Aston Martin V8 Vantage (2005 – 2018) Review
Aston Martin V8 Vantage (2005 – 2018) At A Glance
Aston Martin improved the Vantage range for 2012 with enhancements designed to add to the 'dynamic feel and style' of the model. Prices have been actually been reduced with the V8 Coupe now costing £84,995 - a cut of almost £6000.
The updates are the most significant since the range was revised in 2008 and while the 'entry' level V8 Vantage has the same 426PS 4.7-litre engine as before, it's now available with a new six-speed Sportshift automated manual gearbox as an option.
The chassis has also been worked on with quicker steering, larger brakes and wider tyres. The new braking system includes Hill Start Assist (HSA) for more control on steep inclines. The V8 Vantage also gets styling tweaks inspired by the Vantage S and N400 limited edition. There's a lower bumper with an aerodynamic splitter that has a larger air intake that feeds the engine and front brakes.
Meanwhile the Vantage S is now priced at £99,995 - a cut of £2,500 over the previous list price. It retains the same 436PS V8 engine and gets the Sportshift II seven-speed automated manual transmission as standard along with a sports exhaust system. Inside the Vantage S there is carbon fibre detailing and a fully integrated sat nav system developed with Garmin along with Bluetooth and cruise control.
Production of the V12 Vantage continues unchanged with the same 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 517PS and and 570Nm which gives it a 0-62mph time of 4.2 seconds.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage (2005 – 2018) models and specs
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 4380 mm |
Width | 1865 mm |
Height | 1255 mm |
Wheelbase | 2600 mm |
Miscellaneous | |
---|---|
Kerb Weight | 1630 kg |
Boot Space | 300 L |
Warranty | 3 years |
Servicing | - |
Costs | |
---|---|
List Price | £83,000–£86,000 |
Insurance Groups | - |
Road Tax Bands | M |
Official MPG | 18.7–18.8 mpg |
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
---|---|
Adult | - |
Child | - |
Pedestrian | - |
Overall | - |
Coupe | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
V8 | £83,000 | 18.8 mpg | - |
V8 Sportshift | £86,000 | 18.7 mpg | - |
Model History
March 2005
New small Aston Martin launched at Geneva Motor Show
ENGINE: All alloy quad overhead camshaft 32 valve, 4.3 litre V8.
Variable Inlet Camshaft Timing.
Dry sump lubrication system.
Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves.
Front-mid mounted engine.
Rear-wheel drive.
Maximum Power:283kW (380bhp) @ 7000rpm
Maximum Torque:410Nm (302Ib.ft) @ 5000rpm
Maximum Speed:280km/h (175 mph)
Acceleration:0-100km/h (62mph) in 5.0 seconds0-60mph in 4.8 seconds
Bore: 89mm (3.504 in)
Stroke: 86mm (3.386 in)
BODY: Two door style with tailgate and 2+0 seating.
Bonded aluminium structure, Aluminium alloy, steel, composite, and magnesium alloy body.
Extruded aluminium side impact bars Halogen projector headlamps, LED rear lamps.
STEERING:Rack and pinion power assisted steering.
Column reach and tilt adjust.
TRANSMISSION: Rear mid-mounted 6 speed Graziano manual gearbox.
Alloy torque tube with carbon fibre prop-shaft. Limited slip differential.
Gear Ratios:
1st 3.154
2nd 1.974
3rd 1.435
4th 1.148
5th 0.935
6th 0.775
Final Drive Ratio 3.909:1
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS:
Length:4383mm (172.5 inches)
Width:1866mm (73.5 inches)(excluding mirrors) 2022mm (79.6 inches)(including mirrors)
Height:1255mm (49.4 inches)
Wheelbase:2600 mm (102.4 inches)
Front Track:1568mm (61.7 inches)
Rear Track:1562mm (61.5 inches)
Turning Circle: (kerb to kerb)11.1m (36 feet 5 inches)
Boot capacity:300 litres (10.6 cu.ft)
Fuel capacity:77 litres (16.8 UK gal / 20.2 US gal)
Kerb Weight: 1570kgs (3461Ib)
SUSPENSION
Independent double aluminium wishbones, coil over aluminium monotube dampers, front and rear anti-roll bars.
INTERIOR
Technical grain leather. Alloy finished console facia, Anthracite interior fittings, 10 way electrically adjustable seats, automatic temperature control, heated rear screen, Aston Martin system with CD player, battery disconnect switch, trip computer, dual stage driver and passenger airbags, side airbags, alarm and immobiliser.
