GAYDON, England — Aston Martin said it is making significant midcycle technical improvements to the V8 Vantage coupe and roadster, notably by adding a larger, more powerful engine and upgraded suspension.
The V8 Vantage, which was introduced in mid-2005, isn't slated for a complete redesign until 2012 at the earliest. The new round of enhancements happens mainly under the skin; the only real exterior changes are the availability of new alloy wheel designs.
The big news is the addition of a 4.7-liter V8 in place of the existing 4.3-liter unit. Output climbs to 420 horsepower and torque to 347 pound-feet. Aston has improved both the six-speed manual and Sportshift gearboxes, enabling the V8 Vantage to trim 0-60-mph acceleration to 4.7 seconds and hike top speed to 180 mph.
Chassis upgrades include stiffer springs and bushes, as well as revisions to steering geometry and damper mountings. Aston has fitted low-friction Bilstein shocks as standard. An optional Sports Pack, available on both the coupe and roadster, bundles five-spoke forged alloy wheels, retuned Bilsteins, upgraded springs and, on the coupe, a revised rear stabilizer bar.
Inside, the cars get revised switchgear and a new center console made of die-cast zinc alloy.
What this means to you: Why tamper with one of the most sleek and elegant exterior designs in the luxury/sports sector? — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
The V8 Vantage, which was introduced in mid-2005, isn't slated for a complete redesign until 2012 at the earliest. The new round of enhancements happens mainly under the skin; the only real exterior changes are the availability of new alloy wheel designs.
The big news is the addition of a 4.7-liter V8 in place of the existing 4.3-liter unit. Output climbs to 420 horsepower and torque to 347 pound-feet. Aston has improved both the six-speed manual and Sportshift gearboxes, enabling the V8 Vantage to trim 0-60-mph acceleration to 4.7 seconds and hike top speed to 180 mph.
Chassis upgrades include stiffer springs and bushes, as well as revisions to steering geometry and damper mountings. Aston has fitted low-friction Bilstein shocks as standard. An optional Sports Pack, available on both the coupe and roadster, bundles five-spoke forged alloy wheels, retuned Bilsteins, upgraded springs and, on the coupe, a revised rear stabilizer bar.
Inside, the cars get revised switchgear and a new center console made of die-cast zinc alloy.
What this means to you: Why tamper with one of the most sleek and elegant exterior designs in the luxury/sports sector? — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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