Aston Martins often trade heavily on emotion, but there are a few that are as beautiful to drive as they are to look at. The marque has traditionally tread the fine line between sports cars, supercars, and grand tourers. While they may not always dominate group tests or spec sheets, there’s a certain charm to Aston Martins that has captivated many over the years.
Today, Aston Martin offers a wide range of vehicles, from the Valkyrie hypercar to the DBX S super SUV. The latest additions to the lineup include the DB12 S, Vantage S, and Vanquish, which are considered some of the best core Aston models ever made.
Aston Martin DB12 S
The DB12 S represents a significant evolution over the standard DB12, addressing the identity crisis of the regular model. The S introduces a newfound sense of composure, with recalibrated Bilstein DTX dampers and a refined chassis. This results in a refined grand tourer and a focused performance car in one.
evo Editor in Chief Stuart Gallagher was one of the first to drive the new DB12 S on the road, noting that the calmer ride is immediately evident. The S’s composure eradicates any nervousness that would creep through the driver and the car previously.
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Aston Martin Valhalla
The Valhalla is a mid-engined rival to Ferrari’s 849 Testarossa and Lamborghini’s Revuelto. Despite concerns that it may digress from traditional Aston Martin characteristics, the Valhalla has proven to be a proper next-generation Aston. It’s an astonishingly potent track car with huge performance and a focus on driving pleasure.
The Valhalla’s engine, a Mercedes-AMG flat-plane crank V8 coupled to a hybrid system, produces a combined output of 1064bhp. While it may lack the V12 expected of an Aston Martin flagship, the Valhalla makes up for it with its incredible performance and handling.
Aston Martin Vantage S
The Vantage S refines the already-excellent standard car, bringing it in line with more exotic alternatives. Its form has been honed with deeper bonnet vents and a functional carbonfibre ducktail spoiler, and the cabin balances daily usability with a sense of occasion.
Henry Catchpole drove the Aston Martin Vantage S on UK roads, noting that the initial response is impressive and there’s more than enough performance to unstick the rear tyres. The Vantage S is defined by its 671bhp 4-litre twin-turbocharged AMG-sourced V8 and recalibrated chassis.
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Other notable Aston Martins
In addition to the DB12 S, Valhalla, and Vantage S, other notable Aston Martins include the DBS 770 Ultimate, Vanquish, and Valkyrie.
Aston Martin continues to evolve and push the boundaries of what’s possible, and it’s clear that the brand is committed to creating cars that are not only beautiful but also thrilling to drive. With its current lineup, Aston Martin has never been stronger, offering a range of vehicles that cater to different tastes and preferences.
One thing that’s certain is that Aston Martin’s future is bright, with a range of exciting new models on the horizon. As the brand looks to the future, it’s likely that we’ll see even more innovative and thrilling cars that embody the spirit of Aston Martin.
They are committed to creating cars that are not only beautiful but also thrilling to drive.
