Based on Matt Farah, the Aston Martin Vantage F1 Version might as properly be referred to as the Vantage ‘Advertising and marketing Version,’ so poorly has it been named. Nevertheless, as he just lately found when testing out the automobile on the canyon roads exterior of Los Angeles, it has rather more going for it than a boring identify.

Aston Martin launched the automobile to have a good time the truth that the Vantage now shares System 1 Security Automotive duties with the Mercedes-AMG GT R. It might have merely taken an everyday Vantage, slapped on some particular F1 badges and referred to as it a day. Nevertheless, Aston Martin truly went to the difficulty of enhancing the automobile’s efficiency so it’s just a little extra becoming of the identify.

Learn Extra: Aston Martin’s 2021 F1 Version Is The Most Hardcore Vantage To Date

For instance, the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged AMG V8 now pumps out an additional 25 hp, bringing it as much as 527 hp, whereas torque sits at 505 lb-ft (685 Nm). Aston’s engineers have additionally tweaked the steering and eight-speed computerized transmission, leading to faster and extra responsive gear modifications.

The Vantage F1 Version additionally encompasses a strengthened chassis with upgraded dampers and stiffer rear springs and Farah and his co-host are very complimentary with how the automobile drives. Each point out that the carbon ceramic brakes supply good pedal really feel and be aware that the suspension gives a very good stage of adjustability. It’s a little too tough to make use of on the street in its stiffest setting however the softer setting works properly, too.

Nevertheless, Farah notes {that a} Vantage F1 Version prices simply as a lot as a Mercedes-AMG GT C within the U.S. and suggests it doesn’t really feel fairly as unique because the Merc.