verdict
Design | Comfort | Technology | Performance | Security | Fuel consumption | Prices | frequently asked Questions
With the current popularity of Formula 1 in the US, fueled in part by the hit Nexflix show Drive To Survive, it would be easy for Aston Martin to stick F1 badges on a Vantage and label it as an option. But the Vantage F1 Edition 2021 offers a lot more than meets the eye.
While this model definitely stands out from the base coupe with its classy body and matte paint job, Aston has also improved the engine, suspension and transmission to make it sharper. After some time behind the wheel, it is evident that this car is worthy of its performance rating and $ 162,000 price tag.
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| Quick statistics | 2022 Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition |
| Engine: | 4.0-liter V8 with twin turbocharging |
| Output: | 528 hp / 505 pound-feet |
| 0-60 km / h: | 3.6 seconds |
| Base price: | $ 162,000 |
| Tested price: | $ 177,686 |
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- Exterior color: Aston Martin Racing Green Satin
- Interior color: phantom gray / lime green
- Wheel diameter: 21 inches
The Aston Martin Vantage is a beautiful vehicle with an athletic stance and sharp angles that give it archetypal sports car proportions. The signature Aston design elements ensure that it doesn’t look too general either. Other editors have criticized the Vantage’s mesh-mouth grill – and that’s understandable. But visual tweaks to the F1 Edition help mitigate most of those gaping front-end qualities.
Horizontal strakes reduce the impact of the Vantage’s black hole-like front bezel, while removing the protruding grille surround results in a cleaner, simpler front fascia. The ridiculous 20-spoke, 21-inch wheels are exclusive to this model too – and could be the Vantage group’s best – while “F1 Edition” badges dot the exterior and an intimidating wing lives on on the trunk lid. And if you can get the car up to its top speed of 195 mph, that wing adds an extra 440 pounds of downforce.
The beautiful Aston Martin Racing Green paint is an F1 special, available in a gloss and satin finish, paired with dark gray accents that extend from the bonnet to the trunk lid. Our tester – with the latter satin finish – looked absolutely stunning in any light. You can also get this model in Lunar White and Jet Black if you are bored.
The basic layout doesn’t deviate far from the general Vantage formula, which includes crystallized buttons for the gear stick and two air vents under an 8.0-inch screen. But at least this Aston receives a few exclusive features for the F1 model, such as additional Alcantara upholstery on the center console and door panels, new sports bucket seats with a neon-colored central stripe and neon-colored contrasting stitching throughout. All of this helps make the cabin feel more premium.
Comfort
- Seat capacity: 2
- Loading capacity: 7.1 cubic feet
The bucket seats in this car are raised. They fit the contours of your body like a glove and the mix of leather and extra Alcantara is a cozy combination that feels extra soft and of the highest quality. The addition of Alcantara to the center console and door panels is a nice touch too, and makes for a comfortable place to rest your elbows.
But as with many high-end sports cars, the Vantage has its drawbacks in the comfort department. This car is noisy on the autobahn because the rear wing makes more wind noise and because the rear springs are 10 percent stiffer than the standard Vantage, the F1 Edition is harder in town than a comparable Porsche 911.
However, in the softest “Sport” setting, the Vantage isn’t as bone dry as you might think; the ride is flexible on imperfect road surfaces. Sport Plus and Track modes change that and stiffen to reduce sway, but even with ultra-thin Pirelli P Zero tires (255/35 ZR21 front and 295/30 ZR21 rear) the Vantage is a good everyday driver.
Technology & Connectivity
- Center display: 8.0 inches
- Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto: No.
This is the only area where the Vantage falls short. Aston uses a comparatively small 8.0-inch display that runs an outdated version of the Mercedes-Benz COMAND infotainment system with poorly revised graphics – and it doesn’t even offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. After all, the clickwheel controller makes everything easy to navigate, considering that the screen itself is not touch-enabled. But that’s a bit of a consolidation for an otherwise small display and outdated interface.
