SimplyAbuDhabi XLIII

making changes via the Adjustable Traction Control (ATC) system – reducing or increasing the amount of controlled wheelspin permitted by the Launch Control System or allowing themselves full throttle control by setting the ATC to Traction Control (TC) Off. Liberating additional engine performance has increased thermal load, which has required a complete redesign of the engine cooling system. To ensure stable intake air temperatures are achieved in all conditions, an additional low temperature radiator has been fitted to the charge cooler water circuit, with a further two auxiliary coolers added to the existing central main radiator to further increase thermal capacity. The oil system has also benefitted from extensive upgrades, with the auxiliary outboard engine oil cooler now boasting twice the face area of its predecessor. Thermal airflow has also been boosted with a 50% increase in the volume of cold air reaching the radiators. Handling & dynamics Part 1: – Highly evolved bonded aluminium structure, perfect 50:50 weight distribution and state-of-the-art suspension provide the foundation for a definitive driving experience Highly evolved aluminium structure, perfect 50:50 weight distribution and state-of-the-art suspension provide the foundation for a definitive driving experience. Built around Aston Martin’s latest generation bonded aluminium construction, Vantage features an enhanced body structure to deliver more focused and engaging dynamics thanks to additional underbody stiffening components for increased overall torsional rigidity. Amongst these changes are a re-engineered and re-positioned front body cross member, which has been moved rearwards to increase mounting point stiffness for the double-wishbone front suspension for improved on and off-centre steering feel. Further improvements have been achieved with the fitment of a stiffer-yet-lighter front engine cross brace for increased torsional rigidity and lateral stiffness between the front suspension towers. At the rear, Vantage benefits from a 29% increase in stiffness under cornering load due to increased lateral strengthening between the rear suspension towers. Togetherwith revisions to front and rear undertrays for greater lateral stiffness, thecombinedimprovements in front andrearmounting stiffness for thedampersmean tangiblegains inprecision,handlingbalanceanddriver feedback, togetherw ith an overall uplift in refinement. This feeling of immediacy, control and connection is further boosted by new intelligent adaptive dampers. With a 500% increase in bandwidth of force distribution over previous generation hardware these state-of-the- art dampers have an immense range of control and speed of response, which has allowed Aston Martin’s vehicle attributes engineers to sharpen the Vantage’s dynamics to their keenest possible edge. Precise calibration of the dampers has given the Vantage an inherently sporting feel while leaving room to introduce progressive tighter body control as the driver explores the range of dynamic modes. Combined with the E-Diff and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Vantage has the capability to adapt from the demands of a challenging alpine road to wide-open race track at the push of a button and twist of a switch. Obsessive attention has been paid to the Vantage’s Electronic Power Assisted Steering system (EPAS). The fitment of a non-isolated steering column means steering inputs from the driver are direct and uncorrupted, while the flow of information from the road is granular in detail and pleasingly tactile. The EPAS has a constant 12.8:1 ratio rackwith variable, speed sensitive assistance and 2.27 turns lock-to-lock. This variable level of assistance is integrated with the Vantage’s dynamic mode programmes, the level of assistance reducing incrementally as the driver works their way towards the most aggressive mode (Track). Steering response and front-end grip has been further enhanced by ‘AML’ coded Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tyres made specifically for the Vantage. Measuring 275/35 R21 (103Y) front and 325/30 R21 (108Y) 248 | Simply Abu Dhabi