What Is It?
Aston Martin AMV8 Vantage
What's Special About It?
A preview of an eventual production model, the AMV8 Vantage concept blends gorgeous styling with impressive performance credentials to create a sports car that turns heads and raises pulses without even moving an inch. Smaller than the current DB7 and Vanquish models, the AMV8 will slot into the lineup as the "entry-level" Aston up against the likes of Porsche's 911 and other low six-figure sports cars. New recruit Henrik Fisker, formerly of BMW, penned the impressive concept with the intent of including plenty of traditional Aston styling cues while still offering a fresh overall look. Although we find it too close in design to the Vanquish to be called completely original, the AMV8 is still a stunning car with few faults.
According to Aston Martin, the interior draws its influence from expensive sports watches and high-end home entertainment systems. A combination of anodized aluminum trim and custom-tailored leather gives the AMV8 a truly opulent interior that would do any Aston model proud let alone the "entry level" version. When it goes into production around 2005, customers will have a nearly infinite choice of interior colors and upholstery options to make their Vantage unique.
Power for the AMV8 will come from an all-new 4.3-liter V8 developed specifically for Aston Martin. It will be mounted in front but set back as far as possible to give the car perfect 50:50 weight distribution. Shorter than a 911, the AMV8 has a longer wheelbase and wider stance so handling should be excellent.
Why Should You Care?
If you've always dreamed of owning an Aston but the $150,000 price tag of the DB7 just wouldn't fit your budget, the AMV8 offers some promise. Don't get your hopes up too soon, though, as the Vantage will still sticker somewhere north of $100,000 and availability will be limited. — Ed Hellwig
Aston Martin AMV8 Vantage
What's Special About It?
A preview of an eventual production model, the AMV8 Vantage concept blends gorgeous styling with impressive performance credentials to create a sports car that turns heads and raises pulses without even moving an inch. Smaller than the current DB7 and Vanquish models, the AMV8 will slot into the lineup as the "entry-level" Aston up against the likes of Porsche's 911 and other low six-figure sports cars. New recruit Henrik Fisker, formerly of BMW, penned the impressive concept with the intent of including plenty of traditional Aston styling cues while still offering a fresh overall look. Although we find it too close in design to the Vanquish to be called completely original, the AMV8 is still a stunning car with few faults.
According to Aston Martin, the interior draws its influence from expensive sports watches and high-end home entertainment systems. A combination of anodized aluminum trim and custom-tailored leather gives the AMV8 a truly opulent interior that would do any Aston model proud let alone the "entry level" version. When it goes into production around 2005, customers will have a nearly infinite choice of interior colors and upholstery options to make their Vantage unique.
Power for the AMV8 will come from an all-new 4.3-liter V8 developed specifically for Aston Martin. It will be mounted in front but set back as far as possible to give the car perfect 50:50 weight distribution. Shorter than a 911, the AMV8 has a longer wheelbase and wider stance so handling should be excellent.
Why Should You Care?
If you've always dreamed of owning an Aston but the $150,000 price tag of the DB7 just wouldn't fit your budget, the AMV8 offers some promise. Don't get your hopes up too soon, though, as the Vantage will still sticker somewhere north of $100,000 and availability will be limited. — Ed Hellwig
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