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2013 Aston Martin Vanquish Preview

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Nauman Farooq
If your ideal car is something fast and sleek with a melodious V12 engine and an interior that redefines luxury, then chances are you'll like the new 2013 Aston Martin Vanquish.

Aston Martin Vanquish 2013

The first car to wear the Vanquish name was launched back in 2002 and quickly became popular among the rich and famous. In 2005, an updated Vanquish S model was launched, which had more power, better brakes and improved aerodynamics. However, in 2008, the Vanquish was replaced by the DBS model which was more of a tweaked version of the DB9, rather than an all-new car. For 2013, the Vanquish name is back, dethroning the DBS as the flagship of the British luxury sports car manufacturer.

The 2013 Aston Martin Vanquish might look all new, but it still has a lot of familiar bits on it, too. The chassis, for instance, is a new development of the VH-platform (the original Vanquish was the first car to use this modular platform), now featuring an aluminum and carbon-fiber bonded structure.

2013 Aston Martin Vanquish front 3/4 view
For 2013, the Vanquish name is back, dethroning the DBS as the flagship of the British luxury sports car manufacturer. (Photo: Aston Martin)

The 2013 Aston Martin Vanquish might look all new, but it still has a lot of familiar bits on it, too. The chassis, for instance, is a new development of the VH-platform (the original Vanquish was the first car to use this modular platform), now featuring an aluminum and carbon-fiber bonded structure.

The engine is also familiar: an all-alloy, 48-valve, 6.0-liter, V12 which first saw service in the DB7 Vantage back in 2000. In this new application, this motor produces 565 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. Power is fed to the rear wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. This gearbox is called Touchtronic 2 and is the same unit used in the Aston Martin DB9, Virage and Rapide models. In the new Vanquish, a limited slip differential is offered as standard, which will help transfer power to the road more effectively.

Hook it up properly, and Aston Martin reckons the 2013 Vanquish will cover the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 4.1 seconds, and keep accelerating on to a top speed of 295 km/h. While nowhere near other production sports cars in its price range, these figures are still very respectable.

Speed is one thing, however, an Aston Martin is more about making a stylish statement, and the new Vanquish will not disappoint in this area.

2013 Aston Martin Vanquish rear 3/4 view
Aston Martin reckons the 2013 Vanquish will cover the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 4.1 seconds, and keep accelerating on to a top speed of 295 km/h. (Photo: Aston Martin)

For starters, the new body is stunning. Penned by a design team lead by Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s design director, the Vanquish is a beautiful culmination of many recent Aston Martin designs. The front headlights on the 2013 Aston Martin Vanquish are similar to those found on the Virage, the taillights echo the look of the One-77 limited edition supercar. Even the style of the exterior rearview mirrors are reminiscent of the ones found on the One-77.

The similarities with the One-77 continue when you open the door, as the interior design is heavily influenced by it. It is modern, stylish and functional. In short, the 2013 Aston Martin Vanquish looks to be an ideal place to spend lots of time in. Unlike its multi-million dollar sibling, the Vanquish can be specified either as a two-seater or a 2+2.

Canadian pricing for this new Vanquish is currently unavailable, but don’t expect any change from your $300,000. The car is expected to go on sale in the first quarter of 2013, but you can order one with your specifications starting now.
Nauman Farooq
Nauman Farooq
Automotive expert
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