In comparison, the Porsche 911 Turbo offers a stately 10.9-inch touchscreen display with beautiful graphics and a concise setup. The Audi R8, for example, completely dispenses with a central screen and opts for a streamlined layout entirely within our preferred digital cluster. The Vantage’s digital cluster is simple and offers just a little configuration. The Vantage is not competitive here.
Our tester is also equipped with Aston Martin premium speakers that improve the overall sound experience. But it is a whopping $ 2,000 when compared to some other improved audio systems we’ve seen that aren’t that expensive individually. The Bang & Olufsen sound system in the Audi R8, for example, provides a better sound.
Performance & handling
- Engine: twin turbo 4.0 liter V8
- Horsepower: 528 hp / 503 pound-feet
- Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Unlike some other styling packages, the F1 Edition offers more than just good looks. This model is powered by a revised version of the Mercedes-AMG 4.0-liter V8 with twin turbocharging of the Vantage. Power improves from 503 hp in the standard model to 528 here, while torque stays at 505 pound-feet.
The stock Vantage’s eight-speed automatic transmission is carried over, albeit with a slight retuning for faster shifts, and the suspension is stiffened slightly to cope with that extra momentum. The rear spring rate is 10 percent stiffer, and optimizations to the front wishbones add an additional negative camber.
The F1 Edition’s 60 time remains unchanged at 3.6 seconds from the standard Vantage, while the top speed is also 195 mph – which is impressive considering all the added aerodynamics. Although we didn’t spend any time on the track with the Vantage F1 Edition, this model differs from the standard version in the corners.
The stiffer springs and newly discovered negative camber make this Vantage feel a lot tighter. And the improved electronic limited-slip differential provides better control in the corners, which gives this car that extra bit of joy. Diving into a curve also feels more precise thanks to the tighter and faster steering with better compliance in the middle. And with the $ 10,600 carbon-ceramic brakes that are a little harder to modulate around town, this Vantage holds up as well as it gets. All in all, tossing the Vantage F1 Edition around is an all-round pleasant experience.
safety
- Driver assistance level: SAE level 0
- NHTSA rating: Not rated
- IIHS rating: Not rated
In the world of Aston Martin, collision avoidance features are a distant future concept. Neither the standard Vantage nor the Vantage F1 Edition tested here offer any active equipment – ironically for a car that provides security at races around the world.
When you buy a Vantage we know active safety is likely not a priority on your shopping list. But if you look at the competition – the Audi R8 and Porsche 911 in particular – these two cars offer a slew of advanced features.
Fuel consumption
- City: 18 MPG
- Autobahn: 24 MPG
- Combined: 20 MPG
Believe it or not, Aston’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 is surprisingly economical – at least when compared to some other cars in its class. With 18 miles per city gallon, 24 highways and 20 combined, the Vantage beats the V10-powered Audi R8 (16 combined) and the Porsche 911 Turbo S (17 combined). It is likely that each of these vehicles will require premium fuel.
Pricing
- Base price: $ 142,000 + $ 3,086 destination
- Trim base price: $ 165,086
- Tested Price: $ 177,686
The Aston Martin Vantage is actually pretty affordable considering the competition, asking for just $ 142,000 (plus $ 3,086 in destination fees). The Audi R8 V10 RWD, by comparison, costs $ 148,700, while the outgoing McLaren 570S and Porsche 911 Turbo S charge $ 191,500 and $ 207,000, respectively.
The F1 edition is more expensive, of course, but it still only costs $ 165,086. The Quattro all-wheel drive R8 V10 Performance costs $ 201,295, and of course the McLaren and Porsche are even more expensive.
With two individual options, this car costs $ 177,686 in the test. The carbon-ceramic brakes are the most expensive add-on at $ 10,600, while the premium audio system is another $ 2,000. Even so, $ 177,000 feels like a relative bargain on everything you get.
Sure, the Aston Martin F1 Edition might not be as powerful or as technological as some of the other cars in its class – but it’s a lot nicer. And when you combine that drop-dead gorgeous look with tweaks to the engine and transmission, there are plenty of reasons to consider this Vantage over some of the more obvious alternatives.
frequently asked Questions
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