Aston Martin V8 Vantage

The modern Aston Martin V8 Vantage is a compact sports car. Aston Martin previously used the "Vantage" name on its highest-performance vehicles, and notably used the "V8 Vantage" name on their supercar of the 1970s and 1980s. The modern car, in contrast, is the lowest line in Aston's 3-model lineup, and is intended as an affordable volume model to compete with the Porsche 911.

The V8 Vantage was first seen at the Geneva Motor Show in 2005. The two seat, two door coupe has a bonded aluminium structure for strength and lightness. The 4.38 m (14.4 ft)-long coupe has a hatchback-style tailgate for practicality, with a large luggage shelf behind the seats. Note that Aston Martin invented the hatchback body style with the 1953 DB2/4.

The V8 Vantage was initially powered by a 4.3 L quad-cam 32-valve V8 which produced 380 hp (280 kW) at 7,300 rpm and 302 lb·ft (409 N·m) at 5,000 rpm, however models produced after 2008 had a 4.7 liter V8 which produced 420 hp (310 kW) and 350 lb·ft (470 N·m) of torque. Though based loosely on Jaguar's AJ-V8 engine architecture, this engine is unique to Aston Martin and features race-style dry-sump lubrication, which enables it to be mounted low to lower the centre of gravity. The engine is assembled by hand at the AM facility in Cologne, Germany, which also builds the V12 for the DB9, DBS and V12 Vantage. The cylinder block, cylinder heads, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, camshafts, inlet and exhaust manifolds, lubrication system and engine management are all unique to the Aston Martin version.

The V8 Vantage can accelerate to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.9 seconds. The V8 Vantage is able to keep up with its more powerful relative, the Aston Martin DB9, because of its lighter weight. The engine is front mid-mounted with a rear-mounted transaxle, giving a 49:51 front:rear weight distribution.

The V8 Vantage will cost £79,000 or &euro;104,000 when it goes on sale towards the end of summer 2005. Aston Martin plans to build as many as 4,000 V8 Vantages per year.

See Wikicars' comprehensive Aston Martin V8 Vantage Review.

Recent Changes

 * Aston Martin replaces the N400 withe the N420 for 2012. The new car features 420 hp (up 20 hp) as well as 27 kilograms (60 pounds) weight savings. Aston also throws in the otherwise optional Sports Pack to take care of the suspension tweaks.

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Reliability

 * RECALL ALERT: On October 6th, 2010, the NHTSA issued a recall notice affecting all V8 Vantage, DB9 or DBS produced during the 2007 and 2008 model year (1090 cars in total) due to a cam bolt in the front bottom suspension arm that could crack, allowing the lower control arm to move about in ways that compromise handling and car control. The recall is scheduled to begin on or before October 18th, 2010. Dealers will replace the offending bolt free of charge.

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Vantage GT4
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Criticisms

 * "Some switchgear si pure Ford; dynamics aren't quite as sharp or as rewarding as a 911's." Wheels Magazine

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Current Generation: (2005–present)
The V8 Vantage is Aston Martin's highest volume and most affordable car in quite some time; the mass market Aston, if you consider $120,000 hand-crafted sports car "mass market". It's goal is to fuse Aston Martin style with everyday usability, and compete with the Porsche 911's and BMW M6 type cars.

First Generation/Origins: (1977-1989)

 * For more information see Aston Martin V8 Vantage (1977)

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