin Vantage 2018

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Introducing the new Vantage: the successor to a true sporting dynasty

  • All-new Vantage defined by bold new look, intensified performance and dynamics
  • Powered by 4.0-liter, 503bhp/505lb.ft twin-turbo V8 mated to eight-speed ZF transmission
  • Maximum speed 195mph.
  • 0-60mph in 3.6 seconds
  • First Aston Martin to be fitted with an Electronic Rear Differential (E-Diff)
  • Deliveries scheduled to begin second quarter of 2018

21 November 2017, Gaydon: Vantage. An evocative name for a magnificent bloodline of thoroughbred sports cars. For seven decades the heartbeat of Aston Martin’s purest models, successive generations have built an enviable reputation for thrilling performance and enduring popularity. Today this formidable sporting dynasty is poised to hit new heights with the introduction of the new Vantage.

A spectacular new Aston Martin sports car demands a bold and distinctive design language. Pure, sculptural forms create an athletic, predatory stance, while the minimal front and rear overhangs, muscular flanks and broad haunches express the agility and dynamism inherent within the car. New head and tail lights form dramatic new signatures giving the Vantage unmistakable road presence and contribute to a strong and individual identity within the growing Aston Martin model range.

Aerodynamic performance is central to the Vantage concept: the front splitter directs airflow underneath the car, where a system of fences channels cooling air where it is needed, and also ensures the rear diffuser is fed with clean airflow. The design of the diffuser creates an area of low pressure air, while simultaneously preventing turbulence generated by the rear wheels from disrupting the flow of air exiting centrally from beneath the rear of the car.

Together with the new side gills, which have been integrated into the body surface and bleed air pressure out from the front wheel arches, and the pronounced upswept rear deck lid, the Vantage generates a significant level of downforce - a rarity on any production car and a first for a core production Aston Martin model.

The exciting design story continues inside the Vantage, with a dynamic and focused sports car cockpit that rejects long, fluid curves in favour of sharp, focused lines denoting the more aggressive nature of the car. A high waist interior theme and lower driving position creates a more immersive driving experience, and contributes to significant gains in occupant space and significant improvement in headroom compared with the outgoing Vantage. A combination of rotary and toggle style controls have been used for their unmatched tactile and intuitive functionality. Likewise the PRND transmission buttons have been moved into a triangular formation so as to cluster major controls into clearly defined zones. The interior also offers generous stowage space, with useable room behind the seats and generous double-tier storage areas.

The heart of the Vantage is Aston Martin’s potent new alloy, 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. Set low and as far back in the chassis as possible for optimal centre-of-gravity and perfect 50:50 weight distribution, this high performance, high efficiency engine returns a CO2 figure of *245g/km yet develops 503bhp at 6000rpm and 505lb.ft from 2000-5000rpm. With a dry weight of 3373lb this gives the Vantage formidable power-to-weight and torque-to-weight ratios - something vividly demonstrated whenever the throttle is squeezed. Detailed tuning of the induction, exhaust and engine management systems has given the Vantage a truly intoxicating character and soundtrack.

The Vantage deploys its impressive power and torque to the rear wheels via a rear-mounted ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. Capable of accelerating from 0 to 60mph in 3.6 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 195mph, it employs a sophisticated suite of integrated electronic systems to offer maximum control and driver enjoyment. These include Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Torque Vectoring. The speed-dependent electric power steering has 2.4 turns lock- to-lock for a perfect combination of quick-wits and precise, intuitive control.

For the first time on an Aston Martin the new Vantage also features an Electronic Rear Differential (E-Diff). This differential is linked to the car’s electronic stability control system, so it can understand the car’s behavior, and react accordingly to direct the engine’s power to the relevant wheel. Unlike a conventional LSD, it can go from fully open to 100% locked in a matter of milliseconds. At higher speeds, the Electronic Differential’s speed and sensitivity of response enables the system to take very fine control of the car’s dynamic behaviour. It makes the car feel much more composed both in terms of its straight-line stability and its cornering performance, providing the driver with increased levels of confidence to explore and enjoy the car’s capabilities to the full.

The chassis is an evolution of the latest generation bonded aluminium structure first seen on the DB11, though some 70 per cent of the structure’s components are new for Vantage. Balance, strength, rigidity and weight efficiency were all priorities in the new Vantage design, as was handling purity and consistency. Highlights of the chassis include a solidly mounted rear subframe for an enhanced feeling of direct connection for the driver, new Pirelli P Zero tyres developed specifically for new Vantage and the latest generation Adaptive Damping System which incorporates Skyhook technology and offers the choice of Sport, Sport Plus and Track modes.

Thanks to full integration of engine, transmission, E-Diff, Dynamic Torque Vectoring, Dynamic Stability Control, Adaptive Damping and the electric power steering systems, each mode optimises every area of the car as one. With each step the Vantage gains in agility and responsiveness, its character becoming progressively sharper, more vocal and more exciting. This is the essence of the Vantage driving experience - a car that’s never less than connected and engaging with the breadth of capability to revel in challenging roads and bare its teeth on track.

The Vantage features a high level of standard equipment, including keyless start/stop, tyre pressure monitoring system and Parking Distance Display, Park Assist and front and rear parking sensors. The In-Car Entertainment system - controlled and viewed via a centrally mounted 8” LCD screen - comprises of the Aston Martin Audio System, Bluetooth® audio and phone streaming, iPod®, iPhone® and USB playback. There is also an integrated satellite navigation system and wi- fi hub.

Being an Aston Martin, the new Vantage also features a high level of craftsmanship, evidenced by flawless paintwork, luxurious Alcantara® and leather upholstery and a fabulous level of finish using tactile natural materials of the highest quality. There is also extensive scope for personalisation via a generous choice of options. These include forged alloy wheels in a variety of finishes, Sports Plus Collection (comprising Sports Plus seats and Sports steering wheel), carbon fibre interior and exterior detailing and a Premium Audio System.

Aston Martin President Chief Executive Officer, Dr Andy Palmer said: “It speaks volumes for the outgoing Vantage that it is the single most successful model in Aston Martin’s history. Creating a worthy successor has been a challenge to relish and a huge source of motivation. I’m enormously excited by what we’ve created: a new Vantage that’s more explicit in looks and intent, wrapping heart-pounding performance and dazzling dynamics into an everyday usable package. A true sports car with a sharper look and a keener dynamic edge, the new Vantage is the Aston Martin pure driving machine enthusiasts have been waiting for.”

The new Vantage is on sale now with a recommended retail price from $149,995 in the USA. Deliveries are scheduled to begin during the second quarter of 2018.

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