2022 Aston Martin Vanquish Keeps Manual Transmission Alive

Save the Manuals

At this years Geneva Motor Show, Aston Martin showcased a trio of world debuts which included a first glimpse of at the Vanquish Vision Concept.  The Vanquish Vision Concept previews Aston Martin's future design language for the brand's first series production mid-engined supercar. The CEO of Aston Martin, Andy Palmer, confirmed to Australian outlet Car Sales that the 2022 Vanquish will be offered to buyers with a manual transmission.  

Photos courtesy of Aston Martin

Mid-Engine Supercar

At Geneva, Aston Martin noted the brand would be reviving an iconic nameplate traditionally reserved for Aston Martin’s flagship production model.  Palmer said “Firstly, what a pleasure to revive the Vanquish name.  Synonymous with our series production flagships, it felt entirely appropriate to attach it to such a significant car.  The Vanquish Vision Concept marks another pivotal moment in Aston Martin’s history, and another critical step in delivering the Second Century Plan.  Our first series production rear mid-engined supercar will be a transformational moment for the brand, for it is the car that will propel Aston Martin into a sector of the market traditionally seen as the heartland of luxury sports cars.”

>>Join the conversation about the future of Aston Martin right here in the 6SpeedOnline Forum!

Aston's Last Stand

As the new decade quickly approaches, automakers are at an interesting pivot point with electrification and autonomy on the horizon.  As reported by Car Sales, Andy Palmer was quoted saying:  "I've already made a commitment that I want to be the last manufacturer in the world to offer manual sports cars and I want to honor that commitment..."  Car Sales states, "[i]t's thought the Vanquish will use the same Aston-developed seven-speed manual transmission, which features a dogleg first ratio."  This same transmission can be found in the V8 Vantage AMR that was unveiled last May.

>>Join the conversation about the future of Aston Martin right here in the 6SpeedOnline Forum!

Looks can be Endearing

Aston Martin Director of Design, Miles Nurnberger, says "[t]he Vanquish Vision Concept has a more seductive and less technical appearance than Aston Martin Valkyrie and AM-RB 003, but it’s still extreme in terms of visual gestures.  For example, it has a very distinctive clamshell front fender, with openings so you can see through onto the tire."  Furthermore, "It’s been designed to thrive in a less extreme performance envelope.  But, while being very much at home on the road, it will still be equally capable when chasing lap times on a race track... Its beauty comes from a shift in emphasis from the aggressive, function-driven surfaces of Aston Martin Valkyrie and AM-RB 003 to more flowing and sensuous forms while retaining a resolute athleticism and modernity..."

>>Join the conversation about the future of Aston Martin right here in the 6SpeedOnline Forum!

The Technicals

So far, Aston Martin has only confirmed two pieces of technical information related to the 2022 Vanquish Vision Concept.  First, the production version of the Vanquish Vision Concept will feature an all-new electrified 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6.  Second, Aston Martin states, "the Vanquish Vision Concept features a bespoke bonded aluminum chassis, developed under the guidance of a mid-engine specialist and Aston Martin Chief Technical Officer, Max Szwaj."  

>>Join the conversation about the future of Aston Martin right here in the 6SpeedOnline Forum!

Coming Soon...

While the Vanquish Vision Concept is still a few years from production, it's exciting to hear a CEO so committed to keeping manual transmissions alive.  As their numbers dwindle, it's hard to think that one day soon, the long-standing manual gearbox will be a relic of the past, remembered fondly by enthusiasts.  For now, we as an enthusiast community should take comfort that manuals will carry on at least into the 2020s.  Car Sales reports the future Aston supercar to be priced at about $450,000 for the base model, with faster AMR versions and a drop-top Volante to follow in the supercar's tracks.