2006 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

[Source: Aston Martin] The V8 Vantage is a hand-crafted sports car that offers electrifying performance and outstanding agility. The most affordable of all Aston Martins, it fuses traditional Aston Martin style and everyday usability. The result is the world’s most desirable sports car.

At the heart of every great sports car is a great engine; and in the case of the V8 Vantage, this has never been more true. The V8 Vantage has a powerful 4.3 litre 283 kW (380 bhp) engine, unique to Aston Martin.

This is an engine designed and built by Aston Martin for Aston Martin. Developed for flexibility as well as outright performance, the front mid-mounted V8 also delivers an outstanding aural experience, as one would expect of an Aston Martin with a potential maximum speed of 280 km/h (175 mph).

Extraordinary engine power is not the only reason for the superb performance of the V8 Vantage. Just as important is its lightweight, all-alloy structure, which offers class-leading strength and rigidity. The front mid-engined layout – the dry sump lubrication system allows the engine to sit low – and rear-mid transmission help provide optimum front to rear weight distribution as well as a low centre of gravity. The result is exceptional agility and inspired balance and handling.

Design

The design brief for the V8 Vantage dictated a style that could not be anything else but Aston Martin. Elegant, yet with a controlled aggression. Perfectly proportioned, with a low purposeful stance. Modern, yet incorporating classic Aston Martin design cues. Like all Aston Martin sports cars, it is simple, understated and beautiful. And like all Aston Martin sports cars, its beauty is more than skin deep.

Outside, the V8 Vantage displays beautiful sports car lines, while maintaining a unique identity. Inside, its traditional craftsmanship is matched to striking 21st century style. Hand-trimmed in the finest quality materials, the cabin is that of an authentic sports car. 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 – it’s a special sensation, usually only experienced in racing cars. The connection between car and driver is very direct. Very sporting. Instantaneous.

21st Century Craftsmanship

All Aston Martins are built by hand – not for sentimental reasons but because only craftsmen can deliver the design details and level of finish that Aston Martin engineers and designers demand. This level of detail and finish is simply not possible in high-volume manufacture.

At Gaydon in England, Aston Martin’s new headquarters, hand-made meets high technology. The all-alloy structure, the lightweight body, the hand-assembled V8 engine, the sophisticated electronic controls and audio systems: all are engineered to a level of technology rarely seen in the automotive industry. This mix of technology, tradition and low volume makes for an exclusive, advanced and uniquely desirable sports car.

Specification

Body:
- Two seat, two door body with rear tailgate
- Bonded aluminium structure
- Aluminium alloy, steel, composite, and magnesium alloy body
- Extruded aluminium side impact bars
- Rear parking sensors
- Halogen projector headlamps
- LED rear lamps

Engine:
- All alloy quad overhead camshaft 32 valve, 4.3 litre V8
- Variable inlet camshaft timing
- Dry sump lubrication system
- Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves
- Front-mid mounted engine
- Rear wheel drive

Projected Performance figures:
- Maximum power: 283kW (380 bhp / 385 PS) @ 7300 rpm
- Maximum torque: 410Nm (302 lb.ft) @ 5000 rpm
- Maximum speed: 280 km/h (175 mph)
- 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds
- 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.0 seconds

Dimensions

- Length: 4382 mm (172.5”)
- Width (excl. mirrors): 1866 mm (73.5”)
- Width (incl. mirrors): 2022 mm (79.6”)
- Height: 1255 mm (49.4”)
- Wheelbase: 2600 mm (102.4”)
- Front track: 1568 mm (61.7”)
- Rear track: 1562 mm (61.5”)
- Turning circle (kerb to kerb): 11.1 m (36’5”)
- Boot capacity: 300 litres (10.6 cu.ft)
- Fuel capacity: 77 litres (16.8 UK gal / 20.2 US gal)
- Cd: 0.34
- Weight: 1570 kg (3461 lb)

Official Website - www.astonmartin.com

Tags: Aston Martin, Vantage