DRIVING the stunning NEW Aston Martin Vantage | Henry Catchpole - The Driver's Seat

A TWIN-TURBO V-8!!! In this review of the new Aston Martin Vantage, Henry Catchpole ponders wherefore and how art the 656bhp baby of the range is like a James Bond film. Of course we are familiar with 007 driving a silver slice of Newport Pagnell or Gaydon’s finest, but it’s far from the only predictable trope - music, gadgets, villains, M, Q, Moneypenny, all are expected. And so it is with the spec sheet of a Vantage.

The looks are instantly recognisable - more so than the last generation - with classically Aston Martin design cues. And it is stunning. The engine is up the front, as you’d expect, albeit behind the front wheels. Predictably the power is going solely to the rear and it is a V8 providing the 656bhp and 590lb ft. More specifically it is a 4-litre, twin-turbo with its origins at AMG. It’s a script that is comforting in its recognisability.

It is also very recognisable if you have perused the particulars of the Aston Martin DB12 that was launched in 2023. In fact, save for a couple of seats and a very minor discrepancy in the power figures, they look like nearly identical cars. Even the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S tyres are the same size, front and rear. So, one of the big questions for Henry Catchpole was whether the new Vantage would feel markedly different to drive.

The setting for the test was the countryside near Seville in southern Spain, with the blood red Rio Tinto running through it. We also took a new Vantage - this time decked out in an F1 safety car colour scheme - to the Monteblanco circuit for some fast laps. Of course there was the opportunity to try out the handling with the new nine-stage traction control turned off, but it was also interesting to see how the Vantage’s 50 percent increase in cooling helped the car cope with 32 degrees celsius (90F) temperatures.

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[HenryCatchpole]

Hope you all enjoy this! After the DB12 last year, it feels like Aston is on a bit of a roll and I loved the exterior spec of this silver car (even the green brake calipers, which was a surprise). Familiar but in a good way. Thank you, as ever for watching, commenting, liking, subscribing, sharing and all that good stuff. It really does help us.

[Martin-dlhc]

This new generation of Aston's are future classics

[ikampbush]

I read a comment many years ago under one of HCs videos which simply said “I could listen to this man describe a cheese sandwich “ still true to this day. Aston also amazing.

[ericmin]

It looks absolutely gorgeous, like a baby One-77, I would definitely get this over a 911 Turbo, but idk why I'm speaking as if I'm not a broke ass college student

[otaviosilva]

This front is 1000 times more beautiful than the previous version!

[GrumblingForesight]

This has got to be the prettiest I’ve seen this car on Youtube! Catchpole hit it out of the park yet again. Thank you Hagerty for enabling videos like this, and Camissa’s Piechisode to continue being produced. With Top Gear gone and Grand Tour going the way of the dodo soon, you’re our only hope.

[rajansok]

Despite all the reviews that just dropped for this car, Henry’s will always be the first I go to. Yet another masterpiece of scripting, camerawork, and editing.

[shankarbalan]

Henry Catchpole- Superb Automotive Journalism. I wish his videos would come out a little more frequently than they presently do. His expressions and overall knowledge are a real treat to watch, as a car enthusiast.

[ELXABER]

You can't deny they make a gorgeous car, and that interior looks better than many other current cars twice its price with manufacturers using haptic buttons and massive screens.

[lotfibelbachir]

always a pleasure getting notified for another Henry catchpole video

[kevintownsend]

Even as a young man watching Sean Connery as 007 loved Aston Martin cars and now as an older man, I absolutely still love Aston Martin cars

[JamesPink-jk]

Have an early 4.3 and now drive a 2010 V12 manual. This new generation looks and sounds fabulous, body shape very influenced by the original 2006 V8. Love the arches, stance, interior... I love all the power of the 4.3 living at 7000 (7300 on mine now) makes it a strange experience from turbo engine fed drivers. Just brilliant, A great achievement!

[kiwid]

Henry you uniquely presented this car in a way others didn’t, showing it in a way that makes one want to buy one and head straight on a European tour with it. Aston should gift you this very car.

[culloutoltec]

it's gone way past stunning to freakingly, magnificently beautiful..

[carterhunt]

Love my '19 Vantage and this video confirms the new, new Vantage is an improvement. I've driven mine on track and like he said, the Vantage is just...fun. Not hard-edged track monster like a GT3RS but definitely capable on-track. A great combination of speed, beauty, ability on-track and on the road, and cool Bond.

[gonzochild]

Catchpole is my go to for reviews. Consistently excellent.

[mikewibberley]

This Aston is on my wish list! Brilliant soundtrack and video footage. Thanks Henry... keep the revs up!!!

[Finnjaymakes]

I Remember Seeing A V12 Vantage in New Castle last year and Boy, Chefs Kiss

[GeordieAmanda]

Henry and Steve Sutcliffe both reviewing this beautiful car is a wonderful thing for me (you both have such soothing voices). The widescreen format enhances this particular video too. Lovely job (as always) Mr Catchpole

[--Wingman--]

I actually love the fact there is no technical evolution like a hybrid engine, just old school V8 power. But there is a lot going on with this Vantage, it’s not just a facelift, it’s a new car. They fixed almost all the issues with the last generation…