There are all sorts of names associated with Aston Martin: David Brown, Fernando Alonso and — of course — James Bond. But when it comes to nameplates slapped on the brand's vehicles, one stands above the rest in terms of prominence: Vantage.
Yet while the name may be timeless, the current Aston Martin Vantage is, well, aged. It was first revealed in November 2017, making it more than six years old at this point. And while Aston has worked to keep it fresh with new variants and special editions, those tweaks can't cover up the fact that many parts of this sports car are starting to feel outdated compared to competitors like the Porsche 911 and Mercedes-AMG GT.
That seems likely to change soon, however. With the new DB12 successfully out on the streets in 2023, calendar year 2024 is prime time for Aston Martin to prove it's serious about moving upmarket and increasing its prestige with a second Stroll-era model — and all signs point to that new car being a new Vantage.
Here's what you need to know.
The new Aston Martin Vantage should still use an AMG V8
According to Autocar, Aston Martin plans to use the V12 Vantage model's chassis as a jumping-off point for the 2025 Vantage, with the aim of giving the new model both better performance and superior stability. But don't expect that car's V12 to make it over to the new Vantage — or, on the flip side, a six-cylinder powerplant like the one Aston engine partner Mercedes-AMG is allegedly plopping into the next AMG E 63.
Rather, the 2025 Vantage is expected to stick with AMG's tried-and-true twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 found in the current model. (Aston Martin product and market strategy director Alex Long told Autocar that the Vantage's distinctive sound is a large part of the current model's appeal, and ditching the V8 would obviously change that.) Power will likely rise from the current model's 503 ponies to somewhere between the 577 horsepower of the SL 63 and the 603 horses of the AMG E 63 S ... although we're secretly holding out hope for the 720-hp variant from the AMG GT Black Series.
The 2025 Vantage might use the Formula 1 team's technology
Although maybe not the way you're expecting, at least if you're picturing a Vantage with a DRS system or a custom steering yoke. Chief creative officer Marek Reichman told Autocar that the brand will be making use of the Aston Martin F1 team's resources, which seems to suggest more something along the lines of wind tunnel testing and other analytics.
The new Vantage should look a bit more ... cute
From day one, the outgoing Vantage was noted for its extremely aggressive face. (Indeed, some buyers may have found it too aggressive; the carmaker quickly added a second, more traditional grille as an alternative to its massive dark maw.) Based on spy photos of lightly disguised versions, the 2025 model looks a bit more bug-eyed and friendly than its hyper-aggro predecessor, with a smaller grille and larger headlights.
A return of the manual gearbox seems unlikely
As much as we'd love to see a new production Aston with a manual — well, maybe not the awkward dog-leg seven-speed of the Vantage AMR, but perhaps another stick shift — it seems increasingly unlikely. With take rates for manuals being generally low across the board and automatic gearboxes being so much more efficient and quick than their stick shift counterparts these days, the odds that cash-conscious Aston Martin will spend the money wedging, testing and certifying a second transmission into its new Vantage seem slim at best.
The 2025 Vantage should take after the new DB12 inside
The DB12's interior is one of its biggest upgrades over its DB11 predecessor, featuring higher-quality materials and a new in-house-developed touchscreen infotainment system. Considering the outgoing Vantage still uses the DB11-style setup, a thorough update to a more modern layout seems all but guaranteed.
The next Aston Martin Vantage should prioritize fun
Perhaps one of the most exciting tidbits Reichman shared with Autocar is that the next-gen Vantage will be, and we quote, a "complete hooligan" of an automobile. Credit, in a way, the DBX 707 and the DB12 for the decision to prioritize engagement for the new Vantage; with the super-SUV and new GT proving capable of matching the current Vantage's pace under many conditions, Aston Martin needs to distinguish its entry-level sports car — hence, the focus not just on raw speed, but also on engagement.
The 2025 Aston Martin Vantage should start around $200,000
This one we know because it came straight from Lawrence Stroll's mouth. "With the new generation sports cars, [the price] will go up, Stroll told Gear Patrol during an interview last summer. "I would never see an Aston Martin opening for anything less than something that begins with a two — meaning, $200,000."
