FIRST DRIVE: New 656bhp Aston Martin Vantage… Too Much Power?

Aston Martin never seems to be stable, with every bit of good news followed by bad. Fernando Alonso has signed a long-term deal with its Formula 1 team… but the on-track results aren’t a patch on 12 months ago. After the facelift Vantage we drive here, a revised version of the DBX SUV follows… but in this transition phase to new models, Aston’s Q1 2024 sales dropped by a quarter. And on and on it goes.
If the new Vantage is to break that cycle, it needs to be a sure-fire hit, with no ‘ifs’ and no ‘buts’. To do that, Aston has moved it out of Porsche 911 GTS territory, upping the old car’s twin-turbo V8 from 503bhp to 656bhp. It’s now more powerful than a 911 Turbo S - and with only two driven wheels, quite a starting point for an ‘entry level’ Aston Martin sports car…
The looks are lairier too, and banished is the creaky Mercedes-sourced infotainment system, replaced by Aston’s own tech. But it’ll count for nowt if the overhauled chassis can’t handle all that power.
To find out whether it can, Top Gear’s Jethro Bovingdon spent 48 hours with the new Vantage, on road and, of course, on track…
00:00 Intro
01:08 Track Drive
04:14 Road Drive & Interior
09:48 Adaptive Traction Control Test
15:50 Conclusion
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[@TopGear]

Can Aston's new Vantage mix it with the best from Porsche? This, or a 911 Turbo?

[@thebvargaYT]

Looks, or durability?

[@rare6499]

@@thebvargaYTare you suggesting a Porsche is durable?

[@joe718gt4]

This, just looks more special and don't really care about lap times with either car

[@8eecf0d2]

911 Turbo, obviously.

[@flummi6966]

im german and id pick a vantage. for the looks, to be quirky different and it has style. ( and i would def hack the ECU to have something like 400 HP mode, bcs the rear axle cant take that much punishment IMHO)

[@SaintMecha]

I'm a big 911 fanboy, but... But just look at the Vantage, holy hell it's so beautiful.

[@certifiedRetard.]

That's complete copy of One 77 that was released 10 years ago, this car was in 007: Spectre

[@RandomVideosFirst]

wow, looks alot bigger, love every angle of it one 77 inspired front end

[@greebuh]

Rear haunches too.

[@AR-rs2dy]

Respect to Lawrence Stroll because he's bankrolled these improvements and told them in no uncertain terms that there can be no more excuses.

[@ConanSoo]

He’s building a company to truly compete with Ferrari - on and off track

[@all-caps3927]

@@ConanSoo they are still way way off Ferrari

[@Abercon25]

@@all-caps3927 if they could build their own engines and move away from being so AMG related - they’d achieve their own identity. That being said, I don’t know the business behind doing that.haha …so what do I know actually 😂

[@HumanButcher150]

@@all-caps3927maybe, but definitely not in terms of both exterior and interior design.

[@agreatd]

Except zdf lol

[@petrolhead1980]

There must be a LOT of AMG engineers screaming that he dedicates a whole segment to the traction control system lifted from the AMG GT R, and then names every manufacturer with similar tech except AMG 😂😂😂. This aside, Jethro is a legendary presenter and journalist. TG need way more content with him!

[@bonifacelukosi9580]

I was thinking the exact same thing 😂

[@muaawiyahkadwa1589]

Its not amgs system, aston developed its own system

[@samueljones3668]

​@@muaawiyahkadwa1589 I doubt that the system literally is the AMG system introduced in the GT R.

[@mcc5901]

TG used to entertain and Jethro, while highly competent, is no entertainer

[@petrolhead1980]

@@muaawiyahkadwa1589 , I can assure you that it most definitely is AMGs system for the most part but tweaked for the Aston. It works identically (becomes active by an extended press of the stability control button), and uses the exact same dash graphic from the facelift 2019 GT R. There is no way Aston would invest a huge sum into their own TCS when the AMG one used to control the same engine is readily available!

[@alessandromantovani7759]

Those body lines are unreal, such a outrageously good looking car from every angle.

[@dashaunwoody4612]

It’s really good to see Jethro for the review. The OGs Steve, Jethro, Henry, and Chris always do the best reviews. Please bring them back!

[@mad636man]

Said no one ever.

[@mro9466]

Until you get arrested for the 3rd time in the same day for speeding 😂

[@user-cd9wc5bw3k]

@@mro9466wow they release quick wherever you’re at

[@tupo3855]

I definitely say cars have too much power

[@letsgetdoing]

Mustang owners....

