2022 Aston Martin Vantage Coupe

When the previous Aston Martin Vantage debuted, it was arguably one of the most beautiful cars on the road, and it retained that title for years to come. Despite this, it was still the "entry-level" Aston, and thus never starred alongside Pierce Brosnan as 007's chariot. For those who did drive it, the Vantage was hailed as a brilliant sports car that you could genuinely use every day. The current model is far more modern, yet holds on to that muscular yet sensual style of design that the Vantage is known for. Performance is vastly increased though, with an AMG-sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 503 horsepower and 505 lb-ft of torque in standard guise, or up to 527 hp in the Vantage F1 Edition. All of this is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic, but unlike in the benchmark Porsche 911, the manual gearbox has been discontinued this year.

The body is sculpted in such a way that everything looks both aggressive and attractive. The latest design direction makes everything look even lower and wider than it already is, with narrow LED headlights and a gaping signature front grille. Fender vents feature too. 20-inch wheels are standard across the range, but the real drama is at the back, where a massive diffuser houses quad-exit exhaust tips, and a continuous taillight spans the width of the rear, flowing into an integrated duckbill spoiler. To coincide with the Vantage becoming one of the official F1 safety cars, the F1 Edition boasts a front splitter with canards, prominent rear wing, and underbody aero for an additional 441 lbs of downforce. A quad-tip exhaust, exclusive 21-inch wheels, and a slatted grille are all included.

As we've mentioned above, this is one wide and low car. Width, excluding the extended mirrors, measures 76.5 inches, while the stance keeps the car at a shockingly low 50.1 inches. As a six-footer, that means the roof barely goes past my waist. Length is considerable, but not excessive, measuring 175.8 inches, with a wheelbase of 106.5 inches. The F1 Edition measures a full inch longer. The dry weight (without fluids) starts at 3,373 pounds on a regular Vantage when equipped with lightweight options. The F1 Edition has a dry weight of 3,461 lbs.

As you'd expect from a low-volume British sports car manufacturer, choices on the color of your vehicle are expansive. If you were one of the lucky few to get one of the first models, your Vantage 59 would have arrived in Stirling Green with Lime accents. The regular Vantage has far more options, however, with your choice of Blacks & Greys, Purples & Blues, Greens, Reds, Bronzes & Oranges, and Silvers & Whites.

The black palette includes hues like Jet Black, China Grey, and Magnetic Silver. Aston Martin is not a brand for fading into the background, though, so you can truly stand out with colors like Royal Indigo, Kermit Green, Aston Martin Racing Green, Supernova Red, Cosmopolitan Yellow, and Golden Saffron. Four different brake caliper colors can further enliven the exterior of the Vantage.

If you're one of the few who spec an F1 Edition, you can opt for either satin or gloss finishes for the Aston Martin Racing Green, but other options include Jet Black and Lunar White. All F1 Editions receive a Solid Matte Dark Grey racing stripe over the top, although this can be deleted if you wish.

If you want the fastest or the quickest of a certain type of car, you generally have to get the limited-run models. Not so in the case of the Vantage. Here, the regular Vantage is the quickest accelerating version. It gets from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 195 mph. That's made possible by the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with its outputs of 503 hp and 505 lb-ft.

The F1 Edition puts out a more potent 527 hp but the torque output remains the same. Aston quotes exactly the same 0-62 mph time for this model as for the normal one. Yes, the Porsche 911 is ultimately quicker but the Aston's sonorous engine note outclasses even the 911's six-pot. A near-perfect weight balance of 50:50 on the regular Vantage helps the car prove itself in the corners, as does a standard electronic limited-slip differential, helping you keep the rear end where you want it. Both Vantage models direct power to the rear wheels exclusively.

The engine in every Aston Martin Vantage is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 from Mercedes-AMG. The V12 Vantage that was introduced later is reviewed separately. Of all the companies that Aston Martin could have chosen, opting for the one that also supplies marques like Pagani Automobili is a guaranteed recipe for success. The engine produces an impressive 503 hp and up to 505 lb-ft of torque in the regular model. The most potent variant, however, is the F1 Edition, which retains the 505 lb-ft torque figure but increases power to 527 hp. Throttle response is good, and the Vantage behaves like a slingshot out the gate, with a low-down rumble increasing to a wailing crescendo - an impressive feat considering how muffling turbochargers can be.

An eight-speed ZF automatic controls ratios in the Vantage, and it's well-tuned, with Sport, Sport+, and Track modes providing progressively sharper responses. In the most laidback Sport mode, however, downshifts can be a fraction too slow, but overall, this is a refined transmission that reacts well to your inputs. Regrettably, Aston has discontinued the manual transmission which leaves only the automatic. As great as the auto is, it was a joy to experience the manual in a car like this.

