There has been a flurry of activity from Aston Martin over the last month in terms of new product, but we knew it was only a matter of time before some of the current products got some attention. And that’s just the case with the 2015 Aston Martin Vanquish and Rapide S, which have both been given some minor tweaks for the new model year.
While there were many small changes, the most important is the addition of the all-new Touchtronic III eight-speed automatic gearbox. First and foremost, this improves acceleration in the Vanquish and Rapide S considerably knocking a half second of the 0-60 mph times now estimated at 4.1 seconds and 4.2 seconds, respectively. Even better, the gearing gives both cars a higher top speed that is now rated at an even 200 mph. This transmission helps cut curb weight, too, as it is three percent lighter than the six-speed automatic it replaces.
Not that many Aston Martin are concerned with emissions or fuel economy, but the new transmission also helps reduce harmful CO2 emissions while improving fuel economy. Aston Martin says that Rapide S will return 13 percent better fuel economy in combined driving (raising the combined rating from 15 mpg to almost 17 mpg), while the Vanquish is about 7 percent more efficient (raising its combined rating from 15 mpg to about 16mpg).
A revised exhaust system helps give both cars increased peak power and torque with the Vanquish rated at 568 bhp and 465 lb-ft of torque and the Rapide S holding strong at 552 bhp and 465 lb-ft. Electronic upgrades include an all-new engine management system as well as upgraded steering and stability control systems, and the cars get a stiffer suspension, retuned brake booster and the Rapide S gets upgraded front brakes.
While they were at it, Aston Martin engineers also made some styling changes to the 2015 Vanquish and Rapide S. New 10-spoke forged alloy wheels improve the styling while cutting seven kilograms (more than 15 pounds from the car’s curb weight), and a new color palette that includes the Diavalo Red from the V12 Zagato. Interior changes are equally similar focusing on new color options and materials like the Fandango Pink leather option or the quilted Alcantara headliner.
There are also two videos accompanying the press release, but you’ll want to be sure to check out the first one below that lets you see and hear the 2015 Aston Martin Vanquish in action.
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