[@krisi.2011]

​@tupo3855 nope we need 1000hp cars

[@deanjackson8368]

This dude is as cool as a cucumber isn't he? 4th gear powerslides and he's still calmly talking to the camera. I'd have been a sweaty mess and no doubt in the barriers if Iwas attempting the same! Excellent review and a lovely car. Aston have sorted the Vantage.

[@zakelwe]

He has been doing it for donkeys years since starting with Evo and having Dickie Meaden etc showing him the ropes. Top team back then.

[@xfg007]

Jethro is one of the best presenters

[@StevieV]

Super cool to have Jethro on TG. was stuck behind a paywall at motor trend for a while

[@Phlytz]

That front end is really doing it for me. Stunning motor 😮‍💨

[@Makrel94]

Lovely too see Jethro 😁👍

[@BlackorOrange]

Go Jethro!! Good to see you on here. Quality work as always Mr B

[@ammaralfuzaia4933]

thank you very much for bringing jethro in here because i was waiting for evo to upload a video on this new car

[@Heartsping98]

Yesss Jethro Is the new TG Magazine Yessss

[@jarredh451]

It's not about Miles per gallon... it's smiles per gallon

[@spikespike1332]

Jethro best of top gear should have more of him

[@deanchur]

8:50 "And there are even physical buttons for the major controls, praise the Lord" Dig at Ferrari there...but screw 'em, if Ferrari want to use capacitive crap they can get rightfully criticised for it.

[@MARCO-rq2ph]

But u would still buy a Ferrari over this crap xd

[@HumanButcher150]

@@MARCO-rq2phno, you wouldn’t. Especially if you have an eyesight at least better than -12 and you look at Ferrari designs compared to nearly all the others. 😁😁😁

[@MARCO-rq2ph]

@@HumanButcher150 i would take the 296 anyday ,Better loooking,more Power,less Weight,rear mid engine,comeone man Aston Martin Is failed like 5 years ago and Is getting pulled by stroll

[@slowpoke7888]

@@MARCO-rq2ph No way! I would have this over a Ferrari every time. Is Ferrari a better, more capable car? Absolutely. Would I get out of this Vantage wishing I had bought a Ferrari? Never. All the best bits of a Ferrari are just inaccessible on the road for an above average non-professional-racing-driver.

[@burtdemill9393]

@@MARCO-rq2ph 296 is TWICE the price. Roma is more of a competitor

[@trevorphillips3922]

I haven’t watched yet but the answer must be “no”.

[@TheVillageIdiotUk]

Jethro B ! Good to see TG has finally hired someone who knows what he’s talking about.

[@mattmanley7118]

One-77 cues for sure. Glad they didn’t change the rear of this Vantage too much from last generation. The whole bigger grille trend across the industry is 🤢 though. I get it though that engine has to stay cool. Beautiful though and menacing.

[@slowpoke7888]

Maybe you would be more suited to the all electric no grill tesla.

[@1852live]

Those wheels are absolutely magnificent! 🔥 Love from Johannesburg, South Africa! 🇿🇦✌🏾

[@KaushikBala333]

Stunningly good looking this Aston. Making me smile every time I look at

[@ezcatch77]

Great to see you back reviewing Jethro ! Your reviews are the perfect mix of useable info and entertainment. Keep ‘em comin !! ❤️🏆

[@delbroox]

Beautiful! They've done a great job it seems. Hopefully this new generation can really bring Aston Martin back

[@robvanderwilk7159]

Jethro - A1 class! Well done 👍. Gorgeous car. Love it

[@ForWhatIsAMan]

By FAR the best looking Vantage yet

[@jhonatanjohnson7769]

And is the BASE model!!

[@ForWhatIsAMan]

@@jhonatanjohnson7769 true!

[@KensAlpaca]

More Jethro please. Back end (of the car) looks a mess but otherwise a big improvement.

[@IanRossDavies]

Good to see Jethro on here again 🙌

[@TheImperfectGuy]

Oh dear you got Jethro on the team now? well good to see him with some production resources for filming again

[@simonmorty8344]

Surely not a bad thing having Jethro on the team! Jethro is not only a great motoring journalist and driver, but he actually knows what he's talking about like Harris and catchpole. Rory on autotrader doing a great job too. However, compare this review to Carwow review on the same car. Matt's a great guy, a pretty good journalist, but when it comes to reviewing and driving the car, they are worlds apart! However, most of the internet audience are focused upon 1/4 mile times and 0 to 60 rather than the mechanical knowledge, emotion, and feeling of driving the car. Regarding the Aston. Definitely a step in the right direction. Wish it had a better gearbox but it looks wonderful inside/out and drives special.

