The
Aston Martin V8 Vantage is the smallest of the new range of Astons, being
a 2 seater with an 8 cylinder engine, whereas the bigger stable mate DB9
is a 2+2 seater with a 12 cylinder engine. The V8 Vantage’s attractive
price just in between the Porsche 911
Carrera and 911 Turbo positions itself ideally for an every-day-use
sports car. The V8 Vantage has a powerful 4.3 litre 380 bhp engine, which
is unique to Aston Martin. Developed for flexibility as well as outright
performance, the front mid-mounted V8 also delivers an outstanding aural
experience, with a potential maximum speed of 280 km/h (175 mph). Extraordinary
engine power is not the only reason for the superb performance of the V8
Vantage. Just as important is its lightweight, all-alloy structure, which
offers class-leading strength and rigidity. The front mid-engined layout
– the dry sump lubrication system allows the engine to sit low – and rear-mid
transmission help provide optimum front to rear weight distribution as
well as a low centre of gravity. The result is exceptional agility and
inspired balance and handling.
The
design brief for the V8 Vantage dictated a style that could not be anything
else but Aston Martin. Elegant, yet with a controlled aggression. Perfectly
proportioned, with a low purposeful stance. Modern, yet incorporating classic
Aston Martin design cues. Like all Aston Martin sports cars, it is simple,
understated and beautiful. Outside, the V8 Vantage displays beautiful sports
car lines, while maintaining a unique identity. Inside, its traditional
craftsmanship is matched to striking 21st century style. Hand-trimmed in
the finest quality materials, the cabin is that of an authentic sports
car. Driver and passenger sit low, close to the car's centre of gravity,
where they can feel the car reacting to the input of the driver – it's
a special sensation, usually only experienced in racing cars.
This
new V8 has been specifically designed and developed for the V8 Vantage.
Hand-assembled at Aston Martin's new, purpose-built engine facility in
Cologne, Germany, it is a light, compact, all-alloy unit – high-performance,
yet responsive even at the lower end of the rev range. Its maximum torque
is an impressive 410 Nm (302 lb ft) @ 5000 rpm, 75 per cent of which is
delivered at just 1500 rpm – barely more than idle – making the V8 Vantage
extremely tractable and great fun to drive. Push harder, and the V8 engine
revs freely, delivering refined, exhilarating pace. The V8 Vantage is a
pure two-seater, a car dedicated to providing the most exhilarating driving
experience possible, but that doesn't mean it is not practical. As well
as a generous rear shelf, ideal for soft bags and holdalls, there's another,
surprisingly large, luggage area. It is large enough for two golf bags
or luggage for a holiday in style.
Engine: V8 Vantage: 4.3L
V8
Horsepower: 380 bhp
/ PS
Top Speed: 175 mph (280
km/h)
Peak torque: 410 Nm
(302 lb-ft)
Acceleration: 0-60
mph in 4.8 sec (0-100 km/h in 5 sec)
Retail Price: starting at
Pounds 80,000 or Euros 105,000
The
Aston Martin V8 Vantage is the smallest of the new range of Astons, being
a 2 seater with an 8 cylinder engine, whereas the bigger stable mate 
The
design brief for the V8 Vantage dictated a style that could not be anything
else but Aston Martin. Elegant, yet with a controlled aggression. Perfectly
proportioned, with a low purposeful stance. Modern, yet incorporating classic
Aston Martin design cues. Like all Aston Martin sports cars, it is simple,
understated and beautiful. Outside, the V8 Vantage displays beautiful sports
car lines, while maintaining a unique identity. Inside, its traditional
craftsmanship is matched to striking 21st century style. Hand-trimmed in
the finest quality materials, the cabin is that of an authentic sports
car. Driver and passenger sit low, close to the car's centre of gravity,
where they can feel the car reacting to the input of the driver – it's
a special sensation, usually only experienced in racing cars.
This
new V8 has been specifically designed and developed for the V8 Vantage.
Hand-assembled at Aston Martin's new, purpose-built engine facility in
Cologne, Germany, it is a light, compact, all-alloy unit – high-performance,
yet responsive even at the lower end of the rev range. Its maximum torque
is an impressive 410 Nm (302 lb ft) @ 5000 rpm, 75 per cent of which is
delivered at just 1500 rpm – barely more than idle – making the V8 Vantage
extremely tractable and great fun to drive. Push harder, and the V8 engine
revs freely, delivering refined, exhilarating pace. The V8 Vantage is a
pure two-seater, a car dedicated to providing the most exhilarating driving
experience possible, but that doesn't mean it is not practical. As well
as a generous rear shelf, ideal for soft bags and holdalls, there's another,
surprisingly large, luggage area. It is large enough for two golf bags
or luggage for a holiday in style.