Concept
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is the series of hand built sports car from British manufacturer Aston Martin. Aston Martin has previously used the "Vantage" name on high performance variants of their existing GT models, notably on the Virage-based car of the 1990s. The modern car, in contrast, is the leanest and most agile car in Aston's lineup. As such, it is intended as a more focused model to reach out to potential buyers of cars such as the Porsche 911 as well as the exotic sports and GT cars with which Aston Martins traditionally compete.
Following the unveiling of the AMV8 Vantage concept car in 2003, the production V8 Vantage was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 2005 for the 2006 model year. The two seat, two -door coupé had a bonded aluminium structure for strength and lightness. The 172.5 inch (4.38 m) long coupé featured a hatchback-style tailgate for practicality, with a large luggage shelf behind the seats. In addition to the coupé, a convertible, known as the V8 Vantage Roadster, is available.
The V8 Vantage was initially powered by a 4.3 L (4300 cc) 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 420 hp (313 kW) V8. Though based loosely on Jaguar's AJ-V8 engine architecture, this engine was unique to Aston Martin and featured race-style dry-sump lubrication, which enabled it to be mounted low in the chassis for an improved center of gravity. The cylinder block and heads, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, camshafts, inlet and exhaust manifolds, lubrication system, and engine management were all Aston Martin designs and the V8 engine was assembled by hand at the AM facility in Cologne,Germany, which also built the V12 engine for the DB9 and Vanquish.
Design
The exterior of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage is beautiful and perfectly proportioned from every angle with a low purposeful stance. Each carefully detailed feature provides graphic evidence of the painstaking craftsmanship and quality, which is synonymous with the Aston Martin marque.
The long bonnet and two-seater cabin creates an instantly recognisable stance, while minimal front and rear overhangs, combined with a wide track, appear to push the rear wheels out and enhance the extremities of the bodywork. At the rear a hatchback offers practicality not normally found in sports cars of this type.
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is a two-seater, with the rear environment offering a large luggage shelf area accessed by a tailgate.
Inside, Aston Martin's craftsmanship is matched to striking 21st century style. The dials are made from aluminium, and together with the switchgear have a very distinct design and unique Aston Martin look and feel.
The Vantage Roadster represents the latest evolution of Aston Martin's synthesis of craft and technology. From the beautifully hand stitched leather seats to the hand-finished bodies, to the ultra-modern Aston Martin V8 engine, hand-assembled at a dedicated, high-technology facility in Cologne, Germany, the Vantage Roadster is an exclusive, advanced and uniquely desirable sports car.
The three-layer fabric hood gives a taut, aggressive appearance when closed and when folded, the flow from front to rear is smooth and elegant, enhanced by the leather speed humps that create a unique transition between interior and exterior. Even in convertible form the Roadster retains the critically acclaimed design of the Vantage Coupe. The hood is stowed neatly beneath the rear tonneau cover and is either opened or closed at the press of a button located on the centre console, in just 18 seconds, and at speeds of up to 30mph (50km/h) with no manual intervention required.
Offered with an imaginative combination of different leathers, contemporary fabrics and aluminum, Vantage Roadster customers will have an extensive choice of body and trim colors from which to choose.
The three-layer fabric hood gives a taut, aggressive appearance when closed and when folded, the flow from front to rear is smooth and elegant, enhanced by the leather speed humps that create a unique transition between interior and exterior. Even in convertible form the Roadster retains the critically acclaimed design of the Vantage Coupe. The hood is stowed neatly beneath the rear tonneau cover and is either opened or closed at the press of a button located on the centre console, in just 18 seconds, and at speeds of up to 30mph (50km/h) with no manual intervention required.
Offered with an imaginative combination of different leathers, contemporary fabrics and aluminum, Vantage Roadster customers will have an extensive choice of body and trim colors from which to choose.
Interior Design
Microspin Alloy Facia
The Microspin allow facia trim, as fitted to the V8 vantage N400, is available as a factory-fitted option on V8 Vantage.
Iridium Interior
An Iridium Interior option is available for V8 Vantage. Here the centre console surround, gear level surround,door pulls, sill tread plates, speaker grilles and window lift switch surround are finished in Iridium silver, in place of the standard V8 Vantage`s Graphite Finish
Light Weight Seats
The Light weight seat is available on the both V8 Vantage Coupe and Roadster. The seat`s outer carbon fibre layer is left exposed on the seat back, and is lacquered to create a durable finish. The seat face is trimmed in full leather using an unique stitch pattern to the V8 Vantage. The seat comes with the memory seat option, as well as an easy access function, which operated via a button on the side of the facia.
700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System
The optional premium audio system has the following additional features :
- The two door mounted speakers are upgraded to 100 watts( from 40W)
- Two additional rear environment 100W speakers are added, (each with mid-range and tweeter units)
- The sub-woofer speaker is upgraded to 200 watts
- The system also feature Dolby Prologic II surround sound.
Technical Feature
Performance
Developed from the outset alongside the V8 Vantage Coupe which was launched in 2005, the Roadster shares the unique-to-Aston Martin bonded aluminum VH (Vertical Horizontal) architecture - the backbone to all modern Aston Martins. Adding to this structure, sophisticated materials such as lightweight alloys, magnesium and advanced composites are used for the body, further contributing to the car's low weight and high rigidity.
Driver and passenger sit low, close to the car's centre of gravity, where they can feel the car reacting to the input of the driver - a special sensation, usually only experienced in racing cars - providing a direct and sporting connection between car and driver.