[@jkawar4528]

Great (to me) driver’s review of what appears to be an all-new variant of a damn beautiful vehicle. Great to see Mr. Bovingdon on Top Gear.

[@superchargedsteve3411]

The engine and exhaust sound fantastic 👌 and it looks great inside and out. Honestly like the Aston Martin F1 team, I think Lawrence Stroll has done amazing things with the company and positive changes all around.

[@gturismo]

please keep Jethro as a frequent presenter!

[@user-gz9bg5zj5j]

Jethro!!!! oh so glad to see you ripping around doing new test drives. Not going to lie a serious lack of top gear in my life now that they dont have any TV shows running. I guess i will just have to you tube it all now. I have everyone i know running top gear America on repeat since it came out on max in the hopes it may be resurected... Hint hint TG Jethro, Dax and Rob best 3some in a long long time. BRING IT BACK FOR ANOTHER SEASON PLEASE!!

[@LSW262]

Aston Martin really do make beautiful looking cars 😍

[@wessel82]

Great to see that the panel gap division is still winging it. The bonnet looks “great”😂

[@homiefizzle5260]

Damn this dude can drive!!

[@qualm43]

The vantage always looks great. My favorite is still the 2009 V8 version.

[@BM-235]

Great review. Honestly can't see a 911 ever being knocked off the top rung. Porsche's genius is its ability to say one and sometimes two or three steps ahead of the competition.

[@burgundyexpress]

Nice to see a real journo on TG.

[@brent9369]

If you don't like this car, you need to go to the hospital

[@DjiCandi]

I wasn't sold on the previous one. This one!? Looks like an "Aston" and boy is it beautiful! TAKE MY MONEY...said my empty wallet.

[@paulbunyan9436]

I would love to see a side by side comparison with the Lexus LC 500...

[@olanrewajudaniel7978]

looks really nice

[@HKAYASTAN]

Is the car built on the new AMG GT chassis?

[@danielayodele7350]

Jethro and TG moniker were the reasons why I decided to watch this review of the Aston Martin Vantage. He didn't disappoint and neither did 007's latest ride.

[@avalanx]

Aston design with Merc engineering, it clearly works!

[@tropical7848]

Best looking Aston since the DB9. The One-77 was amazing too

[@cardude1992]

Well done Aston Martin! It's a proper supercar. Only complaints are no manual stick option and fully digital guage cluster.

[@slowpoke7888]

Didn't Aston promise us they would always have a stick model?

[@studytime-qb9bx]

@@slowpoke7888I believe the vector was the six speed promise if I’m not mistaken.

[@clubsobri]

Glad to see Jethro doing videos for TG again.

[@UniverseSpeck]

So much better looking than the last one

[@serarthurdayne9490]

I had a beautiful Skyfall Silver 2021 Vantage. It was a great car and gorgeous. I don’t like what they’ve done to the front with the new version but everything else looks amazing. I’d have this over a 911 and most Ferraris any day.

[@tom7596]

i just bought the old version,IMHO front was better,more elegant,more distinguished

[@tom7596]

i also own McLaren 570s,of course very different animal...

[@lukasprudky816]

rear looks awesome, can't sadly say that about the front. Still a good looking car!

[@GeoMag27]

Mini One-77

[@one_waycarson9389]

So amazing 👏

[@omarr6021]

thank you Jethro ,,, this vantage is surely an upgrade from its predecessor look and performance wise however when compared with 2017 vantage GT v8 manual that was offered for about 116,000 $ i am not sure it looks better nor its more fun to drive there for double the price is not justified IMHO

[@brent9369]

The Vantage has really grown up hasn't it!!

[@Lioncleggy]

What a fantastic sound

[@Gamingwithod]

The power …… amazing. The front end I prefer the old one. It’s like they went back to the past. The shape below at the back still amazing but could have been better. Retro design with advanced technology🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@johnnyjohnson8928]

The daytime running lamps in the old one were very bad

[@niccolobagnaroli]

I like wayy more the previous model too, from every angle

[@lawts1240]

You must be the only person who does then. It was awful.

[@gabrielbarcellos1036]

Até que enfim a Aston Martin acertou no design desse carro, só faltou uma dieta e oferecer o opcional de cambio manual

[@joseesparza9973]

It sounds so good too 🔊

[@user-cs2en4wl4f]

Is there any advVantage to buying one of these?

