2015 Aston Martin Lineup: Beauty and Brawn [Photo Gallery]

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The 2015 Aston Martin Vantage lineup, including V-8 and V-12 engines, coupes and roadsters, awaits a romp in the Santa Monica Mountains.

TFLcar had an opportunity to sample nearly all of Aston Martin’s 2015 vehicle lineup this week in the Santa Monica mountains, just north of Los Angeles.  Included was the breadth of the 2015 Aston Martin Vantage line, including the sub-$100k Vantage GT, replete with a six-speed manual transmission.

Also in attendance were the elegant Vanquish and Vanquish Volante (convertible) models, which both received enhancements to their AM29 V-12 engines.  Rounding out the lineup was the 2015 Aston Martin Rapide, which showcased hatchback versatility and an adult-friendly, two-plus-two seating layout.

With each model’s unique exhaust note roaring through the canyons, we took off for a day of immersion into Aston Martin’s most current offerings.

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We found the Vanquish’s AM29 V-12’s changes fostered positive enhancements to the vehicle’s response time, power, and combined fuel economy.  Mated to a new ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, the combination proved a willing dance partner on the Mulholland Highway.

Even the basic, sub-$100k Aston Martin Vantage GT, equipped with a six-speed-manual transmission, felt composed, capable, and powerful as we rowed through the gears.  The V-8’s power takes time to build, but clutch take-up is positive, and once the engine crests 5,000 RPM, the surge of power is intense.

Stay tuned to tflcar.com for in-depth content highlights from our drive including start-ups, exhaust notes, and more driving impressions.  In the meantime, take a sneak peek at some of Aston Martin’s latest brawny machines.