Words by Kimatni D. Rawlins

The return of an automotive legend is always a compelling narrative when the subject matter brings back fond memories, storied tales, and driving pleasures that leave you desiring more. Many aficionados of British design philosophies first became acquainted with the Vanquish in the 2002 James Bond spy film Die Another Day with Pierce Brosnan as 007. Quite the contrary, I wished to live another day on the idyllic island of Sardinia to take full advantage of Aston Martin’s 2025 Vanquish V12 and its intoxicating acceleration

Initially conceived in 2001, the Vanquish was replaced by the DBS, which had a magnificent run in its own right. Then, the marquee returned in 2012 as a 2nd generation model. Today represents a new dawn for the British conveyor of ultra-luxury, high-performance grand tourers and SUVs. Defined by admirable discipline, emotional appeal, and unadulterated performance, the 3rd-generation Vanquish V12 GT became the adoration of visiting jet-setters and compatriots while I was touring Sardinia, the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.

To experience this prestigious nameplate, Aston Martin escorted me from the quaint town of Olbia and its festive waterfront backdrop to the entrancing crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and stunning vistas of Costa Smeralda, where the vehicle was prominently displayed at the entrance of Hotel Cala di Volpe. Here, is where couples and families have escaped reality to relish the pristine waters and mountain terrain. Straight from a movie, the Vanquish V12 sat as timeless as ever and fit perfectly with the Italian vacation scenery. But maybe this location was no coincidence since Hotel Cala di Volpe was featured in The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) with Roger Moore.

Stunningly beautiful and ambitiously powerful, the RWD supercar from Gaydon is backed by a 5.2-liter Twin-Turbo V12 releasing 824-horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500 – 5,000 rpm for a top speed of 214 mph and a 3.2-second 0-60 mph time. However, I would like to see the V12 evolve into an AWD GT. Engineers paired the powerplant with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and added an electronic rear limited slip differential to manage wheel spin. Aston Martin has always aligned itself with market-leading tech partners such as Bilstein, Pirelli, Michelin, Bosch, and Brembo which attests to the supercar’s impressive road capabilities. In addition, Formula 1 credibility is essential since racing is aligned with the company’s history. What Aston Martin learns from the track is instilled into consumer products.

To tailor the drivetrain, steering inputs, and chassis calibrations, there are five selectable drive modes to choose from: Wet, Sport, Sports Plus, Track, and Individual. The V12 was impressive on Sardinia’s mountainous switchbacks as I admired the unforgettable landscape. The grille is now 50% larger to increase cooling. There is an active exhaust but no active aerodynamics since the team preferred a static look of the integrated rear spoiler. Traction stems from 21″ Y-spoked forged alloy rims wrapped in Pirelli P ZERO AML or Pirelli P ZERO Winter 2 AML staggered 275/35/ZR21 front and widened 325/30/ZR21 rear performance rubber and dynamic torque vectoring. Controlled stopping power is managed by standard carbon ceramic brakes, electronic brake distribution, emergency brake assist, and hydraulic brake assist. Furthermore, a new corner braking system holds the car steady when steering through tight turns. As the Brits would say, it’s jolly good!

In speaking with Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, he highlights the design, elongated hood, bonded aluminum structure for 80% increased rigidity, wider track, and the lightweight swan doors that raise at an angle to avoid curves when parking since the vehicle sits low. Reichman compares the V12’s stance to a sprinter in his/her blocks waiting for an explosive takeoff. Moreover, the profuse use of carbon fiber (body panels, inset bonnet, door outers, and bodysides) is called upon for weight reduction, stiffness, and styling. This leads to another fascinating detail. Astonishingly, 95% of all Aston Martins built, even the classics, are still on the road. Now, we can add the latest Vanquish V12 to that equation.

“Vanquish is an iconic halo model for our sports car portfolio, and we’re always designing beyond the expected, rational, and thoughtful,” Reichman stated. “There is great passion in creating pure excitement, and this new Vanquish is a culmination of fearless creativity and human ingenuity. We have combined next-level, ultra-luxury performance with British-cool sports car styling to deliver a crowning Aston Martin V12 flagship for the ages.”

Step inside to admire the uber-luxurious and technical cockpit. Intimate details begin with semi-aniline leather, 16-way adjustable sports plus seats, carbon-fiber paneling (or metal trim), a new 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins bespoke audio system, and the fully digital 10.25” customizable touchscreen which sits at an angle. The in-house engineered, custom infotainment system is utilized on three other Aston Martins (DB12, Vantage, and DBX 707) to bring the brand up to speed with today’s standards. For example, Wireless Apple CarPlay is at your disposal, and the Aston Martin Connected Car app serves as the nucleus for typical operations. I’m also elated that the Vanquish V12 incorporates physical buttons and dials instead of just touch-capacitive.

Reserved for the upper echelon of society, just under 1,000 examples of the British supercar will be made annually for $429,000. Moreover, Q by Aston Martin is available for individual customization and personalization to appease owner expectations. Purchasers of the Vanquish V12 sit with a team of engineers and designers to craft their automotive art utilizing a melting pot of unique colors, trims, materials, and finishes. Approximately 65% of Vanquish orders thus far have come from the bespoke customization service. For example, you can have your brake calipers finished in Aston Martin Racing Green, Vivid Red, Vivid Blue, Vivid Orange, or Madagascar Orange. Some of the exterior hues I revered onsite were Neutron White, Supernova Red, Aluminite Silver, and Epsilon Black. The lighter colors stand out further with the contrasting black rear diffuser, chin spoiler, side skirts, panoramic glass or carbon fiber roof, side blades, and optional dark-vaned grille.

After a day of chase scenes in Italy it was time for this 007 agent to escape back to Hotel Cala di Volpe to relax and recoup energy within the tranquil environment. Open since the 60s, the resort incorporates a private marina viewable from your balcony, two gyms including an outside facility facing the water, a cluster of pastel-hued houses with turrets, Sardinian rustic-chic rooms, and an Olympic-sized outdoor pool. While your Vanquish V12 patiently awaits in valet for the next mission, you can enjoy the day by lounging in the sun, eating Sardinian delights, taking a boat cruise, sharing wine with a friend, or visiting the spa for meditation. Live life like Bond, James Bond!