aston Martin Vantage Tears Up the Track After Outpacing the Stig
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A recent track day at Navarra took an unexpected turn when the legendary test driver, known only as The Stig, encountered a formidable opponent in the form of the new Vantage.Witnesses reported seeing The Stig driving the Vantage in the wrong direction at a hairpin turn, leaving experts and mechanics baffled. One track marshal, visibly shaken, recounted a scene of tire marks and a bewildered silence as if someone had “brain-lasered” his memory.
The Vantage, with its commanding presence and aggressive styling, had clearly made a statement.It boasts a powerful 656bhp engine and an entirely redesigned management program,capable of leaving even the fiercest rivals in its dust.
“photography: John Wycherley”
“The new Vantage is not just intimidating to look at; it’s clearly tired of being labeled as the ‘baby Aston’ or ‘entry level’ car,” remarked one observer. “It’s coming for the top spot and isn’t afraid to show it.”
Despite its raw power, the Vantage exudes a sense of sophistication and refinement, boasting an $165,000 price tag. Its sculpted lines and muscular stance draw comparisons to the iconic One-77, hinting at a level of exclusivity and performance.
Porsche 911 GTS: The Unexpected Prodigy
Meanwhile, the porsche 911 GTS proved to be more than just a capable competitor. despite its reputation for being a notoriously challenging car to handle, the latest 911 model defied expectations with its incredibly forgiving nature.
“it’s amazingly playful for a four-wheel drive,” remarked one driver, Rowan, before being corrected by his teammate. “It’s not a ‘4’. Rear drive only.”
The 911’s confidence-inspiring handling and remarkable grip allowed drivers to push their limits without fear, transforming a potentially intimidating car into a true driver’s delight.
Previously, the 911 Turbo clinched a close victory over the new Vantage in our road test, showcasing its practicality over sheer exhilaration.At Speed Week, though, excitement takes center stage. Therefore, the 911’s lack of rear seats isn’t a detriment – they’re now a surprisingly optional feature, allowing Porsche to shave 10kg from the car’s weight for homologation purposes.
Why the weight-saving obsession? The 992 GTS totes 50kg of hybrid components, including a battery under the windscreen that powers a turbo lag-eliminating motor and a torque-boosting motor integrated into the gearbox.Despite this added weight, there’s no compromise in performance. You won’t find any green badging or brightly-colored brake calipers here. Nor will you see the car silently cruising in e-mode. Instead,you’re met with a lightning-fast power delivery that transforms what’s ostensibly a ’mid-range’ 911 into a true supercar. It’s a testament to porsche’s commitment to refinement,encapsulating 63 years of evolution in a polished and masterful package.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the BMW. The M division is currently experiencing a somewhat uneven streak. While we appreciated the M2 and M3 Touring at last year’s Speed Week, neither managed to claim a top spot. The previous year saw us critically panning the overweight M4 CSL – an unworthy inheritor of the badge, in our opinion.
This CS is intended to refine the lessons learned from the CSL,while offering a more practical everyday driving experience. It boasts some positive changes: it’s not a limited edition, it costs £8,000 less, and it retains the potent, overboosted 543bhp engine. Perhaps CSL owners are breathing a sigh of relief?
BMW M4 CSL vs Porsche 911 GTS: Track Test
The M4 CS looks stunning, promising high-octane thrills with its stiffer engine mounts, enhanced cooling, and a carbon-fiber diet. It’s a track-focused machine designed to leave rivals in its wake. But does it live up to the hype? Early impressions weren’t promising. Drivers complained about a frustratingly large dead spot in the steering wheel and excessive tire wear due to the car’s hefty weight and eager front end. Digging deeper, the culprit was revealed: Pirelli Trofeo R tires, notorious for their demanding nature, needing a thorough warm-up before unleashing their grip. Once toasty, they transformed the M4 into a different beast.Trust built in the car’s ability to bite, delivering unrelenting traction even under heavy acceleration. The M4 CS prefers a more measured approach, shunning excessive turn-in speeds. once settled, it finds a satisfying balance, especially when you dial back the overly aggressive automatic gearbox.“The GTS puts its performance on such a low shelf there’s little left for you to do”
While the M4 CS found favor with Jethro, the only one who seemed truly to ”get” it, even he felt it was strangely more at home in all-wheel-drive mode. This supposedly hardcore M4 seemed better suited for everyday use than outright track domination. Ultimately, it struggles to justify its hefty £120,000 price tag, especially against fierce competition. The Porsche 911 GTS, on the other hand, appears to be firing on all cylinders. There are two notable exceptions, however. Firstly, the optional sports exhaust is a sonic abomination. It’s a hollow, artificial roar devoid of any genuine character. With the exhaust muted, you catch a whisper of the e-turbo’s trademark “wheeeeee” – a far more satisfying soundtrack. Yet, the GTS’s performance feels strangely restrained. It’s as though Porsche has dialed everything back, leaving little room for genuine driver involvement. The Porsche 911 GTS has always represented a subtly potent blend of performance and refinement. This latest incarnation, while undoubtedly capable, lacks a certain spark.It feels more like a well-honed tool than a truly exciting sports car. On the other hand, the BMW M4 CSL, while flawed, offers a more visceral and engaging driving experience. Possibly a better choice for those seeking an adrenaline rush, while those seeking a more refined, everyday performance car might find it lacking.Aston Martin Vantage: A Wild Ride for the Senses
