For the 2015 model year of the Vanquish and Rapide S, Aston Martin has included some upgrades that result in increased performance, according to a press release issued by the British automaker Aug. 5.
Aston Martin is debuting the new Touchtronic III eight-speed automatic gearbox in both models, marking the first time this gearbox has been used in cooperation with a transaxle layout. This new transmission has a lighter weight, is more efficient and allows for quicker shifts.
Most importantly, the 0-60 mph times in both models have been improved by .5 seconds over the previous model year, with the Vanquish now completing the sprint in 3.6 seconds and the Rapide S in 4.2 seconds. Both cars are also now capable of a 200+ mph top speed.
The new Touchtronic III has a unique feature that allows drivers to pull and hold the down shift paddle, allowing the car to “select the lowest available gear when under braking.”
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Power output for the 2015 models did not see a major overhaul, but a reduction in the exhaust’s gas back pressure did allow for some added numbers. An additional three bhp were added to the Vanquish (568 bhp in total), two bhp to the Rapide S (552 bhp in total) and an additional 7 lb-ft of torque in both, resulting in a total of 464 lb-ft for both models.
Moving away from the engine, the Vanquish did receive uprated dampers that are 15 percent stiffer in the front and 35 percent stiffer at the rear. As for the Rapide S, uprated larger front brakes have been fitted for increased stopping power.
Outside, Aston Martin has thrown on a set of new ten-spoke forged alloy wheels that have a variety of options for the finish. There are also a number of new additions to the finish options, including, for the first time on the Vanquish and Rapide S, Diabalo Red, which was previously only available for the V12 Zagato.
Inside the cars, new leather trim color options and the optional new Duotone leather seat finish in Sahara Tan and Vibrant Red are available, as well as new headlining options that include mixing quilting with leather or Alcantara.
The 2015 Aston Martin Vanquish and Rapide S will have a global market introduction beginning in the third quarter of 2014. Stay with us for more information on pricing and options as it is released.
Vanquish Gallery
Rapide S Gallery
(Source: Aston Martin)
