It makes 25 hp more than the regular Vantage, and features improved aerodynamics

Developed to commemorate the brand's return to Formula 1, The new Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition is now available for sale in Malaysia.

Sitting at the top of the Vantage model line, the Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition made its debut at the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2021, where it was the safety car for the round.
 
Powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, the Vantage F1 Edition makes 25 PS more than the base Vantage, 535 PS to be precise.  Peak torque remains unchanged at 685 Nm, but that peak is sustained for longer to further increase tractability and in-gear urgency. 

The performance has been further enhanced by work of the 8-speed automatic transmission, with an optimised torque cut during upshifts that reduces shift times and increases the feeling of directness and precision.  

Moving to the chassis, the team’s focus centered on the suspension and steering, with further detailed underbody modifications to increase front structural stiffness for a further improvement in steering feel and response.  

Reworked damper internals have increased the dampers’ effective force range.  This increase in bandwidth brings a noticeable improvement in vertical body control - both through high-speed compressions and over crests - without any deterioration in low-speed compliance.

To compliment changes to the dampers, the chassis also benefits from increased rear spring rate and lateral stiffness to help sharpen turn-in, increase traction (especially over bumps) and ensure the rear-end is tuned to compliment the front-end’s rate of response. 

Further improvements to response and - crucially - to what the driver feels have been made to the steering system, allowing feedback from the road to be transmitted more clearly, which in turn helped build a detailed sense of available grip.

With the chassis hardware optimised, attention turned to the wheels and tyres, increasing from 20-inch on the regular Vantage to 21-inch as standard for the F1 Edition – the first time the Vantage has been fitted with 21-inch wheels and wrapped with Pirelli’s 255/35ZR21 in front and 295/30ZR21 in the rear, developed specifically for the F1 Edition. 

Much like the other dynamic changes, the switch to a lower profile tyre provides greater feedback to the driver to ensure progressive on-limit handling to give maximum confidence in even the most extreme track driving scenarios. Completing the Vantage F1 Edition’s performance enhancements is a comprehensive aero kit, bringing improvements that can be felt from the driver’s seat and measured against the clock.  

Designed to deliver positive front and rear downforce, totalling up to 200 kg more downforce than the Vantage at top speed while optimising the overall balance of the car. The aerodynamic changes comprise a full-width front splitter, front dive planes, underbody turning vanes, and - most obviously - the new rear wing.  

The rear diffuser remains unchanged but remains a core feature in the delivery of the aerodynamic performance working in tandem with the new aerodynamic features.     

Exterior paint colours are available in both a Satin or Gloss finish, and other colour options include Jet Black and Lunar White, all of which are complimented by a Solid Matte Dark Grey racing graphic.  

Inside the Vantage F1 Edition features new Obsidian Black Leather and Phantom Grey Alcantara upholstery and trim, with a choice of Lime Green, Obsidian Black, Titanium Grey or Spicy Red contrast stripe and stitching. 

The Vantage F1 Edition is available in variations such as Coupe and Roadster which is further distinguished by its vaned grille as standard, 2x2 Twill Carbon Fibre exterior detailing, unique graphics, quad exhausts, and a newly designed Satin Black 21-inch alloy wheels.

Currently available in Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur, the new Vantage F1 Edition is on sale now with a recommended retail price from RM978,000 excluding taxes, duties and other options.