Built to celebrate the marque's return to Formula 1 after over 60 years, the 2023 Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition has now been unleashed for the Malaysian market.

Bred to lead both as a safety car in Formula 1 and on the open roads, the Vantage F1 Edition is an unbridled race car for the road with captivating character, sharpened tactility and thoroughbred performance.

Not only is it the most powerful, the range-topping Vantage F1 Edition also showcases cutting-edge sportscar technology drawn directly from the Vantage F1 Safety Car program to improve the Vantage F1 Edition's powertrain, chassis and aerodynamics.

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Power at the heart of the beast

Starting with the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, power is heightened by 25PS to a new maximum output of535 PS. Peak torque remains unchanged at 685 Nm, but that peak is sustained for longer to further increase tractability and in-gear urgency.

To cope with that relentless power, the 8-speed automatic transmission was optimised with a 'torque cut' during upshifts to reduce shift times and increase the feeling of directness and precision.

This torque management also enhances the driver’s sense of control and connection during downshifts specifically under heavy braking and allows for finer control when the driver is balancing the car at its limit of traction - especially beneficial when driving on track.

Power is nothing, without control

Moving to the chassis, Aston Martin focussed on the suspension and steering, with further detailed underbody modifications to increase front structural stiffness for a further improvement in steering feel and response.

Reworked absorber internals have increased the dampers’ effective force range. This brought forth noticeable improvement in vertical body control - both through high-speed compressions and over crests - without any deterioration in low-speed compliance. The rear spring rates have also increased to sharpen turn-in and increase traction.

With the chassis hardware optimised, attention turned to the wheels and tyres, increasing from the regular 20-inch to 21-inch wheels as standard, wrapped with Pirelli 255/35Z R21 and 295/30Z R21 tyres in the front and rear respectively in the Vantage F1 Edition.

Completing the Vantage F1 Edition’s performance enhancements is a comprehensive aero kit, which is designed to deliver up to 200 kg of positive front and rear downforce in the Vantage F1 Edition at top speed, while optimising the overall balance of the car.

The aerodynamic changes comprise a full-width front splitter, front dive planes, underbody turning vanes, and - most obviously - the new rear wing. The rear diffuser remains unchanged but remains a core feature in the delivery of aerodynamic performance.

With green comes envy

Bespoke to the Vantage F1 Edition are a range of distinctive colour palettes and trim options, including the iconic Aston Martin Racing Green colour scheme, that mimics the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team car, as well as the Official Safety Car of Formula 1.

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Other exterior paint colours include Jet Black and Lunar White - available in both a Satin or Gloss finish - complimented by solid Matte Dark Grey racing graphics.

Inside the Vantage F1 Edition features the new Obsidian Black Leather and Phantom Grey Alcantara upholstery and trim, with a choice of Lime Green, Obsidian Black, Titanium Grey or Spicy Red contrast stripe and stitching.

A piece of modern F1 history

The transcending Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition is now available - in both Coupe and Roadster form - at Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur, with recommended retail prices starting from RM 978,000 excluding taxes, duties and other options.

To view the Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition, head on down to Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur, or contact them via WhatsApp or on their website.