Aston Martin V8 Vantage - originally launched to widespread critical acclaim at the Geneva Motor Show in 2005 - is to receive significant technical enhancements, reaffirming the car's position as one of the world's most desirable and exhilarating sports cars.
While the universally distinctive and award-winning shape of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage is retained, the car benefits from a number of technical changes which include significantly up-rated engine performance from a new 4.7 litre power unit in both Coupe and Roadster variants. Other changes include revised dynamics to take full advantage of increased power and torque availability, improved Sportshift™ transmission software and a new sports suspension option.
The 4.7 litre V8 engine has a power output of 420bhp (an 11% increase on the previous 4.3 litre unit) and delivers peak torque of 470Nm (15% increase), providing the Aston Martin V8 Vantage with new reserves of mid-range performance, an improved 0-60mph time of 4.7 seconds and top speed of 180mph (288kph). Combined European fuel economy and CO2 emissions are also improved by 13% (Sportshift™).
Inside, the changes include a new centre console and revised switchgear and the introduction of an ECU replacing the previous V8 Vantage key. Externally, the acclaimed Aston Martin V8 Vantage design appearance is enhanced with a range of new standard and optional 19" alloy wheels.
Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez said: "Continued development and evolution of our unique VH (Vertical-Horizontal) architecture has brought even higher levels of refinement and dynamic performance to our whole range.
"With the new 4.7 litre engine and associated changes we have taken the Aston Martin V8 Vantage to new levels of performance to produce an even more desirable sports car.
"The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is now the most successful Aston Martin in our history and we are confident these changes will continue its appeal and driving enjoyment for both new and existing customers."
Engine
Improvements in performance have been achieved through a number of carefully developed changes to Aston Martin's acclaimed V8 engine.
The cylinder bore and stroke has been increased from 89mm to 91mm and 86mm to 91mm respectively, giving a total displacement of 4735cc.
The increase in cylinder bore is facilitated by a move to cylinder liners that are pressed into the pre-machined aluminium alloy block, allowing a thinner liner than was possible with the cast-in design of the 4.3 litre engine.
The new forged steel crankshaft provides the 91mm stroke and incorporates new holes in the counter weights for reduced rotating mass and improved inter-bay breathing. New forged steel con-rods and cast aluminium pistons complete the capacity-related changes.
Other key changes include efficiency improvements to the dry sump lubrication system, including a new sump casting with oil pick-up points moved from the front and rear to the sides of the sump. The cylinder heads are modified with a new intake port and an inlet valve size increase from 34.9mm to 35.9mm. The intake manifold has been modified to match the new port to optimise air flow.
Transmission
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage transmissions have also undergone changes to improve performance and to handle the increased levels of power and torque. Both the standard manual stick-shift gearbox and the optional Sportshift™ transmission benefit from a modified clutch and flywheel, reducing clutch pedal efforts and delivering a 0.5kg weight saving, reducing the rotating masses within the powertrain, and hence increasing engine responsiveness.
Aston Martin's Sportshift™ transmission has undergone a series of specific changes to broaden the capabilities of the gearbox to offer customers enhanced comfort and convenience with sporting capabilities. Changes include a revised control strategy, allowing the transmission, rather than the engine, to dictate how best the engine torque should be deployed to optimise performance and deliver power smoothly and consistently.
'Dual Throttle Map' software is also featured. When 'Comfort' mode is selected the engine reacts in a smoother more progressive manner to driver throttle inputs and in the default 'Sports' mode the throttle mapping is more aggressive, delivering a more dynamic and sporting feel.
Sportshift™ now also has the capability to take inputs from the steering wheel enabling the current gear to be held when the car is negotiating a corner and hill descent detection, allowing a low gear to be held, maximising the effects of engine braking.
Suspension
A series of improvements are introduced to the Aston Martin V8 Vantage chassis and suspension setup to deliver improved body control and low speed ride quality; enabling the driver to take full advantage of the increased performance potential.
A number of the improved components originally introduced on the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster are now carried over to the Coupe, including revised upper damper mountings and bump stops. Additionally, the front spring rates are stiffened by 11% at the front and 5% at the rear.
Steering geometry is also modified to improve steering feel, while the front lower suspension arm compliance bushes are stiffened by 22% to provide enhanced steering response and handling.
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage also now benefits from Bilstein dampers as standard; these low-friction dampers provide improved levels of dynamic capabilities and further improve ride quality.
Design & Optional Equipment
Also introduced as an option for both Coupe and Roadster variants is a new Sports Pack which comprises forged lightweight alloy wheels aiding a lower unsprung mass, re-tuned Bilstein dampers with improved dynamic response, up-rated springs and a revised rear anti-roll bar (Coupe only). The Sports Pack is intended to offer greater agility, high speed body control and precision feel for the most enthusiastic of drivers.
Although the award-winning exterior design of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage remains largely unchanged, a new 20-spoke 19" alloy wheel is introduced as standard, with either diamond turned silver or graphite finishes available as options, affording customers maximum choice. Alternatively, as part of the Sports Pack option, a 5-spoke lightweight aluminium wheel will be provided.
In the cabin, a new centre console constructed from die cast zinc alloy with a graphite silver finish is introduced along with a new ECU - first seen on the Aston Martin DBS in 2007. The ECU - constructed from glass, polished stainless steel and polycarbonate - replaces the key used previously for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. The revised car also includes a new Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation System offering faster route processing, additional features and improved graphics. Full ipod/MP3 integration is retained as standard equipment.