[@grilledcheesephd]

Now that’s a review 👍🏻

[@joshknutson16]

Sooo much better looking than b4

[@MediocreHero66]

This is the 'base' starting point for Vantage, so saying you want it to be a bit more aggressive in aesthetics, will surely happen in later variants? Previous gen one had the same treatment, so why wouldn't this? This is the most excited I have been about a Vantage for some time.

[@bambammartin1556]

06 corvette z06- 200mph-505hp 24 vantage -202mph- 656hp Haven’t finished the video yet, but this has to the the result of a speed limiting, right? In addition, those wheels. Incredible.

[@Default-gf4zf]

No, speed limiting is a disgrace and fucking disgusting and unethical and disrespectful not to mention which what these cars cost and the ridiculous privilege of owning them, you're entitled to the whole thing

[@robertcarr4172]

In a world with Evs... Thank you Lord for this gorgeous car wit ha gorgeous noise :)

[@SiddharthaKS1983]

Its a really a well built British Car but the problem is when you compare it with Porsche 911 turbo. Both were built with a totally different approach, these rivalry will never end.

[@CrissoDaG]

How u go from carbon seats to regular seats on the street

[@Arteolike]

Still holding out for a true 4 seater rapide replacement (Rapide has back seats that were way too small)

[@TheJamonLance]

007 no longer the male's hero, dating models, fighting criminal worldwide organizations and with a smart and poisonous tongue. Now the job is for Alonso.

[@victorvandyke9898]

Nice Ka!

[@fantasyguru26]

More or less the same HP as a Corvette Z06. I've driven the latter its an insane amount of power. I'm digging the color. And that sound is music to the ears.

[@Dulc3B00kbyBrant0n]

thats so badass reviewing a car then the same exact car drifts by

[@Livlifetaistdeth]

That is a beautiful machine

[@Random415510]

It looks better than a 911

[@philippanaro3948]

absolutely beautiful car - now it has amazing power too - 10 out of 10

[@TsarHare]

i do love the color. great vibes

[@urbanstrencan]

Still a proper gentleman's muscle car, as it should be. Is it downsized DB12 GT or proper 911, AMG GT competition 😊❤

[@Travel_Photography_Dude]

That colors hot!

[@cj41079]

Hello Jethro missed ya bud ❤

[@Sorezz]

Stunning looking car, very nice

[@pedromacd]

That's it... i'm adding this to my BOTB basket 🤣

[@WEAREDERBY1884]

Love this shape Aston Martin style is just classy with a decent engine not a bad colour either.

[@DouglasRosser]

Everybody thinks they look like a pillock in an open face helmet. You look fine.

[@flanerpete2040]

Gorgeous!

[@mikepaul396]

Finally it looks good now. 2017 was last of good year. too bad for the ones who bought 2018 - 2023. and now 30% more power as well

[@user-vy6lw4lf8w]

it looks very nice

[@urbanstrencan]

Aston Martin knocked out of the park 😊❤❤

[@vinnymiller2046]

They put my boy in the open Face🤣

[@encoreunefois1X]

Are there any plans for Aston to build their own engines?

[@TheImperfectGuy]

Yes the V12 they announced Only for the DB12 though but if history is any indication there will be a V12 vantage soon enough haha

[@gdogg4002]

Beautiful car ❤

[@francisfowler4908]

I’ll buy one once I get a lot of money

[@FrankBottazzo]

you absolute Jethro Bovingdon!

[@alexluke84]

Great combo of german engineering and british attitude 👌 Now let's hope that next Jaguar coupe gets the engine from BMW M5 with 650hp 😎

[@WayApp]

Sleek design, stylish ride.

[@philanimasuku4256]

Good to see Jethro

[@cjprior88]

very good looking car

[@mattb4353]

Strange you’re the only one so far that has criticized the brakes?

[@Rob-cv3vh]

Nicer looking than the DB12 IMHO, less fussy. But it's too boy racer at the moment. 5 colours of carbon and alcantara as the trim inlay options on the configurator and no veneers available. If I wanted a car like that I'd be looking at a GT3 Porsche or BMW's CS M cars. I'd like to see at least the option to have something that's more traditionally Aston.

[@DannyFR30]

They've looked at what is selling atm I guess. Least it isn't electric.

[@sixpotshot]

A.M. looks like to have finally arrived on the zone but it is still no replacement for an equivalent mid engined sports car. It is a fine balance between amazing looks now with substance and its mid engined competition. For many people a car that looks so amazing, a car that looks way much better than all its competitors and that on top of that finally has substance will just make the deal even if it will never handle like a mid engined machine. Shame the paddles on the steering column have been moved to the wrong place...Still Happy days A.M. better sales are coming.