Aston Martin has a history of producing and releasing spectacular sports cars. A defining difference of the Aston Martin line, compared to other manufacturers, is the non-imposing, driver-friendly design of their high-end models. The cars are sleek and stylish, without looking like something out of a science fiction movie. The simplistic elegance mixed with pure power is a perfect marriage of ingenuity that has helped Aston Martin become one of the world's foremost makers of powerful sports cars. The best model of the AM line, the Vanquish S, is in a class all its own.

Vanquish is the fastest production model ever designed and released by Aston Martin. It's packed full of not only the charm and charisma the world has come to respect from the brand, but also a powerhouse engine that's built for one thing: Speed. The Vanquish S made its debut in September of 2004 at the Paris Motor Show. Show-goers were amazed by AM's addition to the show with their powerful model. Although it's not breaking any land speed records, the Vanquish still has a top speed of 200 mph, and is powered by a 520 horsepower 6.0-liter V12.

The Vanquish captures attention because of its complete package. Obviously, other sports cars on the road have engines capable of producing far more power, but you get a lot more than you see or hear with the Vanquish S. For starters, the suspension is highly evolved in terms of competitive engineering. It's subtle and can handle the steering changes at maximum speed. The car is able to remain steady around a course due to the unique suspension.

There's also the style of the interior to consider. Aston Martin's Vanquish is considered one of the few “owner-worthy” high-end sports cars on the market. In comparing Vanquish to a model like the Bugatti Veyron or the Ferrari Enzo, the clever style of its roomy cab and lush interior makes it ready for a drive around town, whereas other models are suited for the track only.

Vanquish was developed after a GT concept car debuted in North America in 1998. Once Aston Martin got to work, the Vanquish production model was unveiled in 2000, and full production started in 2001. The Vanquish S, the current model, debuted in 2004 and boasted more power, more style, a better suspension, and better wheels than its predecessor. In the Aston Martin line, Vanquish S is the ultimate package.

The body of the Vanquish is carbon fiber, a popular choice among modern sports cars, and its frame is composed of extruded aluminum (for a light weight and superior strength) and other composite materials. The Vanquish can be purchased with or without a small backseat. So the car doesn't necessarily have to be a one or two-seater. It comes from the factory with all-disc anti-lock breaks, and other very impressive safety features. The Vanquish S will set you back a quarter of a million dollars (US).