The new Aston Martin Vantage hits the road with a new look, a new mill, and a new lease on automotive life. However, many fans cursed the presence of a twin-turbocharged V8 in place of Aston Martin’s typical V12 accompaniment. However, Mat Watson’s time behind the wheel of the new Vantage revealed anything other than a timid evolution for the GT car. 

The new Aston Martin Vantage might be down on cylinders, but it’s not down on its luck

The Aston Martin Vantage is back. However, you won’t find a twin-turbo V12 under this hood. No, the new Aston Martin packs an AMG-designed 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 with a massive 656 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Sure, it’s not the volcanic 690 horsepower under the hood of the previous edition’s V12.

However, it doesn’t need to be. See, Aston Martin limited the 2023 V12 model to just 333 units. In short, you won’t see many of the 12-cylinder monsters prowling your local country clubs and shopping centers. What you will see, however, are the V8-powered predecessors to the new Vantage. However, the latest Vantage is quite the evolution from the previous model. With an extra 128 horsepower over the previous top-trim V8 and a 7% stiffer chassis, the new Vantage is a handful. 

And Mat Watson of CarWow learned that fact all too well when he unleashed the new Vantage on the track at the Circuito Monteblanco in Spain. Watson put the Vantage through its paces after following the all-too-familiar Aston Martin Formula 1 Pace Car. After clipping apexes and thundering down straights, Watson says the new car seems more “pumped up” and “intense” than the previous model. That much is clear as Watson’s momentary overdose of throttle sent him sideways.