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated grooved steel discs 355mm diameter with radial-mounted four piston Brembo monobloc callipers. Rear: Ventilated steel discs 330mm diameter with radial mounted four piston monobloc callipers and separate handbrake calliper. Anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic braking distribution (EBD), traction control (TC), electronic brake assist (EBA) and dynamic stability control (DSC). Positive torque control (PTC)
WHEELS & TYRES:
Standard
10 Spoke Alloy wheel
Front: 8.5J x 18” Rear: 9.5J x 18”
Tyres - Bridgestone Potenza tyres
Front: 235/45 ZR18 Rear: 275/40 ZR18
Optional
7 Spoke Alloy Wheel
Front: 8.5J x 19” Rear: 9.5J x 19”
Tyres: Bridgestone Potenza tyres
Front: 235/40 ZR19 Rear: 275/35 ZR19
OPTIONS:
Full natural grain leather with full Alcantara headlining, alternative facia trims available, High Intensity Discharge headlamps (dipped beam) and powerwash, bright finish grille, alternative brake calliper finish (Black, Red, Silver), Platinum interior fittings, heated seats, heated front screen, cruise control, reversing sensors, battery conditioner, powerfold mirrors, integrated GSM telephone, colour Sat NAV with traffic messaging channel, Tracker, upgrade alarm system, tyre pressure monitoring, smoker’s pack, personalised sill plaques, fire extinguisher, premium Aston Martin audio system.
Owner Ian Underwood reports: Delivery March 2007. Has averaged over 20mpg v/s Aston forum members 11 - 13 (maybe US gallons). Finds V8 Vantage is "the most balanced, comfortable and civilised" car he has ever owned. "Contrary to some reports, I find the all round visibility quite good and parking fairly straight forward, assisted by the PDC, which is standard. The exhaust note is absolutely gorgeous-aided by the removal of boot fuse 22, which disables the vacuum pump that keeps the exhaust flaps closed until the engine reaches about 4000rpm. As part of its V8 Vantage mods, I understand that Prodrive fits a cockpit switch to facilitate this."
V8 roadster launched Spring 2007.
N400 (orange car in pix) launched Frankfurt Motor Show September 2007. Enhancements include a power upgrade to 4.3 litre V8 engine, lifting peak power to 400bhp and peak torque to 420Nm. Also has new Sports Pack comprising lightweight graphite-finished aluminium wheels with diamond turning, uprated springs and dampers and a new rear anti-roll bar (for the Coupe). The Vantage N400 also includes a number of exterior design changes, including a revised side sill design, Magnum Silver bonnet and side strake meshes, clear rear lamp lenses and a bright finish grille.
Interior enhancements include perforated black leather seats, micro-spin alloy facia trim and a unique numbered sill plaque. The Vantage N400 will be available in three new exterior colours; Bergwerk Black, Lightning Silver or Karussell Orange, with either Sportshift automated manual or conventional manual transmission and in either Coupe or Roadster forms. Additionally, the Vantage N400 comes equipped with a range of normally optional equipment, including Satellite Navigation, 700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System, Bluetooth telephone preparation, HID headlamps, cruise control and memory/heated seats.
May 2008
Revised V8 Vantage revealed
Now with 4.7 litre V8 and output of 420bhp with peak torque of 470Nm, making it more flexible. 0-60mph 4.7 seconds and top speed of 180mph (288km/h). Combined European fuel economy and CO2 emissions are also improved by 13% with Sportshift.
New centre console and revised switchgear and the introduction of an ECU replacing the previous V8 Vantage key. Externally, the acclaimed V8 Vantage design appearance is enhanced with a range of new standard and optional 19’’ alloy wheels. Increase in cylinder bore facilitated by a move to cylinder liners that are pressed into the pre-machined aluminium alloy block, allowing a thinner liner than was possible with the cast-in design of the 4.3 litre engine.
New forged steel crankshaft provides the 91mm stroke and incorporates new holes in the counter weights for reduced rotating mass and improved inter-bay breathing. New forged steel con-rods and cast aluminium pistons complete the capacity-related changes. Standard manual stick-shift gearbox and the optional Sportshift transmission benefit from a modified clutch and flywheel, reducing clutch pedal efforts and delivering a 0.5kg weight saving.