Despite the additional mechanism associated with the Vantage Roadster's convertible roof and the additional body stiffness, Aston Martin's engineering team have ensured only a minimal weight increase to preserve the agile and sporting characteristics of the V8 Vantage Coupe. At just 172.5 in long, Vantage Roadster remains not only the smallest model in the Aston Martin range but also one of the leanest cars in its class.
The Vantage Roadster delivers exceptional performance with careful development and engineering ensuring that the Roadster equals the achievements of its Coupe sibling, with 0-60 mph achieved in 4.9 seconds and a potential maximum speed of 175 mph.
Vantage Roadster will be available with two transmission alternatives from launch. Offered as standard is the fast-shifting, six-speed Graziano conventional stick-shift manual gearbox, with ratios perfectly matched to the performance of the V8 engine. This is joined by Aston Martin's new Sportshift automated manual transmission - an ultra-quick system that provides the driver with heightened precision via fingertip control of gear changes using paddles to progress smoothly and swiftly through the ratios.
Deliveries of the V8 Vantage Roadster are expected to commence during quarter two 2007, with prices to be confirmed at a later date.
Driver and passenger sit low, close to the car's centre of gravity, where they can feel the car reacting to the input of the driver - a special sensation, usually only experienced in racing cars - providing a direct and sporting connection between car and driver.
Despite the additional mechanism associated with the Vantage Roadster's convertible roof and the additional body stiffness, Aston Martin's engineering team have ensured only a minimal weight increase to preserve the agile and sporting characteristics of the V8 Vantage Coupe. At just 172.5 in long, Vantage Roadster remains not only the smallest model in the Aston Martin range but also one of the leanest cars in its class.
The Vantage Roadster delivers exceptional performance with careful development and engineering ensuring that the Roadster equals the achievements of its Coupe sibling, with 0-60 mph achieved in 4.9 seconds and a potential maximum speed of 175 mph.
Vantage Roadster will be available with two transmission alternatives from launch. Offered as standard is the fast-shifting, six-speed Graziano conventional stick-shift manual gearbox, with ratios perfectly matched to the performance of the V8 engine. This is joined by Aston Martin's new Sportshift automated manual transmission - an ultra-quick system that provides the driver with heightened precision via fingertip control of gear changes using paddles to progress smoothly and swiftly through the ratios.
Deliveries of the V8 Vantage Roadster are expected to commence during quarter two 2007, with prices to be confirmed at a later date.
Engine
All alloy quad overhead cam 32 valve 4735cc V8.
Front mid-mounted engine, rear wheel drive
Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves.
Front mid-mounted engine, rear wheel drive
Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves.
Maximum Power
420 bhp (313 kW / 426 PS)
Maximum Torque
470 Nm (346 lb.ft)
Acceleration
0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds
0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.9 seconds
0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.9 seconds
Maximum Speed
180 mph (290 km/h)
Transmission
Rear mid-mounted six speed manual gearbox. Alloy torque tube with carbon fibre propeller shaft. Limited slip differential. Final Drive Ratio 3.909:1
Steering
Rack and pinion, power-assisted steering, 3.0 turns lock-to-lock. Column tilt and reach adjustment.
Suspension
Front: Independent double wishbone incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube dampers
Rear: Independent double wishbones with anti- squat and anti-lift geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube dampers
Rear: Independent double wishbones with anti- squat and anti-lift geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube dampers
Wheels
Front: 8.5J x 19”
Rear: 9.5J x 19”
Rear: 9.5J x 19”
Tyres
Bridgestone Potenza
Front: 235/40 ZR19
Rear: 275/35 ZR19
Front: 235/40 ZR19
Rear: 275/35 ZR19
Brakes
Front: Ventilated and grooved steel discs, 355 mm diameter
Rear: Ventilated and grooved steel discs, 330 mm diameter
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Traction Control
Positive Torque Control
Rear: Ventilated and grooved steel discs, 330 mm diameter
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Traction Control
Positive Torque Control
Dimensions
Length: 4380mm (172.5 in)
Width: 1865mm (73.5 in) (excluding mirrors)
2025 mm (80 in) (including mirrors)
Height (Coupe): 1255 mm (49.5 in)
Height (Coupe): 1255 mm (49.5 in)
Height (Roadster): 1265 mm (50 in)
Wheelbase: 2600 mm (102.5 in)
Front track: 1570 mm (62.0 in)
Rear track: 1560 mm (61.5 in)
Turning circle (kerb to kerb): 11.1m (36.5 ft)
Boot capacity (Coupe): 300 litres (10.6 cu.ft)
Boot capacity (Roadster): 144 litres (5.0 cu.ft)
Fuel tank capacity: 80 litres (17.6 UK Gal / 21.1 US Gal)
Weight (Coupe): 1630 kg (3595 lb)
Weight (Roadster): 1710 kg (3770 lb)
Wheelbase: 2600 mm (102.5 in)
Front track: 1570 mm (62.0 in)
Rear track: 1560 mm (61.5 in)
Turning circle (kerb to kerb): 11.1m (36.5 ft)
Boot capacity (Coupe): 300 litres (10.6 cu.ft)
Boot capacity (Roadster): 144 litres (5.0 cu.ft)
Fuel tank capacity: 80 litres (17.6 UK Gal / 21.1 US Gal)
Weight (Coupe): 1630 kg (3595 lb)
Weight (Roadster): 1710 kg (3770 lb)
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