Aston Martin makes a bit of a fracas about the fact that the Vantage has near-perfect weight distribution as a result of a front-mid-mounted engine and a rear-mounted gearbox. They have every right to be proud of this though, not just from a packaging standpoint but because the result is a brilliant experience in the corners. That balance is clear to feel, and you can push hard into corners with no surprises. The Pirelli tires offer phenomenal grip, but if you want to hang the tail out and indulge your inner hooligan, the Vantage will oblige. Once the rear has broken loose, the feeling of control is managed almost exclusively by your right foot. Want more angle? Put your foot down harder. Want to straighten up? Lift off slightly and you'll be pulled straight.

Granted, the car isn't perfect, as the electric steering is short on feel, but it's still exceptionally accurate and responsive. When it's time to calm down, the brakes do an excellent job of bringing the car to a halt, but we'd avoid the available carbon-ceramics as these are a bit too grabby for daily traffic scenarios. In terms of ride comfort, even the softest setting for the standard adaptive dampers are a little stiffer than you'd like, but they're not unbearable. Overall, this is a car you drive hard and one that rewards you for doing so, but it can be made to be reasonably domesticated if you don't mind feeling the occasional large bump.

The Vantage is surprisingly efficient considering the output of its V8, returning official EPA estimates of 18/24/20 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles. With a 19.2-gallon gas tank, estimated range with mixed driving is expected to be around 384 miles.

The interior of the Vantage is a stunning place to sit, with far more space than the relatively small proportions may suggest. What really smacks you in the face, however, is how well-resolved everything looks. Controls are well laid-out, the leather is sumptuous, and the contrasting colors that can be equipped are both eye-catching and tasteful. This is a car that maintains a black-tie-event level of class while still showing off modernity and aggression. Heated and ventilated seats are available, and although the eight-inch infotainment display may not be touch-activated, but it looks great. The available glass controls are another notable highlight, blending modern style with classic Aston nostalgia.

The Aston Martin Vantage is a strict two-seater rather than a four-seater with useless rear seats. Instead, you can use the area behind the seats for additional storage. Whether you're tall or short, the seats offer plenty of range for adjustment, but it can be tricky getting in and out, thanks to the low roof. Beyond that, comfort and support are provided in equal measure and the driving position is great, with good spacing of the pedals and a chunky but tactile steering wheel. 16-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated sport seats are available, but even the regular perches are easy to acclimatize to. Overall, this car wants you to feel a part of it and it succeeds without making you feel claustrophobic.

When configuring your Vantage, there are many, many options to choose from. It all begins with selecting your favored Interior Environment from choices like Create, the racier Accelerate, and the luxurious Inspire. Both monotone and duotone interior color schemes are available, and the color palette is huge. More refined shades include Metallic Black, Bison Brown, Dark Knight, and Navy Blue. If you want to stand out, consider vibrant colors such as Spicy Red, Oxford Tan, Deep Purple, Absynthe Green, and Californian Poppy. Those are only the primary colors - there is an array of secondary colors, too. Even the headlining can be finished in a choice of over ten hues.

The materials themselves are gorgeous. Smooth rolled leather upholstery feels upmarket, and it's paired with a micromesh headlining, Satin Graphite trim inlays, and Satin Silver and Gloss Black interior jewelry. Gloss Black or carbon fiber can replace the Satin Graphite, and the standard steering wheel can be finished in Alcantara, carbon fiber, or a combination of both.

The F1 Edition comes with interior accents and stitching in Lime Green, Gloss Black trim inlays, and a leather/Alcantara steering wheel in Black and Grey. Personalizing the F1 Edition's cabin is easier since it only comes with dark seats contrasted with Obsidian Black, Wolf Grey, Lime Green, or Spicy Red trim. It can be optioned with Satin carbon fiber performance seats.

This isn't the type of car designed to be an ultimate grand tourer, a fact evidenced by the lack of information provided by Aston for cargo space. While we're pretty sure there's a trunk back there and it can hold some carry-on luggage, official capacity figures have not been provided.

In the cabin, you can fit extra luggage behind the seats, and a pair of cupholders are provided in the center console. A spot for your phone is also offered, while the door pockets are large enough for wallets and keys. The glovebox, however, is typically small.

As a relatively low-volume sports car, the Vantage is not extremely heavily laden with comfort and convenience features, but you do get dual-zone automatic climate control as standard. Aston also includes heated seats with a memory function, front/rear parking sensors, keyless entry, push-button start, cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. Blind-spot detection and auto parking are part of the driver-assist spec sheet too.

There is no shortage of options for the Vantage. Besides the fact that it will take all day to find the perfect combination of interior colors and materials, you can also add a heated steering wheel, special sports seats with 12-way power adjustment, a garage door opener, and ventilated seats.

Aston Martin's infotainment system is a bit of a conundrum. It looks good on the surface, with the eight-inch LCD display visualizing attractive graphics and decent response times. It's also good looking, but functions are generally controlled by an optional Mercedes-like touchpad and the menus can be confusing. In addition to not offering touchscreen capability, it doesn't offer Android Auto. That could be acceptable if Apple CarPlay was included, but only "iPod and iPhone integration" feature alongside Bluetooth and USB connections. At least navigation is standard along with a six-speaker sound system that can be upgraded to a premium audio setup.

