Aston Martin is actively developing a high-performance variant of its flagship GT car, the Vanquish. Recent spy photographs captured at the Nürburgring “Green Hell” show a heavily modified prototype testing sharper aerodynamics and an unusual exhaust configuration. These developments strongly suggest the imminent arrival of a Vanquish S, following the successful formula established by the DB12 S.
Visual Clues and Design Changes
The prototype, finished in matte black with green camouflage strategically placed over key aero components, retains the fundamental silhouette of the standard Vanquish. However, several distinct modifications point to increased performance capabilities:
- Aggressive Front End: The car features a more pronounced front splitter, designed to increase downforce at high speeds.
- Wheel Updates: It rides on 21-inch Y-Spoke forged alloys, previously seen on the smaller Vantage S. This is a common industry practice for leveraging existing hardware to reduce development costs while enhancing the sporty aesthetic.
- Aero Enhancements: The rear bumper and diffuser area have been significantly altered, indicating a focus on improved stability and cooling.
The Mysterious Exhaust Setup
The most striking feature of the prototype is its rear exhaust system. While the standard Vanquish utilizes four tailpipes, the spy shots reveal a complex arrangement:
- A mesh-covered section of the tailgate hides two oversized exhaust outlets.
- Four additional pipes are mounted in the diffuser area.
- The original quad-tips remain visible but appear non-functional.
This eight-pipe configuration is likely temporary development hardware. Engineers often add provisional exhaust points to test different flow dynamics or cooling solutions before finalizing the production design. It is expected that the final Vanquish S will feature a cleaner, more refined exhaust layout, possibly with a redesigned rear bumper to accommodate the changes.
Note: The vehicle clearly displays “Emissions Test Vehicle” and “Prototype Vehicle” stickers, indicating that Aston Martin is not attempting to conceal the nature of the test car.
Performance Expectations and Market Positioning
Although Aston Martin has not officially confirmed the Vanquish S, the pattern is clear. The DB12 S served as a template for this upgrade path, typically offering:
- Increased Power: The standard Vanquish produces 824 hp (614 kW) and 738 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) of torque from its twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12 engine. The S variant is expected to push output beyond 850 hp.
- Enhanced Chassis Tuning: Expect stiffer suspension settings and improved handling characteristics to match the higher power output.
- Aggressive Styling: A more muscular body kit to differentiate it from the standard model.
Timeline and Competition
The current generation Vanquish launched in September 2024. Given typical automotive development cycles, the Vanquish S is unlikely to arrive until late 2026 or early 2027.
When it does debut, it will enter a competitive segment dominated by:
* The front-engined Ferrari 12Cilindri
* The mid-engined Lamborghini Revuelto
The Vanquish S aims to offer a unique blend of grand touring comfort and supercar performance, positioning itself as a compelling alternative in the high-end GT market.
Conclusion
The spy shots confirm that Aston Martin is committed to expanding the performance credentials of its Vanquish lineup. The upcoming Vanquish S promises to elevate the brand’s flagship GT with more power and sharper dynamics, challenging rivals like Ferrari and Lamborghini in the near future.
