full height windscreen that mirrors exactly the Coupe form and blends seamlessly into the multi-layered 

 

fabric roof. The final flourish on both versions is the innovative one piece ‘Aero Duct’ bootlid with integrated rear spoiler, that not only manipulates the airflow with real efficiency but also enhances the dazzling One-77 inspired LED light blade rear lamp and the full-width Carbon-Fibre rear diffuser. Each inspired detail blends into the next to create a virtuoso performance for the world to enjoy.

 

“Power, beauty and soul. The aston martin vanquish is the very essence of aston martin distilled into one beautifully sculpted car. The vanquish’s soaring performance, meticulous craftsmanship and cosseting luxury can be experienced in coupe or volante forms. 

 

Both models offer a masterful blend of art, technology, craftsmanship and pure adrenalin to create a dazzling driving experience. The vanquish range defines a new breed of super grand tourer” 

 

The heading has nothing to do with the James Bond movie where the Aston Martin just disappears from sight. This vanishing act has to do with putting your foot down on the throttle and then just see all else vanish behind you. The 2015 Aston Martin Vanquish eight-speed ZF automatic—has really put this car in another league and thus ends one of the most irritating features previously experienced with the Aston Martin. This super quick gearbox, is one of several performance perfection gains for the 2015 Vanquish.

 

These are gains that you can feel at the seat of your pants while rocketing of to a maximum speed of 323kph with your knees getting weak while experiencing and enjoying this exhilarating ride to the 300kph mark.

 

Changes in the Vanquish 2015 model is more technical then cosmetic like the soft new leather trim  including California Poppy colours and for the very brave Fandango Pink. The 1 million stitches in the hour glass quilt stitching looks great and again shows that even in these super sport saloons that quality and design is not neglected. I find the Aston Martin Vanquishes seats to be the best in the sector for my more than slim figure and I never felt my bottom getting tired as the cushioning is excellent. I have found the touch instrumentation in the glass finished console to be user friendly and easy to understand.

 

The ride quality may be a bit harsh on our roads but even with sport selected with stiffer shocks the Vanquish remains a pleasant ride. The all composite body makes for great weight reduction and more strength to help catapult this 5.9 litreV-12 powered motor to speeds, if caught will probably get you 20 to life. With no effort at all the Vanquish will have you reach 100kph within 3.6 seconds while roaring on to a top speed of 323 kph. When coming to speed above 200kph you really come to enjoy and to respect the new bonded aluminium structure with its more rigid subframes worth. Quick braking at speed in corners is excellent through the carbon fibre brakes and then just paddle back, slam your foot down and the Vanquish again does its vanishing act.

 

For the more subdued Aston Martin driver, if ever there was something like that, you can cruise along with the sport system being switched off, the adaptive suspension and transmission at rest and the stability revised to cruising. 

 

I was surprised at the agility of the 2015 Vanquish for a car and conforming to all aspects of a super GT racer while enjoying the comforts of a sports saloon. Steering is precise even when you overcook it in turns and the Vanquish just snaps back into line without any unbecoming movements. 

 

2015 Aston Martin Vanquish Specifications

 

Base price                  R4m to R4.5m

Engine                        5.9-liter V-12

Power                         424kW @ 6650 rpm

Torque                        630Nm @ 5500 rpm

Transmission             8-speed automatic

Tires                            Pirelli P-Zero 255/35 ZR20 front, 305/30/ ZR20 rear                                  

Curb weight               1742 kg

Fuel economy           25.4 litres per 100kms as tested (city/highway)                                    

 

The cobalt blue Aston Martin Vanquish has generated a lot of interest at CEO’s Continental Awards function where it was displayed for all to see. Gauging by the interest the Aston Martin is popular with women and men and is an inspirational vehicle that is the pinnacle of what can be achieved when one focus on what is possible out of the box even when history still plays a main part in your development. Driving this beautiful full blooded super sports car is a dream come true for me and I was amazed at the crowds it pulled and the conversations I have had with young and old.

 

A true British Icon as well known as even the Second World fighter the Spitfire and probably just as loud.

 

Well done Aston Martin!