Both 2021 and 2022 Vantage models have so far not succumbed to any recalls. According to the NHTSA, the last recall on record was for the 2020 Vantage for front-seat airbag fasteners that may be loose. This could potentially result in an airbag that doesn't deploy correctly in a crash.

In terms of coverage, Aston Martin provides buyers of the Vantage with three years of basic and drivetrain coverage with no mileage limit. A ten-year/unlimited mileage corrosion warranty is included too, as well as two years of roadside assistance.

Cars like the Vantage are generally not subjected to crash tests, usually due to the high cost of building them. The Vantage has a number of safety features but not much in the way of advanced driver aids. Nevertheless, it is unlikely to be considered unsafe.

The focus in most Astons, with the exception of their "passenger cars", is on performance, and the Vantage therefore only has dual frontal and side-impact airbags, a rearview camera, and parking sensors at the front and the back as standard. The automaker also lists blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera, and automatic parking as standard.

Is the Vantage a good car? A year ago, we said that the Vantage's manual gearbox automatically qualified it for a "yes" to that question. But do we have the same opinion of the Vantage now that the manual is gone? Yes, but there are a few downsides that come with a sports car like this one. The trunk is practically non-existent, the infotainment system is lacking for features and general usability, and there really isn't much in the way of advanced driver aids. That said, we have to remember that this is a sports car, not a crossover. So as a sports car, this thing needs to shine, and shine it does. The throttle response is good, and the acceleration is visceral, but the way this car handles corners is what sets it apart. It dances with elegance and has the kind of poise that you'd expect from a brand that supplies the most charming and composed secret agent ever depicted. The steering is direct, and although we miss the manual, this is still a wonderful car. Good enough for Bond? Certainly. Good enough for us? Absolutely

The 2022 Aston Martin Vantage starts at $142,086 for the base V8, followed by the F1 Edition at $165,086. These prices exclude a destination charge of $3,086, as well as any options that you may add.

Two variants of the Aston Martin Vantage have been released for 2022: Vantage and Vantage F1 Edition. Both are powered by an AMG-sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8.

The standard Vantage is the one that the F1 Edition is based on. It develops 503 hp and 505 lb-ft of torque, and is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. It can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 195 mph. Standard features include adaptive suspension, front and rear parking sensors, 20-inch wheels, an electronic limited-slip differential, dual-zone climate control, and a six-speaker sound system.

To celebrate being the official safety car of Formula 1, the F1 Edition gets an extra 24 hp, a carbon fiber rear spoiler, front splitter, and underbody aero. Special 21-inch alloy wheels, revisions to the suspension and steering, unique Aston Martin Racing Green paint, and a bespoke interior are all equipped here.

The base Vantage comes with quite a few customization options. For the exterior, there is a Gloss Black Lower Body Package, as well as an Upper Body Package. Owners can also equip larger 21-inch wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes, and various finishes for the roof and grille.

Inside, the Vantage can be upgraded with a heated steering wheel, special sports seats, semi-aniline leather, and more color choices than we can mention here. A premium sound system is also on the menu.

You can either go for the base model, or, for not much more, you can have an Aston Martin in Racing Green that looks like a Formula 1 safety car and has an extra 24 horsepower. However, the latter isn't very customizable, so if you'd like to tailor your Vantage, the base model will have to do. As for us, we'd take the revised suspension, steering, and aero of the F1 Edition, retain the Racing Green color scheme, and tack on the premium audio system and touchpad infotainment controller for ease of use.

No Aston Martin is cheap, but the Vantage is the most affordable in the range. So should you spend a little more and get the DB11? This starts at just under $200,000 and is also powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo AMG V8. The DB11 is a little more powerful in base form but both are similarly rapid. And, while the DB11 was unique with the option of its V12, a V12-engined Vantage is on the way soon. So why choose the DB11? Well, it's a more comfortable vehicle; it's a GT for us. The fun factor of the Vantage, its shorter wheelbase, lighter mass, and excellent handling draw us in, but the DB11 with its usable trunk is worth considering too.

There used to be a saying that, if you couldn't get a proper Aston, you'd wait for the next Jaguar sports car to come out and you'd end up with something very similar. But times have changed, and each brand is distinctly different from the other. At around $70,000, the F-Type starts at a much lower price point, but you can spend over $100,000 on the more powerful F-Type R. It makes 567 hp from its supercharged V8 and sounds glorious, and it will match the Vantage up to 60 mph. There are some disappointing facets to the Jag, though. With AWD, it isn't as pure or as fun to drive as the Aston, and the ride quality is unnecessarily harsh. Besides that, the Jaguar name isn't quite up there with Aston Martin. At the end of the day, however, it's a simple decision. Do you want an expensive Jaguar or would you rather live out your 007 fantasy in a real Aston Martin? We'll take that shaken Martini now.