What is it?
2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage N400
What's special about it?
As Inside Line reported on August 30, Aston Martin has been working on a new version of the V8 Vantage. To be launched at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, the N400 edition commemorates Aston's entry into the famous 24-hour endurance race at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. "N" stands for Nürburgring, while "400" refers to the horsepower.
Although the N400 stops short of resembling the stripped-down Porsche 911 GT3, it does feature a number of technical enhancements compared with the standard V8 Vantage. The output of Aston's 4.3-liter V8 rises from 380 to 400 horsepower and torque climbs from 302 pound-feet to 309 lb-ft. A new Sports Pack for the chassis introduces new graphite-finish alloy wheels, uprated springs and dampers, and (for the coupe) a new rear antiroll bar. The changes are targeted at enthusiasts who are likely to use their car for track days, and the N400 is available with either a conventional manual or Aston's automated sequential manual transmission with its shift paddles on the steering column.
An owner keen to highlight the greater "exclusivity" of such a car will be happy to find some subtle aesthetic changes. These include revised rocker-sill extensions, silver side strakes on the front quarter panels, a highlighted grille and clear taillight lenses. It will be available in either Lightning Silver, Bergwerk Black or Karussell Orange (these last two names from corners at the Nürburgring). Inside the cabin are seats upholstered in black perforated leather, alloy fascia trim and a numbered plaque, together with an equipment list that includes satellite navigation and a high-grade audio system.
Aston Martin claims the N400 can lap the Nordschleife in under 8 minutes, making it a match for the Porsche 911 Carrera S.
What's Edmunds' take?
The N400 is proof that the new DBS is not the only gem in Aston's jewelry box for Frankfurt. Will these revisions take the V8 closer to the Porsche 911? We'll only know when we drive it. — Alistair Weaver, Contributor
2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage N400
What's special about it?
As Inside Line reported on August 30, Aston Martin has been working on a new version of the V8 Vantage. To be launched at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, the N400 edition commemorates Aston's entry into the famous 24-hour endurance race at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. "N" stands for Nürburgring, while "400" refers to the horsepower.
Although the N400 stops short of resembling the stripped-down Porsche 911 GT3, it does feature a number of technical enhancements compared with the standard V8 Vantage. The output of Aston's 4.3-liter V8 rises from 380 to 400 horsepower and torque climbs from 302 pound-feet to 309 lb-ft. A new Sports Pack for the chassis introduces new graphite-finish alloy wheels, uprated springs and dampers, and (for the coupe) a new rear antiroll bar. The changes are targeted at enthusiasts who are likely to use their car for track days, and the N400 is available with either a conventional manual or Aston's automated sequential manual transmission with its shift paddles on the steering column.
An owner keen to highlight the greater "exclusivity" of such a car will be happy to find some subtle aesthetic changes. These include revised rocker-sill extensions, silver side strakes on the front quarter panels, a highlighted grille and clear taillight lenses. It will be available in either Lightning Silver, Bergwerk Black or Karussell Orange (these last two names from corners at the Nürburgring). Inside the cabin are seats upholstered in black perforated leather, alloy fascia trim and a numbered plaque, together with an equipment list that includes satellite navigation and a high-grade audio system.
Aston Martin claims the N400 can lap the Nordschleife in under 8 minutes, making it a match for the Porsche 911 Carrera S.
What's Edmunds' take?
The N400 is proof that the new DBS is not the only gem in Aston's jewelry box for Frankfurt. Will these revisions take the V8 closer to the Porsche 911? We'll only know when we drive it. — Alistair Weaver, Contributor
Add A Comment »