Aston Martin Vanquish S

Aston Martin Vanquish S

The 2003 Aston Martin Vanquish S was the enhanced version of Aston Martin's flagship supercar, representing the most powerful and capable Aston Martin road car of its era. While the listing indicates 2003, the Vanquish S was actually introduced in 2004 as an upgraded version of the original Vanquish (2001-2004), featuring more power, sharper handling, and revised styling that sharpened its visual impact.

The Vanquish S's 5.9-liter V12 was upgraded to produce 520 horsepower at 7000 rpm, a 60-horsepower increase over the standard Vanquish. The improvements came from revised camshafts, reprogrammed engine management, a freer-flowing exhaust system, and optimized intake ducting. The engine retained the Vanquish's magnificent character -- a broad, muscular V12 that combined the refinement expected of a grand tourer with the performance demanded of a supercar.

The Vanquish S utilized a semi-automated manual transmission controlled by paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. This system, while innovative for Aston Martin, was one of the car's more controversial aspects. Shift speeds were acceptable for normal driving but could feel ponderous under hard acceleration, and the system lacked the smoothness of a conventional automatic or the engagement of a manual. Despite this, the transmission allowed the Vanquish S to maintain an elegant, button-free center console that contributed to the car's refined interior ambiance.

The chassis featured a lightweight carbon-fiber and aluminum monocoque structure that was ahead of its time in construction methodology. The body panels combined carbon fiber (hood, trunk, and roof) with aluminum (doors and fenders), keeping weight in check despite the car's grand touring proportions. The suspension featured double wishbones at all four corners with adaptive damping, providing a ride that could be both comfortable for touring and firm for spirited driving.

The Vanquish S's styling, penned by Ian Callum, was an evolution of the original Vanquish design with more aggressive detailing. A revised front bumper with larger air intakes, new mesh grille inserts, wider side strakes, and a more prominent rear diffuser gave the car a harder, more purposeful appearance. The overall effect was of a car that meant business -- a grand tourer with supercar aspirations.

Driving the Vanquish S is an experience of considerable drama and luxury. The V12 produces a magnificent, multi-layered exhaust note that fills the cabin and surrounds the car in an aura of mechanical authority. The 0-60 mph sprint is dispatched in approximately 4.8 seconds, and the car's 200+ mph top speed places it firmly in supercar territory. The handling, while biased toward understeer in the interest of stability, is capable and reassuring.

The Vanquish S was produced from 2004 to 2007, with relatively modest production numbers reflecting Aston Martin's hand-built production methods. Today, it is appreciated as one of the most characterful and charismatic Aston Martins of the modern era.