The most powerful Aston Martin Vantage in history debuts as a safety car at the Saudi Arabian Formula 1 Grand Prix, which takes place on the second weekend of March. It is not the first time that this model acts as a safety car in the premier category of motorsport (in previous seasons it has alternated with Mercedes-Benz), but it has never done so before with a version with such high performance. . The commercial variant was presented several weeks ago and has already been driven by Fernando Alonso himself, driver of the English team.
Powered by a powerful hand-built 4.0 biturbo V8 engine, the new Vantage is the fastest in its category and has increased its power by 30% compared to the previous model. With 665 HP and 800 Nm of torque, it reaches a maximum speed of 325 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds. Starting from a standstill has been improved with the introduction of a new Launch Control system.
According to the brand, such is the performance of the new road Vantage, which has not needed any improvement in its engine, changes in its cooling system or improvements in braking to adapt it to its role as FIA Safety Car. This does not mean that the vehicle has not undergone some changes.
“Naturally, there is aerodynamics that is not found in the street car, with the aim of ensuring that we can achieve the best possible performance on the track and show the capabilities of our new high-performance ultra-luxury vehicle,” said Roberto Fedeli. , Chief Technology Officer of Aston Martin.
Inside, the Vantage Safety Car incorporates multiple systems to help the pilot and co-pilot perform their duties. The standard seats have been replaced by Pole Position seats to ensure support when driving at full speed. A custom-made center console is equipped with switches to control the FIA ??systems, along with screens showing real-time lap times, the track position of all cars and a rear-view camera. Although it performs this function, the Vantage Safety Car is still an Aston Martin: its interior has been configured with an exclusive Lime Essence upholstery, in reference to the brand’s racing colors.
Bernd Mayländer is the driver in charge of driving this beast on the circuit (he has also done so in the last three seasons): “We need a car that is fast and determined to be able to respond quickly and safely when we receive the call to go out. track, and the Vantage delivers.”
In addition to this example, Aston Martin also has another vehicle in service in this competition. We are referring to the DBX707 medical car, which offers medical assistance as quickly as possible if necessary. The street vehicle that is taken as a basis is the Gaydon brand’s most powerful SUV. The engine is a 4.0 V8 that develops 707 HP at 6,000 rpm and delivers a maximum torque of 900 Nm between 2,600 and 4,500 revolutions.