Aston Martin has taken the covers off a new concept that will be the base for its first mid-engined production car – while also reviving a name from the recent past.
Called the Vanquish Vision Concept, it brings back the name last used in 2018 and will be employed on the production version of this design study from 2022.
Models from the British marque have always had the engine mounted under the bonnet, but this change of tack from Aston Martin will see it go up against the likes of Ferrari and McLaren in the mid-engined supercar market.
Another first with the Vanquish Vision is what powers it – a V6 hybrid turbo engine that will be built in-house and will be a derivation of the unit used in the AM-RB 003 limited-run hypercar.
As with the Valkyrie, Valkyrie AMR Pro and AM-RB 003, the production version of the Vanquish will be developed alongside Red Bull Advanced Technologies – with the influence of Formula One racing already being seen in Aston’s limited edition Valkyrie in the form of active aerodynamics and an electrically-supported power unit.
Unlike the special-run models though, the Vanquish will be based on a lightweight, bonded aluminium chassis instead of an all carbon-fibre monocoque.
Andy Palmer, Aston Martin Lagonda president and chief executive officer, said: “Firstly, what a pleasure to revive the Vanquish name. Synonymous with our series production flagships, it felt entirely appropriate to attach it to such a significant car.
“The Vanquish Vision Concept marks another pivotal moment in Aston Martin’s history, and another critical step in delivering the second century plan. Our first series production rear mid-engined supercar will be a transformational moment for the brand, for it is the car that will propel Aston Martin into a sector of the market traditionally seen as the heartland of luxury sports cars.”
Max Szwaj, Aston Martin’s chief technical officer, added: “The Vanquish Vision Concept is the point when the things we have learned during the Aston Martin Valkyrie and AM-RB 003 programmes reach the series production models.
“Creating a car like this for Aston Martin is a challenge I have relished since joining back in 2017. Although it takes Aston Martin into new territory, it does so with the benefit of hard-won knowledge, ground-breaking ideas and an uncompromising mindset.”
