As someone who has spent a significant part of my life behind the wheel, I find myself captivated by this Aston Martin V12 Vanquish. It’s not often that I come across a vehicle that so boldly defies the tide of change sweeping through the automotive world.
What makes a V12 engine stand out – is it the inherent smoothness or the continuous, linear acceleration? If it’s either or both of these qualities, wouldn’t it be foolish to argue that we don’t require 12 cylinders when we have hybrid vehicles or even electric ones instead?
Let me share some insights with you. We recently attended an exclusive test drive event in Sardinia, Italy, where we had the opportunity to check out the freshly unveiled Aston Martin Vanquish. The model took a break since 2018, when it was equipped with a 5.9L naturally-aspirated V12 engine. However, this latest version reintroduces its iconic 12 cylinders and enhances them by adding twin turbos for improved power at the lower rev ranges.
While traveling and driving afterward, we found ourselves pondering – didn’t we experience this sensation of raw power, flawless performance, and increasing momentum before? We had, and it was when we tested a few hybrid V8s in luxury tourers. However, this doesn’t mean we didn’t appreciate the Vanquish’s offerings; rather, there was a sense of apprehension as we realized that what lay just 60 inches ahead and beneath our right foot has, over the past decade, been largely replaced by newer technology.
If you’re fully convinced about hybrid power and its advantages, we understand your choice – after all, it’s about finding what suits you best in life. However, as automotive enthusiasts with a soft spot for internal combustion engines (ICE), we felt compelled to share three insights we gained from driving the V12 Vanquish. These points, disregarding our own preferences towards ICE engines, are likely to convince us of the appeal of displacement, consistently.
With Great Character, Comes Great Responsibility
One way to rephrase the given text while maintaining its essence could be:
All of these “micro-feelings” concluded to the car’s personality – “character” as you may want to put it. With electric cars and their digital propulsion or a hybrid setup, these minor emotions are missing, equating to a ride that feels at the end of the day subdued and dull. It’s cliché to say a car has “passion” or a “soul” and we’re one of the naysayers who cringe at these words, but this emotion is a real thing – when you drive, the chassis, engine, suspension, wind noise and more are all meant to evoke a response in you. The character in a car is something the sports car makers spend millions of dollars and countless hours attempting to retain and even enhance, and we’re glad the Vanquish didn’t neglect this vital process.
Buyer Be(a)ware
There’s something to be said about someone who buys something like this. They’re aware of the shifting world around us – they don’t live under a rock. And yet for an owner to decide on a V12 engine that’s counter to the evolution of electric world around them is a statement that’s made consciously and proudly. Aston Martin is also hyper aware of this as well.
People don’t buy an Aston Martin Vanquish to save the planet because they don’t discuss efficiency or eco-friendliness with their friends regarding their new purchase. They are not inherently bad in a world needing help, but they find other ways (let’s hope positive) to contribute. However, when it comes to the driving experience, an Aston Martin Vanquish owner won’t compromise and expects this quality in their car.
Aston Martin has decided to produce a new Vanquish with a traditional internal combustion engine because they believe that their flagship model should be powered by nothing less than the latest and greatest V12 engine. The company is keenly aware of what their customers desire, understanding their high expectations for flagship ownership, and are committed to delivering both the right product and perfect execution. While Aston Martin may go against some government regulations regarding emissions, they believe their clients will appreciate this model because it gives them exactly what they asked for, knowing they won’t want anything else in a flagship vehicle.
You’ll Miss Me When I’m Gone
As an enthusiast, I can’t help but draw parallels between traditional technology and today’s electric powertrains. It’s becoming increasingly clear that iconic powerhouses like the V12 engine may soon become a thing of the past. Forever.
It seems that the era of V10 engines is long gone, V8s from North America are becoming increasingly scarce, and even flat-six engines are primarily used on race tracks. Consequently, when it comes to Internal Combustion Engines (ICE), we’re mostly going to be left with turbocharged V8s and V6s, supercharged four-cylinders, and even compact three-cylinder engines. The reality is that the world no longer accommodates V12 engines – it’s akin to searching for a succulent ribeye during an apocalypse.
Aston Martin’s decision to revive the V12 Vanquish underscores the fact that such a vehicle may never return, given its fierce competition. This is our chance to immortalize an emotion-evoking masterpiece before it disappears. Essentially, Aston Martin has penned a heartfelt ode to internal combustion engines, displacement, and raw passion. Comparing this iconic model to hybrid or electric vehicles with impressive horsepower and torque specifications would be akin to consuming the last blades of grass and claiming it tastes like steak. It’s simply not the same experience.
In this rapidly advancing era, Aston Martin managed to construct a functional time machine from the past that operates within our contemporary world of regulations and constraints. This feat is worthy of admiration, not competition.
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2024-10-28 19:26