Positioning:
Luxury Grand Tourer, positioned as a high-performance, exclusive sports car.
Competitors:
Ferrari 456 GT, Bentley Continental GT, Porsche 911 Turbo (996).
Design Philosophy:
Hand-built craftsmanship, powerful V12 engine, advanced materials (aluminum and composite chassis), discreet luxury.
Target Audience:
Affluent individuals seeking a blend of exhilarating performance and refined comfort for long-distance travel.
Primary Coverage:
Full Service and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Diagnostics
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (Specific count not provided, but described as comprehensive)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual (FSM)
Powertrain:
Engine (V12), Transmission, Drivetrain
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Body Control Modules, Lighting, Infotainment, Powertrain Control, Diagnostics, Wiring Diagrams
Body And Trim:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats
Comfort And Convenience:
HVAC, Climate Control, Power Accessories
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine disassembly/reassembly, transmission repair, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuild, electrical component replacement
Special Procedures:
Alignment specifications, torque values for critical fasteners, recalibration of electronic systems
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic routines and wiring schematics.
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual Transaxle (Graziano)
Transmission Type:
6-speed Touchtronic Automatic (Rear-Wheel Drive)
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated, twin-plate clutch (manual transmission)
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios detailed in manual, crucial for performance tuning and diagnostics.
Crash Test Results:
As a low-volume, high-performance vehicle, formal crash test ratings from agencies like NHTSA or Euro NCAP were not typically pursued or publicly released in the same manner as mass-market vehicles.
Braking System:
Vented Disc Brakes (front and rear), ABS, EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), Brake Assist.
Traction Control:
ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) / Traction Control System.
Airbags:
Front airbags for driver and passenger, side airbags.
Chassis Structure:
Bonded aluminum chassis with composite body panels for enhanced rigidity and safety.
Audio System:
Premium audio system (e.g., Linn) with CD player, potentially optional navigation system.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control with multiple zones.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking sensors were an option on later models, not standard on 2001.
Bluetooth:
Not typically available on the 2001 model; limited connectivity features.
Minor Service:
10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (e.g., oil and filter change, fluid level checks).
Major Service:
20,000 miles or 24 months (includes items from minor service plus spark plugs, air filters, coolant checks, brake inspections).
Engine Oil:
Specify: Mobil 1 0W-40 or equivalent API SN/SM/SL rated synthetic oil. Capacity: Approx. 11.5 liters.
Coolant:
Specify: Aston Martin Coolant or equivalent Ethylene Glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors. Capacity: Approx. 15 liters.
Brake Fluid:
Specify: DOT 4 (or DOT 5.1 if permitted by Aston Martin) High-Temperature Brake Fluid.
Transmission Fluid:
Manual: Specific gear oil (e.g., API GL-4 or GL-5, Viscosity grade to be confirmed in manual). Automatic: Dexron III/VI or equivalent.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear (especially on manual models), suspension bushings, exhaust system components, and potential for electrical gremlins common in early 2000s luxury vehicles.
Specific Concerns:
Early models may have had minor issues with early generation electronic systems. The manual will detail specific checks and fixes.
Aston Martin Legacy:
Established reputation for producing elegant, high-performance GT cars with a strong racing pedigree.
Vanquish Introduction:
Launched in 2001 as the flagship model, succeeding the V8 Vantage and Virage.
Design Inspiration:
Designed by Ian Callum, drawing inspiration from the DB4 GT Zagato and V12 Vanquish concept car.
Manufacturing Location:
Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, England.
Production Run:
The first generation Vanquish (VH platform) was produced from 2001 to 2007. This manual specifically covers the initial 2001 model year.
