When we hear the name James Bond, Aston Martin definitely comes to mind. Now, even though we may not know who the next actor is to fill the shoes of Daniel Craig as Agent 007, we do know which is the latest Aston Martin to be launched here in Malaysia.

The revamped Aston Martin Vantage was unveiled in February of this year and has made its way to the Malaysian market. To afford this, your pockets must be as deep as Bond’s. Starting from RM2,3700,000 with duties & taxes and before options & customisations, this elevated Vantage could be yours.

The new Vantage boasts a Mercedes-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine at its core, now tuned to produce an impressive 665PS, a substantial increase of 153PS from its predecessor and 800Nm of torque. This power boost is achieved through meticulous adjustments, including new camshafts, enlarged turbos, and a modified compression ratio. Additionally, three extra heat exchangers and an enlarged oil cooler manage coolant and charge air temperatures more effectively, ensuring optimal engine performance.

Paired with the trusted 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, power is sent to the rear wheels via an electronic limited-slip differential. With a shortened final drive ratio of 3.083:1, the new Vantage achieves swifter acceleration while maintaining an impressive top speed of 325km/h and a blistering 0-100km/h sprint time of just 3.4 seconds.

Structural enhancements contribute to the Vantage’s rigidity, with a revised underbody and repositioned front cross-member boosting torsional stiffness. A lighter and stiffer strut brace and improved rear rigidity further enhance chassis stiffness, allowing the new Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers to optimize handling and ride quality.

Software refinements enhance performance and driver engagement, with Aston Martin fine-tuning traction management modes, launch control system, and electronic power steering. The result is a dynamic driving experience complemented by a high-performance braking system featuring front 400mm steel rotors with six-piston calipers and rear 360mm rotors with four-piston callipers. Carbon ceramic brakes are available as an option, shedding unsprung weight for improved agility and handling.

Inside, the Vantage cockpit exudes sleek elegance, with clean lines and a spacious feel. Comfortable and supportive seats enhance the driving experience, while standard features include an 11-speaker audio system. Audiophiles can opt for the upgraded Bowers & Wilkins system with 15 speakers and 1,170W of power.

The Vantage also boasts Aston Martin’s latest infotainment system, featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen with online connectivity. Enhanced navigation includes real-time traffic updates and dynamic routing, while wireless Apple CarPlay ensures seamless smartphone integration.

Owners can interact with their Vantage through the Aston Martin app, offering vehicle monitoring, location tracking, and community engagement features. The app, free for the first three years, enhances the ownership experience.

Despite these extensive enhancements, the essence of the Vantage remains unchanged – a timeless two-door GT car delivering a captivating driving experience.

For further customisations that extend beyond the extensive catalogue of optional accessories, Qby Aston Martin offers bespoke personalisation services limited only by the imagination.

The new Aston Martin Vantage is now available for booking in Malaysia, as mentioned above, with a starting price of RM2.37 million before options and customisation. The retail price includes a three- year factory warranty, which customers can opt to extend to enjoy up to 20 years of coverage. This complements the Aston Martin ownership experience with vehicle lifetime protection for total peace of mind, subject to terms and conditions.