Images: Aston Martin Mk.I V8 Vantage (2006-08)
Released in March 2006, the Aston Martin Mk.I V8 Vantage was initially available as a two-seat coupe. Manufactured in Gaydon, England, the rear-wheel drive V8 Vantage was powered by a 4.3-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed Graziano manual or semi-automatic transmission (Aston Martin’s ‘Sportshift’, with steering wheel gearshift paddles)… Read full Aston Martin V8 Vantage review
Images: Aston Martin Mk.II V8 Vantage (2008-12)
Released in September 2008, the Aston Martin Mk.II V8 Vantage introduced an enlarged 4.7-litre V8 engine with a new forged steel crankshaft and dry sump lubrication system. The transmissions received a modified clutch and flywheel that reduced the level of clutch pedal effort required and provided greater responsiveness; the Sportshift transmission benefited from a revised control strategy, ‘Dual Throttle Map’ software and consideration of steering wheel inputs so that gears could be held when cornering. Cosmetic changes were largely limited to a new centre console and revised switchgear.
Images: Aston Martin Mk.III V8 Vantage (2012-17)
Released in June 2012, the Aston Martin Mk.III V8 Vantage was available with a seven-speed ‘Sportshift II’ automatic transmission which had closer ratios, a lower final drive ratio and provided faster gearshifts. As per the Mk.II V8 Vantage S, the standard V8 Vantage also received faster steering ratios, bigger front brake discs (i.e. ventilated 380 mm two-piece cast-iron discs with six piston calipers) and 10 mm wider tyres. Visually, the Aston Martin Mk.III V8 Vantage could be identified by styling changes which were inspired by the Vantage S and N400 editions, such as its front bumper and splitter, rear diffuser and side sills; the Mk.III Vantage S was distinguished by the carbon-fibre detailing on its aerodynamic package.
