Aston Martin
just introduced a Formula One Safety Car that's ready to rock. The track-ready version of this notable road car marks an exciting time for the British automaker.Learn more about Aston Martin’s medical-intervention (safety) car, and its reemergence into the F1 racing scene after over 60 years.
An exclusive head turner
The entry-level 2022 Aston Martin Vantage starts at around $150,000. And though its starting price is high, the vehicle is actually the smallest and cheapest model in the automaker’s lineup.
The auto features a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine with 503 hp and 505 lb-ft of torque. It’s sourced from Mercedes with an available manual transmission.
The handling is lively and engaging, though still predictable. According to Car and Driver
, “The suspension is compliant enough for daily-driver duty, although harsh bumps will be obvious to passengers no matter which drive mode is selected for the adaptive dampers.” The optional carbon-ceramic brakes are also grabbier than we’d like for everyday driving. Vantages with the automatic transmission average an EPA of 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. If you prefer a manual, expect to get about 14 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.
High-quality materials and personalization
With an array of customizable options, you can be sure your Vantage will be one of a kind. Fancy possibilities include embroidered headrests, heated and ventilated seats, a full-leather interior, a carbon-fiber steering wheel, and several choices for interior trim.
The cockpit is lined with suede and leather, but it’s a tight squeeze for two people. Aside from the door pockets and a slim center console, there’s not much cubby storage space. “The convertible's power-operated fabric roof folds up and down quickly and features a Z shape that Aston says helps save trunk space,” Car and Driver notes.
Buyers who opt for the Vantage Roadster instead of the coupe will have even less space in the trunk, but they should still be able to fit their full-sized golf bag for a last-minute round on a Sunday morning.
If you’re not on a smooth road, you’ll hear it in the cabin. The Vantage’s poor noise isolation when driving on the highway will disappoint drivers who expect a relaxed, luxurious experience.
The infotainment system is a bit more dated than we’d prefer at this price point. “Don't expect many of the latest technology features either since the infotainment system is pulled from the previous-generation Mercedes parts bin,” Edmunds
tells us. MORE: The 2014 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Has Aged Like A Fine Wine
An honor and a legacy
After 25 years, Mercedes-AMG is stepping down as the main supplier of F1 safety cars. And Aston Martin is ready to step up to the plate with medical-intervention cars and pace vehicles.
Available as a coupe or roadster, the new F1 edition is a nod to its ongoing road version. The car will be available in the infamous Aston Martin Green, as well as other colors
and gloss/satin paint finishes. According to Car and Driver, the Track-tuned F1 Edition has “distinct styling, an enhanced chassis, and extra horsepower.” Thanks to new engine enhancements, the vehicle’s horsepower increased from 503 to 528 with aerodynamic add-ons. Drivers will also enjoy a specially tuned suspension and 21-inch wheels.
Car and Driver
tells us, “acceleration and top speed numbers are identical to those of the standard car with a claimed 3.5-second zero-to-60-mph time for the coupe and a 3.6-second zero-to-60-mph time for the roadster and top speeds of 195 mph and 190 mph, respectively.”But don’t think you’re going to get the latest high-tech touchscreen. Just like the regular Vantage, drivers will miss out on cutting-edge infotainment. “The F1 Edition’s cabin is much closer to that of the regular Vantage than the safety car, which of course is equipped with a roll cage and a fire extinguisher,” notes Car and Driver.
Aston also got creative with the F1 Edition’s interior styling using various colors, materials, and features. The track-ready version lets drivers choose from different “environments” like Impulse, Inspire, Create and Accelerate.
According to Car and Driver, “The F1 Edition will make it to the U.S. this summer and will be priced at about $20,000 above the regular Aston Martin Vantage, in the $160,000 range.”
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