Aston Martin Vanquish V12

You only get a few moments in this life that will stay with you forever, for me it will be the moment i got the chance to test and evaluate an Aston Martin V12 Vanquish. 

Approximately 2000 of these units were built during its production run from 2013-2018. This figure is worldwide as Aston Martins are hand built in England. You would be correct to assume that there are very few are on South African soil. It had an eye watering price tag of R3999 995 when brought in by Daytona group back in 2013. If its exclusivity you're after you are definitely going to get it if you are piloting one of these. 

When you slot in the key the words Power, Beauty Soul light up the dashboard. This is the brands credo we all know and love about Aston. It has a inverse direction speedo and tachometer which is also a signature. The revs build up anti clockwise and the speedo goes clockwise makes for lively display as the needles chase one another up and down.  

The car has its relative quirks being hand built but don't get me wrong its an absolute weapon. It has a revised touchtronic II gearbox built by none other than ZF the auto transmission kings. It supersedes the original touchtronic based the 5hp30 also found in some BMWs of that era. the Touchtronic II based on the newer 6hp26 was such a compliant auto box as any E90 BMW owner will tell you. The paddle shifts are not DSG fast but changes obediently and fast enough to keep that magnificent V12 on boil.

  When you get in you are greeted by lovely soft touch materials and Alcantara as far as you can see. This is the Vanquish ofcourse the hardcore cousin of the DB9 it had replaced the brilliant DBS in 2012. Start up is relatively quiet in standard guise as this even though its a weapon it still has be a gentlemen after all this is the iconic James Bond brand. Shaken not Stirred  

Driving Impression it gives you an Aristocratic feeling. Something you will never get driving a Haval or Jaecoo that feeling of looking and feeling regal. you become the King of the road immediately once you press the D button. Driving becomes an event all eyes are drawn to you from everyone. cruising the streets of Durban North coast with this beast it does not provoke you to drive fast it allows you to project your statement. With over 100 years of racing Heritage and Pedigree its sure to set your emotions alight.