Aston Martin Vanquish
The Aston Martin Vanquish is the brand’s most storied nameplate — a naturally aspirated V-12 flagship coupe that embodied the pinnacle of British performance GT engineering across two celebrated generations.
Overview
The Vanquish name first appeared in 2001 as Aston Martin’s flagship, replacing the Vantage. The original car featured a 460 hp 6.0-litre V-12 and an automated manual gearbox, and gained global recognition as the car driven by James Bond in Die Another Day.
The second-generation Vanquish arrived in 2012, built on the refined VH architecture with a carbon-fibre-intensive body, a 565 hp naturally aspirated V-12, and an 8-speed Touchtronic III automatic gearbox. The 2016 Vanquish S raised power to 595 hp and lowered the 0–100 km/h time to 3.5 seconds, making it the fastest naturally aspirated Aston Martin road car before the turbocharged era.
For collectors in Azerbaijan, the Vanquish — particularly the Vanquish S — represents the definitive expression of classical Aston Martin GT engineering, a benchmark against which all turbocharged successors are measured.
Vanquish in Pictures
Key Specifications
- Engine: 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V-12 with quad DOHC.
- Power: 565 hp (2012 base), 595 hp (Vanquish S 2016).
- Torque: 630 Nm at 5,500 rpm.
- Transmission: 8-speed Touchtronic III automatic with paddle shifters.
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive with electronically controlled limited-slip differential.
- Structure: Carbon-fibre intensive VH architecture — lightest Aston Martin GT of its era.
- Suspension: Adaptive Bilstein dampers with GT, Sport, Track modes.
- Brakes: Carbon-ceramic matrix available; standard Brembo steel setup impressive.
- Kerb weight: Approximately 1,665 kg — very light for a flagship GT.
- Fuel consumption: Approximately 14–16 L/100 km in mixed driving.
Variant Comparison
| Variant | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h | Top Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanquish (2012) | 6.0L NA V-12 | 565 hp | 630 Nm | 4.1 sec | 295 km/h | Flagship GT coupe |
| Vanquish Volante | 6.0L NA V-12 | 565 hp | 630 Nm | 4.1 sec | 295 km/h | Open-top V-12 touring |
| Vanquish S (2016) | 6.0L NA V-12 | 595 hp | 630 Nm | 3.5 sec | 321 km/h | Maximum naturally-aspirated V-12 performance |
Vanquish vs. Key Competitors
| Model | Core Strength | Main Compromise (Local Context) |
|---|---|---|
| Aston Martin Vanquish | Maximum NA V-12 expression, flagship GT identity | Older infotainment, pre-turbo era technology |
| Ferrari 812 GTS | Higher performance ceiling, newer platform | Less GT comfort-oriented, higher running costs |
| Bentley Continental GT Speed | More refined cabin, stronger regional support | Less raw GT character |
| Lamborghini Aventador S | Extreme performance and presence | Much less practical, polarising road presence |
| Aston Martin DBS | Updated twin-turbo V-12, more modern platform | Different character; turbo vs. NA purists differ |
Ownership Cost Calculator (Azerbaijan)
- Estimated fuel used: 1800 litres/year
- Estimated annual fuel cost: $1350
- Total annual ownership estimate: $10650
- Average monthly ownership estimate: $888
Used Vanquish Buying Checklist
- Full service history: Non-negotiable for a V-12 flagship.
- Carbon-ceramic brakes: Inspect for cracks or delamination if optioned.
- Carbon-fibre body panels: Check for stone chips, cracks, and any repair evidence.
- Adaptive dampers: Test in all three modes for consistent response.
- Touchtronic III gearbox: Confirm fluid service history and test all shift modes.
- Import provenance: Verify customs documents and registration are complete.
Should You Buy an Aston Martin Vanquish?
The Vanquish — especially the S — is the definitive naturally aspirated Aston Martin GT for buyers who value the raw character of a high-revving V-12 without forced induction. Its combination of extreme performance, carbon-fibre lightweight construction, and timeless styling makes it a standout choice.
For those who need modern ADAS technology, turbocharged tractability, or a strong local dealer network, the DB11 or DB12 are more practical choices. The Vanquish, however, is the emotional choice — and for many, the only choice.