The second-generation Aston Martin Vanquish was unveiled in 2012, when it replaced the DBS V12 and revived a nameplate Aston Martin had previously used between 2001 to 2007. Although its exterior design is an evolution of the DBS, the One-77-inspired styling cues give it a unique appearance in the Aston Martin lineup. The grand tourer has already received two mild updates by 2016, the most important being a tweaked engine and an eight-speed automatic gearbox. A more extensive facelift is set to follow in either late 2016 or early 2017.
Having already launched a gorgeous version penned by famous coachbuilder Zagato, Aston Martin is already testing an upgraded version of the Vanquish. Likely to be called the Vanquish S, it will follow in the footsteps of the first-generation model, bringing significant updates on the outside and a more powerful engine under the hood.
A test car was spotted near the Nurburgring track, which leads us to believe that Aston Martin is in the final testing phase, with the production model to be unveiled within the next few months.
The upgraded Vanquish S will be sold for about two or three years, before it will be replaced by a new grand tourer based on the DB11. This version is expected to be launched sometime in 2018. Until that happens, let’s have a look at what the refreshed Vanquish will bring to the table.
Continue reading to learn more about the Aston Martin Vanquish S.
Spy Shots
August 23, 2016 – First testing session
Exterior
Essentially a facelift on the outside, the Vanquish S retains the overall shape, size, and design of the second-generation car, but gains a revised aero package and minor nips and tucks to its bodywork.
Aston Martin will probably offer new wheels in a lighter design and different spoke arrangement
Up front, the grand tourer sports a new bumper. While the upper section remained pretty much unchanged, the splitter no longer features the two-tier design of the Vanquish. It is also wider and has two vertical fins on each side, which should increase downforce at high speed.
Moving onto the sides, the Vanquish S appears to be identical to the model it replaces, but Aston Martin will probably offer new wheels in a lighter design and different spoke arrangement. Changes are minimal around back too, with both the taillights and wing carrying over unchanged. However, there is a new diffuser with a race-inspired design and a quad-exhaust layout instead of the previous dual configuration. Aston Martin is also likely to offer a couple of new exterior colors, but not much else will change.
Interior
Note: Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato pictured here.
The interior should also get a few minor tweaks, such as new upholstery options, new materials, and maybe an update for the infotainment system. Other than that, it should carry over with the same features and technologies borrowed from the One-77 supercar, including hand-stitched semi-aniline leather and Alcantara and carbon-fiber. While the latter is an option on the Vanquish, it could become a standard feature on the Vanquish S.
Drivetrain
Note: Aston Martin Vanquish pictured here.
The drivetrain will also be carried over from the Vanquish, but Aston Martin will increase output for the S badge. That’s exactly what it did with the previous generation and there’s no doubt that the same path will be followed again. Motivation will come from the beefed-up 5.9-liter V-12 that Aston Martin created for the limited-edition Vanquish Zagato 
. The unit cranks out 600 PS (591 horsepower), which accounts for a 24 PS (23 horsepower) increase compared to the standard Vanquish. Torque remained unchanged at 465 pound-feet.
All that power will travel to the wheels through the Touchtronic III eight-speed automatic that Aston Martin dropped in the Vanquish in 2015. Devel oped in cooperation with ZF, the new gearbox made the 2015 model a half-second quicker than the 2014 version, with the 0-to-60 mph sprint reduced from 4.1 to 3.6 seconds. The extra power that comes with the revised engine should shave another tenth-second off that benchmark for a new all-time high of 3.5 ticks. Top speed will probably remain unchanged at 201 mph.
Prices
Pricing is obviously a mystery at this point, but given that the Vanquish retails from $287,820, it’s safe to assume that the Vanquish S will fetch at least $300,000 before options. Definitely not a bargain, but significantly more affordable than the limited-edition Zagato model, which is said to cost more than $400,000.
Competition
Ferrari F12berlinetta
Launched in 2012 as a replacement for the 599, the F12berlinetta is arguably one of the most exotic grand tourers you can buy nowadays. It long hood, short rear deck, and stylish features make it a classic, while the 6.3-liter V-12 engine gives it enough power to compete against mid-engined supercars. The naturally aspirated unit cranks out 730 horsepower and 509 pound-feet of torque, enabling the F12berlinetta to hit 60 mph from a standing start in three seconds. Its top speed is equally impressive at 211 mph. At $323,745 before options, the F12berlinetta doesn’t come cheap, but it’s not exactly ludicrous compared to the upcoming Vanquish S.
Find out more about the Ferrari F12berlinetta here.
Bentley Continetal GT Speed
Although it might not look as sporty as the Vanquish, the Continetal GT Speed is far from being slow. Sure, it’s a bit heavy and can’t compete against the F12berlinetta, but the massive 6.0-liter W-12 under the hood turns it a spectacular grand tourer. Rated at a whopping 626 horsepower and 607 pound-feet of torque, the GT Speed is quick enough to hit 60 mph from a standing start in four seconds. It’s definitely slower than the Aston Martin, but it makes up for it in the top speed department, being ready to reach 206 mph. Its interior is packed with Bentley’s finest materials (with more available from Mulliner) and decent technology given it’s been around for a few years. The GT Speed also has pricing on its side, retailing from $240,300.
Learn more about the Bentley Continental GT Speed here.
Conclusion
The Vanquish might be four years old as of 2016, but it’s still one of the most impressive grand tourers on the market. Its DB9-based design is still gorgeous to look at, while the 5.9-liter V-12 has enough grunt to give Ferrari s and Lamborghini s a run for their money. The upcoming facelift won’t do much to change the Vanquish we all know, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. A brand-new version is underway, and the Vanquish S will have what it takes to keep the company’s offerings fresh alongside the brand-new DB11.