Aston Martin Vantage (modern) (United Kingdom, 2005-present)

The Aston Martin Vantage is the leanest and most agile car in the British brand’s lineup. Presented at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show the sports car is one of the most successful models from Aston Martin. The Vantage is available both in coupe and roadster versions (Volante) and its lightness and strength are given by a bonded aluminium structure.

The Volante version was first unveiled at the 2006 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, with extra 200 pounds. In 2009 Aston Martin unveiled a more powerful version of the modern Vantage, powered by the V12 engine featured on the DBS.

The V8 VantageAston Martin V8 VantageUnited Kingdom, 2005 > present3 photos
was first presented as a concept car at the 2003 North American International Auto Show. The two-door coupe body style with tailgate and the two-door convertible have a bonded aluminium structure, aluminium alloy, steel, composite and magnesium alloy body.

Engine

2008 Update

In 2008 an updated version of the V8 VantageAston Martin V8 VantageUnited Kingdom, 2008 > present2 photos
1 video
was presented, the new 4.7 litre V8 engine has a power output of 420bhp (an 11% increase on the previous 4.3 litre unit) and 470Nm of torque (15% increase), providing the V8 Vantage with new reserves of mid-range performance, an improved 0-100km/h time of 4.7 seconds and top speed of 288km/h. Combined European fuel economy and CO2 emissions are also improved by 13% (Sportshift™).

2005

When it first became available the Vantage was powered by a 4.3-litre quad-cam V8 engine which produced 380 hp at 7,300 rpm and torque of 409 Nm. The original V8 Vantage could accelerate to 97 km/h in 4.7 seconds topping out at 282 km/h.

Design

Introduced with the coupe and volante variants is a new Sports Pack that aims to offers more agility, high speed, body control and precision by using forged lightweight alloy wheels, retuned Bilstein dampers, up-rated springs and a revised rear anti-roll bar (only on the coupe). Even though the model's classic design hasn't changed that much, it still features new 20-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels and as a part of the Sports Pack 5-spoke lightweight aluminium wheels can be provided. In the interior a new Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation System is offered as well as Ipod and MP3 integration.

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage SAston Martin V8 Vantage SUnited Kingdom, 2011 > present3 photos
had been developed to bring the dynamics of the Vantage to a different level. Closing the gap on the road and race Vantages, the S version has been influenced by the 2011 Vantage GT4 race car.

Powertrain

The Vantage S is powered by Aston Martin’s 4.7 litre V8 engine that has a power output of 436 PS at 7300 rpm and torque of 490 Nm at 5000 rpm. The engine is combined with a new Sportshift™ II transmission, specifically designed for the Vantage S, that has seven short ratio gears in order to enhance the driving sensation.

This Vantage has suffered some dynamic revisions which include a quickened steering rack ratio of 15:1 compared to 17:1 on the standard car, larger diameter front brake disc with new six-piston front brake calipers. New springs and dampers have also been added and wider rear wheels. The Vantage S also features a new dynamic stability control (DSC) system specifically tuned to it. A new brake module provides Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) which gives assistance in emergency braking situations, and Hill Start Assist (HSA).

Design

Some visual features are a new lower front bumper finished in perfectly-aligned carbon fibre, that houses a larger air intake feeding the engine and front brakes. A new rear bumper and side sills give the Vantage S a wider look.

With the N420Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420United Kingdom, 2010 > present1 photo
, Aston Martin presented a motorsport-inspired special edition of its V8 Vantage. Aston Martin’s experiences at the Nürburgring 24-hour race inspired the brand to develop the N420.

Powertrain

As successor of the V8 Vantage N400, the N420 is based on the standard 4.7-litre, 420bhp, 180mph V8 Vantage. This special edition is available in coupe and roadster versions and is fitted with a six-speed manual or optional Sportshift automated manual transmission. For this special edition Aston Martin came up with some unique features, starting with the weight of the vehicle which has been reduced by 27 kg thanks to the application of carbon fibre. Other new specifications include a carbon fibre splitter, side strakes and diffuser and 10-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels combining with gloss black finish, black mesh vents and ‘Graphitic’ tailpipe finishers. The V8 Vantage N420 is fitted with the normally optional Sports Pack, with revised springs, dampers and anti-roll bars and a new sports exhaust system.

Design

The interior of the Vantage N420 comes with an Iridium interior package which includes graphite instruments, leather or Alcantara® steering wheel, special N420 sill plaques and lightweight carbon fibre seats, complete with ‘Race Track’ stitching as in the V12 Vantage.

In 2007 Aston Martin unveiled a concept based on the V8 Vantage, the V12 VantageAston Martin V12 VantageUnited Kingdom, 2009 > present2 photos
1 video
.

Engine

This new car features a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 hp (380 kW / 517 PS), and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque with a top speed of 305 km/h and able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. A unique feature to the V12 Vantage is a "Sport" button which allows the driver to choose between two powertrain modes. The default mode is suited for everyday driving whilst the "Sport" mode delivers a mory dynamic driving experience.