25 years ago this month Aston Martin unveiled the V12 Vanquish – an all-new nameplate for an all-new model that was, at the time, one of the most advanced sports cars designed, developed and built by the brand.

Today, and now in its third generation, Vanquish remains the main model of Aston Martin’s front-engined sports car range. Showcasing in-house engineering, when it debuted in 2024 this third generation Super GT, with 835PS and 1000Nm of torque, was the most powerful flagship in the marque’s history.

Aston Martin CEO, Adrian Hallmark, said: “Since its arrival 25 years ago, the Vanquish nameplate has been associated with something ambitious and different.

“Over those years Vanquish has grown into a key Aston Martin model and, in 2026, it remains a symbol of what this British marque is capable of creating. Like the owners who have added one, or more, of the three generations of Vanquish to their collections since 2001 I am proud of what this model represents.”

While the current model takes its place in the marque’s front-engined sports car line-up, the template for today’s 5.2-litre Twin-Turbo V12-powered model was developed a quarter of a century ago with the debut at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show of the first Aston Martin to bear the Vanquish name.

V12 Vanquish | 2001-2007
Incorporating technologies such as drive-by-wire throttle control and F1©-style finger-tip controlled gearshift paddles, the final model built at the brand’s Newport Pagnell HQ before its move to Gaydon in Warwickshire, the V12 Vanquish laid down a marker for the future – both in terms of technical ambition and power.

The first Aston Martin to bear the ‘Vanquish’ name featured a 6.0-litre V12 engine with an output of 460bhp, mated to an F1©-inspired paddle shift gearbox. It used an aluminum tub and composite body panels, and at the time represented a notable step in design and technology for the marque.

The car’s body structure, including the floor and the front and rear bulkheads, was formed from extruded aluminium sections bonded and riveted around the central transmission tunnel constructed from carbon fibre. Single-piece composite inner body side sections with carbon fibre windscreen pillars were bonded to the central structure to create a strong safety cell.

Computer controlled manufacturing processes were required to create the structures – a manufacturing step for Aston Martin at the time – and these were developed in Cupertino, California, and at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom.

Media and customers praised this ambitious newcomer after its launch and the V12 Vanquish, later joined by the more powerful V12 Vanquish S and the V12 Vanquish S Ultimate Edition, became part of Aston Martin history in the early part of this century.

Vanquish | 2012-2018
When the second generation Vanquish broke cover in 2012, ahead of a production start the following year, the automotive world took notice.

The features of the second generation Vanquish carried the design ethos of Aston Martin into a new generation. The exterior form was influenced by the One-77 hypercar, with each carbon fibre body panel taking a sharp form.

Every external panel on this Vanquish was made from aerospace standard carbon fibre, helping maintain the precision used in its design. This made the body 25% lighter than the DBS it replaced.

Beneath the bonnet lay a 6.0-litre V12 engine with revisions including bigger throttle bodies, dual variable valve timing, and new fuel pumps and air boxes. This produced 565bhp with 457lb ft of torque. The Vanquish reached 62mph in 4.1 seconds and 183mph. Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes reduced fade and improved heat dissipation.

Offered in 2+0 or 2+2 seating, and with a boot space of up to 368 litres, this Super GT was at the top of the Aston Martin production sports car range and, like its predecessor, was joined by open-roof Volante, and more powerful 600bhp, 201mph, ‘S’ versions.

Vanquish | 2024-present day
In 2024, the current Vanquish was introduced.

Today’s Vanquish sits at the top of Aston Martin’s front-engined sports car range. Showcasing in-house engineering, this generation continues the Vanquish line.

Highlights include a V12 engine, a chassis with advanced dynamics technology, carbon fibre bodywork, and an interior designed for comfort. With production limited to under 1000 examples a year, this model remains exclusive.

Powered by a 5.2-litre Twin-Turbo V12 producing 835PS and 1000Nm of torque, Vanquish achieves strong performance with a 0-60 mph time of 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 214mph, making it the fastest Aston Martin series production model at launch.

Like other Aston Martins, the car is built around a bonded aluminium body structure with double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension.

As the marque’s flagship sports car, Vanquish has a Carbon Ceramic Brake system as standard. With 410mm discs on the front axle and 360mm on the rear, the system offers improved braking, reduced fade at temperatures up to 800°C, and lower unsprung weight.

The car’s aesthetics reflect its technical design. With new surface lines, Vanquish shows contemporary style through its shape, stance and curves. The wheelbase was increased by 80mm to lengthen the bonnet for a distinctive profile.

Reflecting on the three generations of Vanquish, Aston Martin Historian, Steve Waddingham, said: “Look up the word ‘vanquish’ and you will find it has, in my opinion, one of the best dictionary definitions. Terms such as ‘conquer’ and ‘overwhelm’ pop up as synonyms and that is what the first Aston Martin to bear the name set out to do; both in terms of competitors, and in the minds of buyers.

“The second and third generations of our flagship Super GT have continued to live up to that aspiration and all those associated with Vanquish over the last 25 years can be proud of the cars they have created.