Aston Martin Vanquish Hire UK: 565HP Naturally Aspirated V12 Self-Drive

The Aston Martin Vanquish in the Starr fleet is the second generation model, produced between 2012 and 2018. It is significant in Aston Martin’s history for two reasons. First, it was the first production car to use the third-generation VH bonded aluminium and carbon fibre platform, a development of the architecture used in the DB9 and first-generation Vanquish but with substantially greater use of carbon fibre in the structural elements. Second, it was the first Aston Martin production car to have carbon fibre composite body panels rather than aluminium. The bonnet, roof, front wings, doors and boot lid are all carbon fibre composite, which contributes to a kerb weight of 1,835kg, approximately 70kg lighter than an equivalent aluminium bodied car of the same size would be. The carbon fibre body panels are also visible in character: they have a slight surface texture that is specific to the material and distinguishes the Vanquish from the DB11 and other aluminium-bodied Aston Martins in the fleet at close range.

The naturally aspirated 5.9-litre V12

The Vanquish uses a 5.9-litre naturally aspirated V12 producing 565HP at 6,750rpm and 620Nm of torque at 5,500rpm. The engine is hand assembled at Aston Martin’s Gaydon factory and has a character that is entirely different from the twin-turbo V8 engines in the DB11 and DB12. There is no turbo lag, no surge of torque at a particular engine speed, the power builds in a linear and progressive way from low revs to the 7,300rpm redline. The V12 is louder and more vocal at high revs than any turbocharged engine in the fleet. At motorway speeds in GT mode the exhaust settles to a composed background note. On an open road in Sport mode above 4,000rpm it produces a sound that has no equivalent in a modern turbocharged car. The Vanquish S variant, also produced during this generation, raised power to 595HP and reduced the 0-62 time to 3.8 seconds. Confirm with the Starr team which specification is in the fleet.

Touchtronic 3 gearbox

The second generation Vanquish uses a 6-speed Touchtronic 3 torque converter automatic gearbox rather than the electrohydraulic ASM/SSM system used in the first generation car (2001-2007). The Touchtronic 3 shifts faster, is smoother in low speed urban driving, and allows full automatic operation in everyday use. In Sport and Sport Plus modes the shifts become more responsive and the gearbox holds lower gears longer through corners. Paddle shifters on the steering column allow manual control at any time. The gearbox is described by Aston as specifically calibrated for the Vanquish’s naturally aspirated torque curve, which builds more gradually than a turbocharged engine and benefits from a gearbox that understands when to hold a gear and use the high revs power band rather than shifting early.

The Vanquish on UK roads

The Vanquish is the most historically significant car in the current Starr Aston Martin fleet and the only one with a naturally aspirated V12. On UK roads its character is distinct from both the DB11 and the DB12. It is a heavier steering car than either, with a more direct connection between road surface and steering wheel. The adaptive dampers in GT mode provide a ride that is firmer than the DB11 but still composed on motorways. On faster roads the rear-wheel drive chassis rewards a progressive driving style and the V12’s linear power delivery makes the car accessible across a wide range of conditions, there is no sudden torque surge to manage in the wet. The carbon fibre body means every panel is structural in a way that aluminium-bodied cars are not, and the overall rigidity of the car is perceptible in how it responds to road imperfections.

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Aston Martin Vanquish self-drive hire requirements

To hire the Aston Martin Vanquish with Starr Luxury Cars you will need a full UK or EU driving licence held for a minimum of 3 years, no more than 6 penalty points, and be at least 25 years of age. A refundable security deposit is required at the time of booking. Standard packages include 100 miles per day. Additional mileage can be pre purchased at the time of booking.