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.