"Why put 15 or 20 kilograms of weight on the nose of a car, in the worst possible spot?" Reichmann asked The Drive.Īston Martin wants to position the new Vantage as a sports car through-and-through, more so than its predecessor. Speaking with The Drive, Aston Martin chief designer Marek Reichmann explained that ditching traditional grille slats reduces weight in a crucial area of the car, shifting the weight balance more toward the center of the car and aiding in handling.
The dramatic new look is not just a styling exercise-it's for weight savings.
But on the new Vantage, it looks quite different-a huge, gaping grille opening with no bars or slats, like the track-special Vulcan. Every Aston since has sported a version of this grille design. The traditional Aston Martin grille shape dates back to 1948, where it first appeared on the 2-Litre Sports model.