![]() In fact, our over-6-foot staffers find the Aston Martin to be very roomy. ![]() Surprisingly, the low-profile roofline does not translate to a lack of head room inside the Vanquish. ![]() Fuel level and coolant temperature gauges can also be found and monitored inside the binnacle. On the instrument panel, a small round display indicating the current gear selection separates the ivory-faced, chrome-ringed 7500-rpm tach and the 210-mph speedometer. ![]() The aluminum paddle shifters (upshift on the right and downshift on the left) are accented by more strips of leather. From the supportive side bolsters hugging you in place and the sight and the smell of the cockpit, to your fingers wrapping around the padded leather steering wheel, everything conveys sportiness and luxury. A minor gripe: the door handles, window switches, climate and sound system controls are taken directly out of Ford's Jaguar parts bin. On the console are buttons for the engine start (in red), reverse, traction control and Sport mode (allowing the engine revs to reach redline before upshifting in Automatic mode). At the center, the sculpted console begins at the base of the windshield, then flows smoothly down to the center armrest outlined by a pair of brushed-aluminum struts. The aluminum door handles and the engraved "Aston Martin" aluminum doorsill trim pieces are modern design cues. of Wilton carpet complete the interior furnishings. Abundant leather wraps around the entire cockpit and is carefully stitched into the Alcantara-quilted seats. Open the door to see the high-tech interior styling and smell the traditional rich aroma of Connolly hides. A quick look underneath the car reveals the Aston Martin's aerodynamically efficient flat underbody design. Around the back, large taillights smoothly merge into the bumper, with a pair of tailpipes sandwiching a functional lower-body diffuser. And with the cockpit's narrow greenhouse design, Callum is able to sculpt a tall beltline that balances nicely with the forceful and broad contours of the rear fenders. Aft of the large front wheel well is a side air vent that blends nicely into the door panel highlighted by slender chrome trim. The elegant roofline picks up where the windshield leaves off and gradually finishes at the rear with a gentle lip acting as a spoiler. In profile, the long hood complements the steeply raked windshield. Just behind them is a wide, upward-sloping bonnet interrupted by a center hump that's flanked by a pair of engine-bay cooling vents. A pair of two-projector headlamps confidently focus on the road ahead. Below it are two auxiliary driving lights/turn indicators and an air intake. Up front, a large, signature Aston Martin grille is incorporated into the single-piece bumper. Inspired by the Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato, designer Ian Callum has taken the elegant and classic lines of the past and penned a bold and chiseled look for the Vanquish. It is the ultimate Gran Turismo that not only delivers top-notch styling, performance and luxury, but most important, an exhilarating driving experience that excites our senses of sight, sound, smell and touch, all at the same time. Now adding to that impressive résumé is the 2002 Vanquish. Steeped in history, Aston Martin has the rich racing heritage and reputation for handcrafting high-performance sports cars. The road presence is intimidating and various tempt with beautiful styling and race-bred engines. The BMW Z8 and and SL are Teutonic engineering masterpieces. Climb aboard a and you immediately recognize its purpose: to speed through a corner with utmost grip and confidence. In the world of $100,000-plus automobiles, most car manufacturers focus on what they do best. However, what ultimately wins our affection is the thrilling driving experience that stimulates our human senses: an engine's bold and authoritative bark and a well-balanced, confidence-inspiring chassis. As enthusiasts, we marvel at the history, the styling, the machinery and the technology that are infused into a performance car's DNA.
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