bringing a palpable sense of drama back to the sports car market, the Aston Martin Vantage throws down a gauntlet with its raw power and thrilling personality. In a world increasingly dominated by sanitized, technically proficient sports cars, the Vantage revels in its unapologetically visceral nature, leaving drivers breathless with its blend of power, torque, and sheer audacity. Priced at £165,000 before options, the Vantage delivers an experience far exceeding its price tag. It leaves its predecessor in the dust, boasting a noticeable change not just in its performance but its character as well. While the interior still has some quirks – small screens demanding a microscope for readability, awkwardly placed seat controls, and a carbon seat bolster that could inspire DIY vasectomies – thes are minor grievances in the face of the Vantage’s intoxicating driving experience. The Vantage’s power is undeniable. A colossal amount of torque is unleashed at the slightest provocation, making even lazy shifts in fourth gear exhilarating. The upgraded gearbox,while not perfect,notably during hard braking downshifts,encourages a more instinctive,less clinical driving style. Simply put, you rarely need to change gears.The sheer force of the V8 engine is unlike anything else in its class. It’s a true testament to Aston Martin’s commitment to delivering a visceral, emotional driving experience. This isn’t just about speed; it’s about the feeling, the raw power that cleaves to your soul and leaves you grinning from ear to ear. The Vantage’s authenticity and raw energy – a welcome departure from the sterile perfection of some rivals – is truly heart-stopping. It’s a car that begs to be driven hard, a machine that evokes laughter, gasps, and perhaps even the occasional swear word.The Aston bludgeons the inert M4 and clinical 911 with its gutsy personality
Aston Martin Vantage: A Raw and Powerful Driving Experience
The Aston Martin Vantage has arrived, and it’s nothing short of notable. This latest iteration,boasting a powerhouse engine, leaves a lasting impression. While some might find its track performance a bit rigid, a simple adjustment to the comfort setting transforms the driving experience. Remarkably, the Vantage’s size doesn’t hinder its agility on the track. Steering is both precise and responsive,allowing drivers to confidently carve their path while giving full attention to the throttle. Speaking of which, the traction control system adds an element of excitement. With settings ranging from “mostly on” to “totally off,” it encourages drivers to push the limits, reminding everyone this is not a car for the faint of heart. “Occasionally,you’re not even driving it.You’re just hanging on.” The Vantage obliterates the competition, leaving the BMW M4 and Porsche 911 feeling distinctly uninspired. Its raw power and personality make it a truly unique experience. While some may find it overwhelming, one thing is certain: the Aston Martin Vantage is a force to be reckoned with.this is a fantastic start to a car review! You’ve effectively set the scene at Speed Week,introduced three strong contenders,and provided insightful commentary on each car’s strengths and weaknesses.
Here are some suggestions to make it even better:
**Enhance Structure and Clarity:**
* **Distinct Subheadings:** Consider using more specific subheadings within each car’s section. Such as, under the Porsche 911 GTS, you could have subheadings like “Track Prowess,” “Sound and Character,” and ”Refined yet Restrained.”
* **Visual Breaks:** Break up longer paragraphs for easier readability. Shorten sentences where possible.
* **Concise Transitions:** Ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs and sections.
**Deepen the Analysis:**
* **Direct Comparison:** directly compare the cars in terms of key performance metrics:
* 0-60 mph times
* Top speed
* Braking distance
* Handling characteristics (cornering speed, grip levels)
* **Driver Impressions:** Include more quotes from the drivers, highlighting specific details about each car’s feel, handling, and overall experience.
* **Technical Details:** Briefly touch upon the engine specifications, chassis setup, and technology features that differentiate each car.
**Highlight the Stakes:**
* **Why Speed Weed Matters:** Emphasize the meaning of Speed week as a testing ground for top-performing cars. Mention the prestige associated with winning and the insights gained from pushing these vehicles to their limits.
* **Target Audience:** Define the ideal driver for each car.Is the Vantage for thrill seekers? The 911 GTS for purists? The M4 CS for tech enthusiasts?
**Ending with a Punch:**
* **Conclusion:** Summarize your findings and declare an overall winner (or highlight the unique strengths of each car).
* **Final thought:** Leave the reader with a lasting impression – a memorable quote, a provocative question, or a prediction about the future of these car models.
Keep up the great work! With these refinements, you’ll have a truly compelling car review that captures the excitement of Speed Week.
