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Carsales Staff7 Aug 2014
NEWS

Vanquish and Rapide S let off the leash

Aston Martin introduces performance upgrade and new eight-speed automatic transmission for 2015

Running changes for 2015 see Aston Martin's Vanquish achieve a new performance pinnacle for road-going models over the company's 101-year history.

A new ZF-developed eight-speed automatic transmission, combined with the latest generation of Bosch engine management system and a revised ratio for the final drive have resulted in a 0-100km/h time of 3.8 seconds. Yet the adoption of the new autobox has also helped improve fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 11 per cent, according to a claim by the manufacturer. The emissions figure of 298g/km equates to fuel consumption of 12.8L/100km.

he four-door Rapide S has also adopted the new transmission, which is three per cent lighter and is located in a rear-mounted transaxle in both cars. Acceleration for 0-100km/h is also faster in the Rapide S, reduced to 4.4 seconds, and extra-urban cycle testing for the sedan has culminated in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption figures of 300g/km and 12.9L/100km respectively.

Changes to the engine, including reduced exhaust back pressure, have resulted in slightly higher power figures (424kW for Vanquish, 412kW for Rapide S). Torque has also increased, by 10Nm, to 630Nm for both cars.

"We have a long and successful technical partnership with ZF and so it was a natural step for us to adapt and integrate their world class 8HP transmission in to our transaxle layout," said Ian Minards, Product Development Director at Aston Martin.

"This has been a detailed piece of work involving careful consideration of many technical parameters including gear ratios, software integration and shifting strategies.  This has delivered a significant step change in both vehicle performance and economy whilst preserving the unique Aston Martin V12 driving experience."

Aston Martin engineers have rejigged the torque tube to reduce the transfer of noise from the transmission to the cabin, and stability control has been recalibrated to make allowance for the new drivetrain setup. The steering system's ECU has been tuned for improved response and feel and the Vanquish rides on revised dampers that are 15 per cent stiffer in the front end, 35 per cent stiffer in the rear. Both cars are equipped with 20 per cent stiff rear suspension bushes and an enhanced brake booster, and the Rapide S earns itself larger front brakes.

The new models can be identified by a restyled alloy wheel featuring 10 spokes, and a new colour – Diavalo Red – is now available to order. This colour was previously reserved for the V12 Zagato.

2015 models of Vanquish and Rapide S are trimmed in new leather colour options, including blue-black Dark Knight, and Fandango Pink. In addition, Rapide S can be specified in Duotone leather finish in Sahara Tan or Vibrant Red, and offers new headlinings in leather or Alcantara.
"More bold and dynamic interior and exterior treatments are the perfect offering for customers of the latest models," said Director of Design Marek Reichman.

"It is, of course, possible to add more colour to our cars while maintaining Aston Martin's reputation for elegance and beauty, and I'm very happy to see this enhanced and extended colour palette offered to our loyal customers around the world."

According to the manufacturer, the roll-out of the 2015 models will commence this quarter, with Australian price and specification details to be announced in due course.

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