Vanquish Coupe

Segment
Coupe

Aston Martin made it abundantly clear at Geneva that it has Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren directly in its sights when it revealed not one, but two new mid-engined cars. The AM-RB 003 is a carbon-bodied hypercar with a hybrid engine that will rival the LaFerrari, whereas the new Vanquish, previewed at Geneva as a concept, will take on the Ferrari F8 Tributo and McLaren 720S when it launches in 2022.

Looking ahead, CEO Andy Palmer confirmed to Top Gear that there will be a convertible Volante version of the Vanquish like the previous-generation model, as well as a hardcore performance-focused AMR Pro version. The Volante will go against the rivals' Spiders, and the AMR Pro will compete against the Huracan Performante, McLaren LT and the Ferrari Pista replacement.

The production version of the new Vanquish will be powered by the automaker's new V6, which will debut in the AM-RB 003 in hybrid turbo form. Performance specifications are being kept under wraps for now, but the AMR Pro version will likely be track-only, pack more power, feature more extreme aerodynamic bodywork, and be built in limited numbers. The last-generation Vantage AMR Pro, for example, is powered by a 4.7-liter V8 from the GT4 race car that produces 500 horsepower and is limited to just seven examples.

Palmer also compared Aston Martin's projected production number to Ferraris. He wants to sell 7,000 sports cars a year, plus another 7,000 from the new Welsh factory split between DBXs and Lagondas. "Luca [di Montezemolo] wanted Ferrari to stay at 7,000 cars a year, Sergio [Marchionne] said 14,000 [including the new high-riding Ferrari crossover]. What works for Ferrari works for us," he said. He also believes Aston Martin will "bring our proportions, beauty and elegance to the mid-engined segment" to stand out from its rivals that look "more aggressive."

According to Palmer, Aston Martin's next front-engined car will take styling cues from the Vanquish. "The Vanquish is an important part of what the DB12 looks like," he said. The automaker plans to replace every car on an eight-year cycle, which means the DB12 will replace the DB11 in 2024.