Following the launch of the Aston Martin 4.7 V8 Vantage in summer 2008, owners of the original 4.3 litre V8 Vantage are now offered a retrospective-fit power enhancement and Sports Pack option.
Available immediately through the dealer network, customers will be able to upgrade their existing 4.3 litre V8 engine to an even more potent version of Aston Martin’s already impressive power unit. With the addition of the power upgrade, peak power is raised by 20bhp to 400bhp and torque is increased by 10Nm to 420Nm, increasing top speed to 177mph and delivering a slight improvement in the 0-60mph time.
Developed by the Aston Martin engineering team, the power upgrade is realised through a revised induction system using technology previously introduced on the DBS. The induction system has a pair of switching airbox-valves that open at 5,500rpm allowing additional air into the engine producing more power in a controlled manner. The engine’s control unit has also been re-programmed with new software to optimise ignition timing. In addition the new calibration allows the engine to recognise higher octane fuels, further maximising performance.
Owing to the overwhelmingly positive response of customers towards the new Sports Pack option introduced on the new V8 Vantage earlier this year – now fitted to half of all V8 Vantages produced – 4.3 litre V8 Vantage customers can alter the handling characteristics of their car, with the same package of dynamic enhancements.
The Sports Pack comprises uprated springs and Bilstein dampers contributing to a superior dynamic response. Lightweight forged aluminium 5-spoke wheels help to reduce the unsprung mass further augmenting the precision handling of the V8 Vantage.
Both options are available through Aston Martin’s dealer network. Customers should contact their local dealership for pricing and availability.
The V8 Vantage is manufactured at Aston Martin’s Headquarters at Gaydon, Warwickshire, UK, a facility that combines Aston Martin's renowned hand-built bespoke attributes with the technology required to manufacture the bonded aluminium VH architecture. The Vantage is a practical two-seater with a large tailgate providing access to a 300 litre rear luggage compartment.
In 2006 Aston Martin added the V8 Vantage Roadster and V8 Vantage N24 GT4 race car to the Vantage family along with an automated manual gearbox option.
February 2012
The Aston Martin Vantage range continues to evolve with a comprehensive array of improvements to the V8 Vantage aimed at enhancing the dynamic feel, style and competitive pricing of the marque’s entry-level sports car. There are also changes at the top-end of the Vantage range with the new and ultra-exclusive V12 Zagato assuming the role of flagship when it enters production later this year.
In the most comprehensive programme of enhancements since 2008, the revised 4.7-litre 420bhp (426PS/313kW) entry-level V8 Vantage features a raft of improvements first seen in the critically acclaimed Vantage S. The standard six-speed manual transmission remains, but the optional six-speed Sportshift™ automated manual transmission has now been replaced with the seven-speed Sportshift™ II. With an additional gear, closer ratios, lower final drive and a quicker, refined shift quality, this new gearbox – designed and manufactured specifically for Aston Martin – provides faster and more precise shifts, optimises acceleration and delivers a sporting driving experience.
Further dynamic enhancements centre on the V8 Vantage’s chassis, which features developments from the Vantage S. Quicker steering, bigger brakes and wider tyres have all been fitted to further enhance the V8 Vantage’s class-leading poise and make it even more responsive and exciting to drive. A new steering column installation, re-valved power-steering pump and a quicker ratio of 15:1 compared to 17:1 on the previous model ensure the new V8 Vantage steers with even greater precision, handles with more agility and provides more feedback for a completely engaging drive.
Stopping power and pedal feel have been significantly increased thanks to new 380mm two-piece ventilated cast-iron front discs and six piston callipers. This new braking system also includes Hill Start Assist (HSA) for more precise control on steep inclines. The V8 Vantage also comes with tyres that are 10mm wider than the outgoing model. Not only does this increased contact area improve the V8 Vantage’s already prodigious levels of road-holding, but it allows the more responsive steering and stronger brakes to be fully exploited.
To reflect its enhanced performance the V8 Vantage has received a number of styling changes inspired by the Vantage S and N400 limited edition. At the front a lower bumper – complete with aerodynamic splitter – houses a larger air intake that feeds the engine and front brakes. At the rear a diffuser creates added drama and function, while sculpted race-derived side sills complete the V8 Vantage’s more muscular look.
These technical and styling changes have been applied to both the V8 Vantage Coupe and Roadster models, with prices starting from RRP £84,995 / €108,500 (Germany).
