- Twin supercharged V8 engine
- Aggressive styling
- Cramped rear seats
- Mismatched rear styling
- High maintenance costs
Overview
Released in Australia in September 1997, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage was a high-performance coupe with ‘2+2’ seating. Based on the 1989 Aston Martin Virage and closely related to the Aston Martin V8, the V8 Vantage was powered by a more powerful 5.3-litre V8 engine which was fitted with twin superchargers and mated to a six-speed manual transmission. In October 1999, however, a limited-run V8 Vantage Le Mans was released (see below).
The V8 Vantage was 4750 mm long, 1944 mm wide, 1320 mm tall and had a 2611 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the V8 Vantage had double wishbone front suspension and a De Dion rear axle suspension located by longitudinal radius arms and transverse watts linkages.
| Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V8 Vantage | 1997-00 | 5.3-litre twin supercharged petrol V8 | 6sp man. | 410 kW at 6500 rpm | 745 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| V8 Vantage Le Mans | 1999-00 | 5.3-litre twin supercharged petrol V8 | 5sp man. | 448 kW at 6500 rpm | 820 Nm at 4000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the V8 Vantage included dual front airbags and ABS.
Features
Standard features for the V8 Vantage included 18-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system with a CD player, climate control air conditioning, power adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows, power mirrors and an alarm.
The V8 Vantage was also fitted with a limited-slip rear differential.
V8 Vantage Le Mans
Released in October 1999, the V8 Vantage Le Mans was fitted with a more powerful engine and could be identified by its Dymag magnesium wheels, blanked-off radiator grille, modified side vents, bigger front spoiler and rear skirt. The V8 Vantage Le Mans was also fitted with six-piston AP Racing brake discs and calipers, specially selected Koni shock absorbers and stiffer anti-roll bars. The V8 Vantage Le Mans was also fitted with traction control.
Inside, wood paneling was replaced with brushed metal panels and there was a larger, racing-style rev counter. Standard features were also extended to include Connolly leather upholstery with matching Wilton pure wool carpets, heated front seats, parking sensors and a heated windshield. Production of the V8 Vantage Le Mans was limited to 40 vehicles.
Brochure
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