2021 Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition unveiled, Australian arrival confirmed

Previewed in a teaser late last week, the Vantage F1 Edition serves as a road-going version of the latest Aston Martin Vantage-based 2021 Formula One safety car, with more power, a new aerodynamics package and an uprated chassis.

Powering the limited-run model is a retuned version of the ‘standard’ Vantage’s 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, now developing 393kW and 685Nm – matching the race-bound safety car, but up 18kW over the regular road car, with its peak torque figure offered across a wider portion of the rev range to boot.

Drive is sent to the rear wheels through a retuned, quicker-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, enabling 0-100km/h sprint times of 3.6 and 3.7 seconds for the coupe and Roadster respectively.

Top speeds are rated at 314km/h and 305km/h for the fixed-roof and soft-top body styles respectively.

Headlining the changes over the existing 375kW Vantage are a raft of chassis tweaks, including suspension with new damper internals and increased rear spring rates for improved body control over high-speed compressions and crests, a sharper steering rack claimed to deliver improved feel, and additional chassis stiffening up front.

Filling the arches are new 21-inch alloy wheels – one inch larger than those fitted as standard to the regular Vantage – wrapped in 255/35 front and 295/30 rear Pirelli P Zero tyres, with a set of 400mm front and 360mm ventilated disc brakes tucked behind.

Complementing the chassis changes is a new aerodynamics package, adding an additional 200kg of downforce at top speed thanks to a deeper front splitter, front dive planes, underbody elements and a fixed rear spoiler.

On the styling front, standard visual upgrades include a ‘vaned’ grille, carbon-fibre accents and F1 Edition-specific graphics, with buyers able to option a range of satin and gloss exterior paint colours, including a new Aston Martin Racing Green hue inspired by the brand’s Formula One racer.

Inside, Obsidian Black leather and Phantom Grey Alcantara trim feature, joined by a choice of Lime Green, Obsidian Black, Wolf Grey or Spicy Red contrasting elements.

First deliveries of the 2021 Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition will commence in the UK in May 2021, priced from £142,000.

An Australian launch has been confirmed for the fourth quarter of 2021, with local pricing to be announced "shortly".