2004 Aston Martin Vanquish S

The fastest road car in the history of Aston Martin. A car that fuses hand-crafted tradition with the highest calibre of automotive technology. Appropriately it is our flagship car - the V12 Vanquish S - the ultimate Aston Martin.’

Source - Aston Martin Media

The driver has a number of gear change modes to choose from. In Select Shift Manual (SSM) mode, the driver shifts gears up and down using the steering column-mounted shift paddles (right to upshift, left to downshift). The only time the system intervenes for the driver is at the red line, when the computer automatically upshifts. Additionally, there is Auto Shift Manual (ASM) mode, in which the computer takes care of all gear selections according to engine and road speed without driver intervention. But even in ASM mode, subtle use of the throttle can induce gear changes to enhance the driving experience.

There is an optional ‘Sport’ mode in both settings. In SSM Sport, the system allows the driver to ‘bounce’ against the rev limiter without shifting automatically. ASM Sport allows the gearbox to rev higher to use more of the engine’s power, and shifts more quickly.

Source - Aston Martin Media

High Torsional Rigidity: Optimum Steering & Suspension

An Aston Martin, especially the ultimate Aston Martin, needs to delight its driver like no other car. It needs fast, predictable handling, and superb road holding. It needs to thrill, yet never surprise. The Vanquish S is one of the best handling and most predictable cars in the world. It communicates to the driver with utmost faithfulness, and yet with total entertainment.

The key to its nimbleness, and predictability, is its light yet massively stiff body structure. Nothing dulls performance like weight. The lower the weight, the sharper the response. No great athlete is overweight. Nor is a truly great sports car. The aerospace-style body structure also imparts superb torsional strength, much greater than a conventional steel body. So the car stays in shape, no matter what the conditions.

Source - Aston martin Media

With a maximum speed in excess of 200mph (320 km/h) and a 6.0 litre V12 engine developing 520 horsepower, the Vanquish S has been designed to deliver even greater performance, complemented by subtle suspension and steering changes and a number of interior and external style revisions.

'The Vanquish is our flagship model and the standard 460bhp will continue to be built,' said Aston Martin CEO, Dr Úlrich Bez. 'However, this derivative makes the car even more exceptional. The latest Vanquish S is not only the fastest Aston Martin ever, but it is the best handling too. It is the ultimate high-performance Aston Martin.'

The Vanquish S has received subtle but effective changes to complement its elegant muscular body. The famous Aston Martin grille has a new rounded and more open appearance for better cooling, and an aerodynamic splitter improves high-speed stability.

At the rear, a redesigned boot lid featuring a new high mounted stop lamp reduces lift and improves balance and stability, helping to achieve an impressive Cd figure of 0.32.

These differences on the Vanquish S not only improve the appearance but also enhance performance. All the exterior body panels are constructed from aluminium with each individual panel hand tailored to the central structure to ensure a perfect panel fit. Every carefully detailed feature provides graphic evidence of the painstaking craftsmanship and quality, which is invested in its construction at Aston Martin's Newport Pagnell site in Buckinghamshire.

Revised steering geometry provides a 20% quicker response, allowing the driver to apply a reduced input for required steering response. This enables the driver to be more precise with inputs - especially on winding roads - and more accurate feedback from the chassis.

The Sports Dynamics suspension, steering and braking package is now standard on the Vanquish S. This includes stiffer springs and dampers and shorter steering arms.

The brakes have been upgraded to incorporate larger six piston calipers and larger grooved and ventilated front discs. The rear discs are 2mm wider for improved heat dissipation. The use of floating discs ensures the driver has consistent pedal feel under heavy braking whilst a new brake pedal assembly reduces travel and enhances pedal feel.

Further development of Aston Martin's low emissions, all alloy, quad-overhead camshaft, 48 valve, 6.0-litre V12 engine has generated an increase in power from 460 bhp to 520 bhp and torque is boosted to 425 lb ft (577 Nm).

Engine enhancements include new cylinder heads with fully machined inlet ports and combustion chambers to improve airflow, revised engine mapping and new fuel injectors.



The luxurious but purposeful two seat or optional 2+2 cabin now features supportive all leather trimmed sports seats with many additional and exquisite detail touches which amply demonstrate the truly special nature of this unique hand crafted sports car.

'The Vanquish S V12 is a combination of state-of-the-art aerospace technology and hand craftsmanship,' said Dr Bez. 'It is the flagship model of a confident and growing company that is proud to display its heritage but is also determined to make the most technologically modern and inspirational sports cars in the world.'

Illustrating Aston Martin's continuing commitment to customer care Vanquish S customers will be eligible for a complimentary Performance Driving Course. This comprehensive one-to-one driving experience can be taken at one of three proving grounds – Millbrook in the ÚK, Lommel in Belgium, or Romeo, Michigan, in North America.

With the capacity to continue to turn heads, the design of the Vanquish is already established as a modern classic. Since its launch in 2001, the Vanquish has proved to be a huge success for Aston Martin with over 1500 cars built.

Source - Aston Martin Media