Vehicle Overview The low-slung Aston Martin V8 Vantage sports car is powered by a normally aspirated V-8 that makes 420 horsepower. It looks much like Aston Martin’s larger DB9 and is available as a hardtop or convertible. At around $120,000, the V8 Vantage competes roughly with the Mercedes CL63 AMG, BMW M6 and Porsche 911 Turbo.
New for 2009 The Vantage’s V-8 gets upgraded for 2009 with an additional 40 horsepower. Also new is a sports suspension option with lighter wheels and suspension tweaks for more agility.
Exterior The V8 Vantage’s frame replaces welding with advanced adhesives for better vibration damping, and aluminum and magnesium components reduce weight throughout the chassis.
Twin-bezel headlamps flank Aston Martin’s trademark trapezoidal grille
Flared front fenders are trailed by inset side vents, and all lines flow rearward to the V8 Vantage’s twin-bar taillamp
Integrated deck lid spoiler and twin exhaust pipes
Convertible has a fabric top that stows beneath a metal tonneau cover
172.5 inches long and 73.5 inches wide (about 3 inches shorter than the 911 Turbo)
3,595 pounds (roughly the same as the all-wheel-drive 911 Turbo)
19-inch wheels
Interior A dizzying array of interior choices means each V8 Vantage can be personalized by its buyer. Premium materials line the aluminum-trimmed dashboard, which includes a ringed engine start button above the radio controls.
10-way power seats feature twin lumbar adjustment
Three-position memory and dual-stage heating for the seats are optional
Auxiliary jack for MP3 players
Information display can display Russian, Chinese and Greek
Bluetooth connectivity, navigation system and satellite radio are optional
Analog clock, stitched dashboard seams and machined instrument dials are among the upscale touches
Under the Hood Formerly 4.3 liters, the V-8 engine has been bumped up to 4.7 liters for 2009, generating 420 hp. Its aluminum construction uses a dry-sump lubrication system that eliminates the oil pan and allows the engine to sit lower to the ground, thereby lowering the vehicle’s center of gravity.
Standard rear-mounted six-speed manual transmission or available six-speed automated manual with paddle shifters
49:51 front-to-rear weight distribution
Coupe can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds
Aston claims top speed is 180 mph
Safety Safety features include:
Antilock brakes
Traction control
Electronic stability system
Side-impact airbags are standard; seats incorporate head-protection airbags
Front Brembo disc brakes measure 14 inches in diameter, while rear discs are 13 inches; both pairs of discs are gripped by four-piston calipers
