Just a few years back, Aston Martin seemed a bit confused with its range of offerings. It had the DB9, the DBS - a sportier, more hardcore version of the DB9, and the Virage - a model that slots narrowly between the former two.
But in 2012, after a mere 18 months of production, the Virage was axed.
It was also in the same time frame that we saw, possibly the cutest Aston of all times, the Cygnet - a three-door hatchback which is essentially a rebadged Toyota iQ. The model attracted as much controversies as it did with eyeballs, and it went the same way as the Virage.
Determined to hold it back together, the British automaker called upon the Vanquish - a nameplate which reigned as Aston's flagship model between 2001 and 2007.
The second generation, too, sits at the top of the family tree, taking over the DBS as the marque's flagship Grand Tourer (GT).
Despite being based on an aluminium architecture that links back to the DB9's, all panels on the Vanquish are brand new, and are now made out of carbon fibre.
But in 2012, after a mere 18 months of production, the Virage was axed.
It was also in the same time frame that we saw, possibly the cutest Aston of all times, the Cygnet - a three-door hatchback which is essentially a rebadged Toyota iQ. The model attracted as much controversies as it did with eyeballs, and it went the same way as the Virage.
Determined to hold it back together, the British automaker called upon the Vanquish - a nameplate which reigned as Aston's flagship model between 2001 and 2007.
The second generation, too, sits at the top of the family tree, taking over the DBS as the marque's flagship Grand Tourer (GT).
Despite being based on an aluminium architecture that links back to the DB9's, all panels on the Vanquish are brand new, and are now made out of carbon fibre.
Exterior
The Vanquish's appeal is apparent, evident from the way it makes pedestrians turn and watch this GT sweep past - even when our test car came cloaked in a mature, un-attention-seeking grey.
Not just the bystanders - the sheet metal bewitches us, and we reckon we could spend the rest of the day looking at without getting bored.
While most of the carbon fibre are hidden by the paintwork, there are still bits of the highly exclusive material that are naked to the eye, such as the front bumper lip, side skirts and rear diffuser. It is like the Aston's way of playing peek-a-boo.
The Vanquish's appeal is apparent, evident from the way it makes pedestrians turn and watch this GT sweep past - even when our test car came cloaked in a mature, un-attention-seeking grey.
Not just the bystanders - the sheet metal bewitches us, and we reckon we could spend the rest of the day looking at without getting bored.
While most of the carbon fibre are hidden by the paintwork, there are still bits of the highly exclusive material that are naked to the eye, such as the front bumper lip, side skirts and rear diffuser. It is like the Aston's way of playing peek-a-boo.
Interior
Heading inside, the Vanquish's charming cabin continues to impress. There is a sumptuous buffet of cow hide, and is matched with exclusive materials such as alcantara and carbon fibre. Despite finished mainly in monotonous black, the cabin feels expensive to the touch.
The unconventional, squarish steering wheel is one feature that will catch your attention as soon as you open the door. While first impressions lean towards 'quirky', and some may even find it an acquired taste, the One-77 derived wheel is much better in feel than in looks.
Heading inside, the Vanquish's charming cabin continues to impress. There is a sumptuous buffet of cow hide, and is matched with exclusive materials such as alcantara and carbon fibre. Despite finished mainly in monotonous black, the cabin feels expensive to the touch.
The unconventional, squarish steering wheel is one feature that will catch your attention as soon as you open the door. While first impressions lean towards 'quirky', and some may even find it an acquired taste, the One-77 derived wheel is much better in feel than in looks.
While the Vanquish strikes with gorgeous looks - both on the inside and outside - space certainly isn't its forte. The GT grants the driver and front passenger adequate room, but is better described as cuddly than roomy.
The rear quarters are the least practical, and should only be left for small children. That said, Aston has managed to carve out 60 percent more space at the boot - 368 litres compared to 186 litres in the DBS it replaces.
The rear quarters are the least practical, and should only be left for small children. That said, Aston has managed to carve out 60 percent more space at the boot - 368 litres compared to 186 litres in the DBS it replaces.
The Drive
The Vanquish's 6.0-litre V12 comes with 565bhp and 620Nm of torque. While the figures may seem pretty impressive on first glance, it is the least powerful in the arena. In comparison, the Ferrari F12 boasts 740bhp. Lamborghini's Aventador, too, has no fewer than 700 horses.
It is no surprise, then, that the Vanquish isn't the quickest to reach 100km/h among the rivals. It will accomplish the task in 4.1 seconds - while the F12 does it a full second faster, and the bull blazing through in just 2.9 seconds. Then again, it was never meant to be the spine-cracking kind of sports car.
In 'Sport' mode, the GT has a noticeably sharper throttle response. And if you prod a little further, it will reward you with a glorious and intoxicating roar. There's also little doubt that it is one of the sweetest sounding V12s out there.
Keen drivers will also be elated to know that the Vanquish comes fitted with hydraulic-assisted steering, which promises more driving involvement than newer electrical systems. The speed sensitive rack feels adequately weighted and gives decent feedback at highway speeds, yet without needing to break a sweat at city speed.
Rolling over patched roads, the Vanquish's supple setup feels more sports car-like than GT, especially in 'Sport' mode when the suspension firms up a notch. That said, with part credits to the comfortable quilted seats, the ride is never punishing.
Conclusion
Call us superficial, but we reckon the Vanquish's good looks is already half the battle won.
The driver-centric experience - a combination of the engaging drive and soulful crackle from the exhaust - makes the Vanquish even harder not to fall for.
And unless you are someone who is mind-blogged by performance figures, the Vanquish offers a uniquely different experience from other supercars. That is, if you can stomach the stratospherical price tag.
Conclusion
Call us superficial, but we reckon the Vanquish's good looks is already half the battle won.
The driver-centric experience - a combination of the engaging drive and soulful crackle from the exhaust - makes the Vanquish even harder not to fall for.
And unless you are someone who is mind-blogged by performance figures, the Vanquish offers a uniquely different experience from other supercars. That is, if you can stomach the stratospherical price tag.
