German Engineering Makes the Vantage Aston Martin’s Best Car
Hooniverse proclaims new turbocharged engines do nothing to dilute the Aston Martin magic.
Scoff all you want about ruining the “purity” of an Aston Martin by utilizing a German engine and transmission, but the fact is, AM’s new Vantage is quite the car. Why? Because the character of a car isn’t just based on faults you’re forced to forgive. Poorly functioning parts have never been a prerequisite for soul or emotion. Perhaps that’s why Hooniverse host Jeff Glucker considers the new Vantage to be the very best car Aston Martin has ever built.
Obviously, Aston Martin has had great engines over the years, in 12 and 8 cylinder configurations. Those lust-worthy engines are a big part of the brand’s enduring appeal. Does AMG‘s turbo V8 match up? On paper, yes. It displaces 4.0 liters and is paired with two turbos, good for 503 horsepower and 505 lb-ft of torque. Glucker says “the old V8 sounded good. The old V12 sounded incredible, but I am not missing either of them one little bit.”
As a matter of fact, switching the car between modes exposes some party tricks from the exhaust. “Put the car into “track” and when you let off the throttle, there’s a bit of throttle overrun. It sounds like there’s a machine gun on each side letting everybody know this car does have serious business under its hood.”
In order to truly be good, that sweet engine has to work with the rest of the car, too. No problem for the Vantage, as Glucker praises the transmission, too. “It’s not going to rip off lighting quick shifts like Porsche’s PDK, but it is damn close. And, it’s great in corners if you let it do its own thing.” Glucker demonstrates this with some exuberant driving, where the car would select exactly the gear he would have anyway.
Still in doubt? That’s fine, since Germans are also particular about safety. That doesn’t mean the Aston sees the heavy hand of driver aids, however. Glucker states there’s plenty of shenanigans you can get yourself into, and off public roads, can really get things sideways.
Looks are going to drive some people away, especially with Aston Martin’s very interesting approach to the front grille. However, love or hate it, this car is one of those rides greater than the sum of its parts. And since those parts are now very good, Glucker can laud the Vantage as Aston Martin’s best car ever, with plenty of merit to back up that statement.
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