Review: Aston Martin V8 Vantage (2006-17)

Review: Aston Martin Mk.I V8 Vantage (2006-08)

Overview

Released inMarch 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).

Assembled by hand in Cologne, Germany, the 4.3-litre all-alloy V8 petrol engine had double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), variable inlet camshaft timing, four valves per cylinder, dry sump lubrication, a compression ratio of 11.3:1 and a fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves. As such, the V8 Vantage could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and had a top speed of 280 km/h.

The V8 Vantage had a bonded aluminium structure and was 4343 mm long, 1866 mm wide, 1255 mm tall and had a 2600 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the V8 Vantage had double wishbone suspension front and rear with coil-over aluminium monotube dampers.

V8 Vantage Roadster

In September 2007, a Roadster model was introduced which featured a three-layer fabric roof. The power-operated roof could be raised or lowered (beneath the rear tonneau cover) in 18 seconds and at speeds of up to 50 km/h.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the V8 Vantage included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelt pretensioners.

Brakes

The V8 Vantage was also fitted with 355 mm ventilated and grooved front brake discs and 330 mm ventilated rear discs, both with four-piston monobloc calipers.

Features: V8 Vantage

Standard features for the V8 Vantage included 18-inch alloy wheels with Bridgestone Potenza tyres (235/45 ZR18 front and 275/40 ZR18 rear), a 160 watt sound system with a six-stack CD player, climate control air conditioning, natural grain leather with Alcantara headlining, rear parking sensors, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

The V8 Vantage was also fitted with a limited slip differential.

Related links

• Brochure: Aston Martin V8 Vantage (July 2006)
• Brochure: Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster (November 2006)

Review: Aston Martin Mk.II V8 Vantage (2008-12)

Overview

Released in September 2008, the 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.

With respect to the suspension, developments introduced with the Roadster were extended to the Coupe, including revised upper damper mountings and bump stops. Furthermore, Bilstein dampers were fitted as standard, while the front springs were also stiffened by 11 per cent at the front and 5 per cent at the rear. Steering geometry and the front lower suspension arm compliance bushes were also modified for improved steering feel. Cosmetic changes were largely limited to a new centre console and revised switchgear.

Features

Compared to its Mk.I predecessor, standard features for the Mk.II V8 Vantage were extended to include auxiliary stereo inputs (USB/iPod) and a hard-drive for music storage.

V8 Vantage S

Released in 2011, the Vantage S had a more powerful engine – due to its valved air intake system and spark strategy – and was fitted with a newly developed seven-speed Sportshift II transmission with short-ratio gearing and 20 per cent faster gearshifts. Compared to the standard V8 Vantage, the Vantage S had revised springs and dampers, wider rear wheels, a faster steering ratio, revised suspension, wider rear wheels and 380 mm front brake discs (manufactured from cast iron and aluminium) with six-piston calipers. The electronic stability control program was also revised and there were hydraulic brake assist and hill start assist features.

Visually, the Vantage S could be identified by its 19-inch ‘V’ spoke alloy wheels with Bridgestone Potenza RE050 tyres, lower front bumper, larger air intake, front splitter, extended deck lid spoiler, new rear bumper and side sills. Compared to the standard V8 Vantage, the Vantage S was also equipped with cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity.

V8 Vantage N420

In September 2010, N420 editions of the Coupe and Roadster variants were introduced. Through the application of carbon-fibre, the N420 achieved a 27 kg weight saving compared to the standard V8 Vantage; the N420 was also fitted with the optional Sports Pack which included revised springs, dampers and anti-roll bars.

Visually, the N420 editions could be identified by their ten-spoke diamond-turned alloy wheels with gloss black finish, wider sills, carbon-fibre splitter, side strakes, diffuser, black mesh vents and ‘Graphitic’ tailpipe finishers. Inside, the N420 featured an Iridium interior package with graphite instruments, special N420 sill plaques, lightweight carbon fibre seats (without side airbags) and ‘Race Track’ stitching. Compared to the standard V8 Vantage, the N420 was equipped with cruise control, front parking sensors and Bluetooth connectivity.

Related links

• Brochure: Aston Martin V8 Vantage (November 2008)
• Brochure: Aston Martin V8 Vantage and V12 Vantage (April 2011)

Review: Aston Martin Mk.III V8 Vantage (2012-17)

Overview

Released in June 2012, the 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 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.

For the Vantage S, the Sportshift II transmission had a ‘Sport’ mode for faster gearshift and the exhaust system was upgraded with a new muffler and bypass valve mapping. The Vantage S was also fitted with bespoke tyres developed with Bridgestone (including wider rear tyres) and the suspension system was revised with new springs and dampers. Visually, the Mk.III Vantage S could be identified by the carbon-fibre detailing on its aerodynamic package.

Safety equipment

Compared to its Mk.II predecessor, safety features for the Mk.III V8 Vantage were unchanged. The Vantage S, however, had unique electronic stability control settings and a new brake module.

Features

Standard features for the Mk.III Vantage S were were extended to include satellite navigation, cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity; the interior also featured improved hand-stitched leather upholstery.

From mid-2015 (‘MY16’), the Aston Martin V8 Vantage was fitted with Aston Martin’s ‘AMi II’ infotainment system which included a real-time display of vehicle power and torque.

Related links

• Aston Martin: Aston Martin V8 Vantage
• Wikipedia.org: Aston Martin V8 Vantage (2005)