Vanquish S Ultimate

The Vanquish S Ultimate features the carbon-fibre front splitter and rear diffuser that made the Vanquish S such a stunning visual statement. These components give it a low, lean and menacing air, but they also contribute to impressive aero performance, with tiny ‘turning vanes’ at the outer edge which reduce lift at speed.

For the Ultimate edition, customers can choose between three Designer Choice colourways: Ultimate Black, Xenon Grey and White Gold. Choose the Ultimate Black exterior, and Aston Martin’s design team recommends the optional Copper Bronze graphics pack for the sills, rear diffuser and front spoiler, though other graphic packs can be chosen as a no-cost option. The interior perfectly complements the recommended scheme with Obsidian Black leather and Chestnut Tan accents, including contrast stitching. A carbon fibre twill fascia is standard, while a carbon fibre finish roof is another option; all Ultimate edition models feature a gloss black five-spoke sports wheel.

Opt for the Grey Xenon Designer’s Choice and your recommended graphics pack will be Cobalt Blue, with yellow brake callipers, Phantom Grey leather interior, an accent colour around the central console of Electron Yellow and contrast stitching in Spectral Blue. The final Designer Choice is based on White Gold paintwork, with Bronze graphics, black callipers, Chestnut Tan primary leather and contrast stitching in Obsidian Black. Whichever you choose, your specification will also include a unique seat quilting design was well as Ultimate plaques on the door-sills.

As the name implies the Vanquish S Ultimate is the fastest and most powerful of all Vanquish models, with the same powertrain as the Vanquish S which was announced in November 2016. Power is up to 595bhp (603PS); top speed is 201mph and 0-62mph (0-100km/h) takes just 3.5 seconds. New damper internals, spring rates and anti-roll bar bushes encourage the keen driver to exploit all that performance (in the right circumstances, naturally). The power of the naturally-aspirated V12 is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed Touchtronic III transmission, while the quad tailpipes give bystanders an aural treat as you rocket past them. A driveline damper enhances drivability by smoothing transmission changes in slow-moving traffic and around town. It’s only a detail, but it illustrates the ‘super GT’ dual character of the Vanquish S; devastatingly fast on the open road, immensely civilised when restraint is called for.