Market Segment:
Ultra-luxury Grand Tourer (GT)
Key Competitors:
Ferrari 550 Maranello, Bentley Continental GT, Lamborghini Murciélago, Porsche 911 Turbo.
Design Philosophy:
Blending powerful performance with refined luxury and iconic Aston Martin styling.
Target Audience:
Discerning enthusiasts and collectors seeking a high-performance, hand-built GT with exclusivity.
Target User:
Professional technicians and skilled DIY mechanics.
Value:
Provides factory-level diagnostic and repair information, enabling owners to maintain and repair their V12 Vanquish effectively.
Engine:
Detailed coverage including V12 engine, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, emissions control, and engine management.
Transmission:
Covers the automated manual transmission (often referred to as 'semi-automatic' or 'sequential manual transmission'), including clutch operation, hydraulic systems, gearbox internals, and electronic control.
Drivetrain:
Includes rear-wheel drive system, differential, driveshafts, and associated components.
Suspension:
Comprehensive details on front and rear suspension systems, including wishbones, dampers, springs, anti-roll bars, and alignment procedures.
Brakes:
In-depth coverage of the braking system, including ABS, EBD, brake discs, calipers, pads, hydraulic lines, and bleeding procedures.
Steering:
Detailed information on the power steering system, steering rack, and linkage.
Electrical System:
Extensive coverage of the entire electrical system, including battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, ECUs, and diagnostic procedures.
Body And Chassis:
Information on body panels, doors, latches, hinges, exterior trim, interior trim, and chassis structure.
Climate Control:
Details on the air conditioning and heating systems, including refrigerant handling, component replacement, and troubleshooting.
Safety Systems:
Coverage of airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, and related electronic control units.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance procedures, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, and inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Extensive troubleshooting guides and diagnostic flowcharts for various systems and common issues.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components, from simple component replacement to complex system overhauls.
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed instructions for the complete disassembly and reassembly of all vehicle systems and components.
Diagnostics:
Guidance on using diagnostic tools, interpreting fault codes, and performing system tests.
Wiring Diagrams:
Includes comprehensive wiring diagrams for all electrical circuits.
Depth:
Factory-level technical depth, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics.
Detail Level:
Detailed exploded views, diagrams, and step-by-step instructions.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V12
Engine Code:
V5H (typically refers to the 6.0L V12)
Displacement:
5935 cc (362 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
89.0 mm x 79.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.3:1
Horsepower:
460 bhp (343 kW) @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
540 Nm (398 lb-ft) @ 5000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) with twin Bosch ECUs.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating typically 95 RON / 91 AKI or higher)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically 50/50 mix with distilled water (refer to manual for specific Aston Martin approved coolant).
Oil Type:
Synthetic engine oil, e.g., 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific Aston Martin approved viscosity and specifications).
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 10.7 liters (11.3 US quarts) with filter change.
Crash Test Results:
As a low-volume, ultra-luxury vehicle, official crash test ratings from organizations like NHTSA or Euro NCAP are not typically published or comparable to mass-market vehicles.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Ebd:
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Front airbags for driver and passenger; side airbags may be optional or standard depending on market.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners.
Chassis Design:
Bonded aluminum V-Shape chassis providing high rigidity and occupant safety.
Infotainment System:
Basic infotainment system for its era, typically including a premium audio system, CD player, and navigation (optional).
Driver Assistance Features:
Primarily ABS, EBD, and Traction Control. Modern advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are not present.
Connectivity:
Limited by modern standards. May include a basic phone interface (e.g., Bluetooth hands-free in later models or optional).
Engine Control Units:
Dual ECUs managing the V12 engine, fuel, ignition, and emissions.
Major Service:
Typically every 12,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Refer to the manual for exact intervals and scope of work.
Oil Change Interval:
Usually aligns with the major service interval, or as recommended by the manual based on driving conditions.
Engine Oil Specification:
Refer to manual for exact API, ACEA, or OEM specification (e.g., Aston Martin specification).
Coolant Specification:
Refer to manual for Aston Martin approved OAT or HOAT coolant.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 or higher (refer to manual for specific Aston Martin requirement).
Transmission Fluid Specification:
Specific ATF type; consult the manual for exact specification and part number.
Common Issues General:
While specific known issues require in-depth analysis of service bulletins and owner feedback, general areas for high-performance GTs of this era can include clutch wear (due to AMT), hydraulic system leaks, electrical gremlins, and potential for premature wear in high-stress components if maintenance is neglected.
Manual Benefit For Issues:
This manual provides the detailed diagnostic procedures and repair techniques necessary to address potential issues.
Brand Legacy:
Aston Martin has a rich history of producing elegant, high-performance sports cars and grand tourers, synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship, and motorsport.
Vanquish Lineage:
The V12 Vanquish was the flagship model for Aston Martin, succeeding the Virage and preceding the DB9 in terms of its ultra-luxury GT positioning. It represented a significant technological and design leap for the brand.
Design Inspiration:
Designed by Ian Callum, it featured a more modern and muscular design language compared to its predecessors, with a strong emphasis on aerodynamic efficiency.
Production Years:
2001-2007 (including Vanquish S variant).
Manufacturing Location:
Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, England.
Production Volume:
Limited production numbers, contributing to its exclusivity.