TFLcar had an opportunity to sample nearly all of Aston Martin’s 2015 vehicle lineup this week in the Santa Monica mountains, just north of Los Angeles. Â Included was the breadth of the 2015 Aston Martin Vantage line, including the sub-$100k Vantage GT, replete with a six-speed manual transmission.
Also in attendance were the elegant Vanquish and Vanquish Volante (convertible) models, which both received enhancements to their AM29 V-12 engines. Â Rounding out the lineup was the 2015 Aston Martin Rapide, which showcased hatchback versatility and an adult-friendly, two-plus-two seating layout.
With each model’s unique exhaust note roaring through the canyons, we took off for a day of immersion into Aston Martin’s most current offerings.
We found the Vanquish’s AM29 V-12’s changes fostered positive enhancements to the vehicle’s response time, power, and combined fuel economy. Â Mated to a new ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, the combination proved a willing dance partner on the Mulholland Highway.
Even the basic, sub-$100k Aston Martin Vantage GT, equipped with a six-speed-manual transmission, felt composed, capable, and powerful as we rowed through the gears. Â The V-8’s power takes time to build, but clutch take-up is positive, and once the engine crests 5,000 RPM, the surge of power is intense.
Stay tuned to tflcar.com for in-depth content highlights from our drive including start-ups, exhaust notes, and more driving impressions. Â In the meantime, take a sneak peek at some of Aston Martin’s latest brawny machines.