The RRP £99,995 / €128,500 (Germany) Vantage S remains the most generously equipped, highest performing and most driver-focussed V8-engined model in the range. Developing 430bhp (436PS/321kW) at 7300rpm and 490Nm (361lb ft) of torque at 5000rpm the Vantage S’s more potent state of engine tune perfectly complements the Sportshift™ II close-ratio seven speed automated manual transmission, which is fitted as standard. A sports exhaust system unique to the ‘S’ further emphasises its sporting credentials, delivering a rousing soundtrack, totally in keeping with the intensity of the driving experience.
Carbon fibre detailing of the Vantage S’s motorsport-derived aerodynamic package makes a discreet and highly appealing visual distinction from the V8 Vantage, while inside the ‘S’ variant features a sumptuously trimmed interior that demonstrates Aston Martin’s unique ability to combine the craftsmanship of traditional hand-stitched leather upholstery with striking modern design. The company’s fully integrated satellite navigation system developed in conjunction with Garmin is now fitted as standard along with Bluetooth and cruise control.
Production of the sensational V12 Vantage continues unchanged; this acclaimed model delivering its unrivalled blend of extreme performance, exclusivity and practicality in one unique package. Powered by a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS), and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque, this remarkable evolution of the Vantage has a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h) and 0-62 mph (0-100 kp/h) time of 4.2 seconds while its uniquely thrilling character distinguishes it from the rest of the range.
What to watch out for
Owner Ian Underwood reports first 3,500 miles from March 2007: Needed new AC compressor at 1,000 mile service. Discs rust when left out (normal). Brake dust from all wheels is prodigious.
Rims easily kerbed.
Further reports of boot filling with water, petrol filler cap falling apart, parking brake sticking on, tyre pressure monitoring sensors giving false messages.
At least one owner had a problem with the all new 7 speed Gratziano Sportshift gearbox (electronically controlled manual gearbox). He took ownership of a new Aston Martin V8 Vantage S with this box at the end of June 2011. As he clocked up the miles he noticed an increasing drive line hunting / clonking and very jerky drive in 1st, 2nd or 3rd at 1,500 - 1,800 rpm on a neutral throttle. This was not there when the car was new and was certainly not noticed during the two test drives he had. It often occurs in traffic and results in a very uncomfortable ride. It happens on the level or descending an incline or ascending, and is very easy to reproduce. The AM dealer along with AM themselves have diagnosed no problem with the electronics, clutch or gearbox and told him that this characteristic has been noted on most of this variant with this gearbox. He was told there was no current fix as there is no obvious problem according to the diagnostic tests. AM wont currently commit to this being a 'problem' and to date are unable to offer an immediate resolution.
30-08-2012:Early cars prone to paint bubbling around the door handles, around the rear parking sensor and on the bonnet. Aston Martin denies penetration corrosion and won't fix under 10 year no perforation warranty. Will offer up to 40% towards cost of repair.
20-09-2013:In July 2013, clutch of June 2010 V8 Vantage failed at 11,000 miles. After much negotiation Aston Martin and Lancaster Sevenoaks agreed to contribute c £2,000 as a goodwill gesture to the c£3,000 cost of replacing the clutch. Owner then found areas of paint overspray and patches with no paint on at all in the engine bay and under the bonnet. It looked like the car had been badly resprayed after an accident. Conclusion was that the issue had arisen in production.
22-11-2013:After persistent problems with the satnav and Bluetooth reader sought to returne his Aston Martin V8 to the dealer at just 7,300 miles.
10-06-2019:Report of engine failure of 2014 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Sportshift Convertible at 18,800 miles. Car had been purchased used from AM dealer in January 2018 at 16,800 miles with 12 months warranty. Serviced by AM dealer at cost of £1,000 in January 2019, but warranty then expired and owner did not take up AM dealer's offer of a further year's warranty at £2,000. 400 miles later, in late May 2019 engine developed a terrible knocking sound so owner got the car off to AM dealer to diagnose. The conclusion is a ‘terminal engine failure’ for which they can’t provide a reason and recommend replacement of the engine. It is apparently financially unviable to strip the engine to assess and repair the issue relative to replacement. The cost of replacement is approximately £17,000 (about £10k engine and rest being labour). Since the car is less than 6 years old and has been serviced correctly by the supplying dealer, the owner might have some legal redress or at least the basis of a compromise solution.