With a character arc rivaling that found in Dickens, 112-year-old Aston Martin has gone from the brink of financial and reputational ruin to a respected automotive power in both motorsport and production cars. Famed aerodynamicist Adrian Newey has joined its Formula 1 team as of the 2025 season; the marque will once again compete at Le Mans; and its flagship DB12 was named Robb Report’s Car of the Year for 2024. The renaissance continues with the new Aston Martin Vantage finishing second overall in our contest this year.
“Aston Martin has taken a huge step forward and put this car squarely in competition with other marques from Stuttgart and Maranello," said Preston Shepherd. “A raucous 4.0-liter V-8, an excellent gearbox, and looks to kill for made this a very compelling car." Matthew Coit noted how “the fit and finish has improved markedly" from even a few years ago, while Morgan Saliny thought the “redesigned interior was masterfully executed." Lee Oleinick was enamored with its “sculpted new body that belongs in a museum," and Mark Singer appreciated how “the Vantage attacks all the senses and provides a driving experience that honors, and improves on, its heritage."
The Vantage’s packaging and performance were also a highlight for Charles Veth, who said that the model was “all the power you need wrapped in a spectacular skin." Not as convinced, Richard Vanderbrook was of the opinion that the Vantage “has been more impressive in the past," while Ken Spiegel was turned off by the “noticeable turbo lag at launch." That didn’t stop David Mischell from lauding its “incredible power, tight handling, and [making] all the right sounds." And despite not claiming the crown this year, the British coupe “checked all the boxes," according to Sam Herzfeld, while Andrew Adams proclaimed the Vantage to be the “most amazing car I’ve ever driven"—no doubt music to Aston’s ears as it continues its impressive run.
Engine: 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8
Power: 656 hp
0-60 MPH: 3.4 sec
Top Speed: 202 mph
Base Price: $191,000
As Tested: $264,300
From the article by Viju Mathew and Robert Ross