First shown as a concept car at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Aston Martin AMV8 Concept caused a worldwide sensation as it allowed Aston Martin to enter a new sector of the premium sports car market with a genuine alternative to other cars on offer. Deliveries of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coupe to customers began in late 2005, joined by a convertible sibling in 2007 when the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster was launched. The car is hand built at Aston Martin's Headquarters at Gaydon, Warwickshire, UK and to date more than 10,000 have been delivered to customers around the world.
Performance
Aston Martin is revealing the DB9 GT - the luxury British sports car maker's most compelling production 'DB' to date. Designed to offer the best of what...
Appearing hot on the heels of the all-new Vanquish Super GT, the introduction of 13 Model Year Aston Martin DB9 gave the British luxury sports car maker...
Aston Martin introduced a revised version of the company's critically acclaimed Aston Martin DB9 at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, which includes significant...
Aston Martin introduces the new Aston Martin Virage - supremely elegant and powerful, yet juxtaposed as an understated sports car. The marque can now...
The Aston Martin DB9 is a modern interpretation of a traditional Aston Martin sports car, representing a contemporary version of classic DB design elements...
With an all-new surface language, Aston Martin Vanquish expresses contemporary elegance through its toned physique, broad stance and fluid curves.
Aston Martin AM 310 Vanquish is a new Aston Martin featuring the next generation of the renowned VH architecture as well as a significantly upgraded 6.0-litre...
Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato is a powerful addition to that portfolio; a GT car that blends Aston Martin's inherent refinement and capabilities with Zagato's...
Aston Martin Vanquish S, the fastest production model ever to be built by Aston Martin, made its world debut at the Paris Motor Show on September 23, 2004.
Aston Martin One-77 technical showcase made its debut the Geneva Auto Salon on 3 March 2009. Chassis no.1 was on display as an exposé throughout the...
Introducing the Aston Martin Vulcan - a track-only supercar and the British luxury brand's most intense and exhilarating creation to date. Born out of...
Aston Martin DB7 was launched the to the publi at the Geneva Motorshow in March 1993. The engine proved to be a light alloy, twin camshaft, supercharged...
Originally available with a 6 cylinder supercharged engine, the Aston Martin DB7 received significant engineering enhancements in 1999 with the...
At the 2002 Geneva Motor Show, Aston Martin announced its intention to work with Zagato to create a new, limited edition model for the 21st Century - the...
Aston Martin launched the Aston Martin DB7 GT, most powerful DB7 ever made, at the 2002 International Birmingham Motor Show. Based on...
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera combines perfect proportions and painstaking surfacing. Its magnificent physique - flawlessly sculpted utilising lightweight...
Aston Martin DBS GT Zagato utilises the first automotive application of configurable carbon and metal 3D-printed interior finishes. A beautiful central...
A unique design of rear diffuser maintains aerodynamic balance from front to rear and ensures the Aston Martin DBS770 Ultimate is as unmistakable from the rear...
Aston Martin unveiled the most eagerly anticipated car of the year the new Aston Martin DBS at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on August 16th 2007,...
Unveiled at Blenheim Palace on September 25, 1967, the William Towns designed Aston Martin DBS was originally only intended for limited production. In its...
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage has endured the most extensive test and development programme in the Company's 91 year history during which 78 Prototypes were...
Aston Martin V12 Vantage, the most potent production sports car in the marque's 95-year history, made its debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. Based on the...
Aston Martin unveiled the production version of its eagerly awaited Aston Martin V8 Vantage at the 2005 Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday 1st...
The special edition Aston Martin V8 Vantage N400 commemorates Aston Martin's achievements at the legendary Nürburgring where, for the past two years,...
Aston Martin has unveiled a new motorsport-inspired special edition; the Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 which brings a new dimension of sporting prowess and...
Just after 15:00 hrs on 18 June 2006, in the pit lane of the Nürburgring, Chris Porritt, Aston Martin's Vehicle Engineering Manager, stepped from the...
Aston Martin Racing has released the 2009 specification Aston Martin Vantage GT4 based on Aston Martin's new 4.7 litre Aston Martin V8 Vantage . The new...
Aston Martin Racing has launched a new Aston Martin Vantage GT4 for 2011. The new V8 engined racing car takes design inspiration from Aston Martin V12...
Powered by a heavily reworked, hand-built 4.0 Twin-Turbo V8 engine the new Aston Martin Vantage is the fastest in the nameplate's history. With peaks of 665PS...
Reflecting its increased performance, capabilities and sporting character, the new Aston Martin Vantage boasts an athletic, muscular physique.
While spectacular from any angle, it is when viewed from the front that the Aston Martin V12 Vantage is at its most dramatic. Perfectly complimenting...
Limited to 200-units, Aston Martin Vantage AMR is available in five designer specifications. 141 of those 200 will be available in either Sabiro Blue, Onyx Black...
Aston Martin is taking sports car performance to extremes with the new Aston Martin V12 Vantage S. Taking just 3.7 seconds to sprint from 0-60 mph (3.9...
With the final design signed-off and engineering development work progressing apace, Aston Martin reveals the first images of the new Aston Martin V12...
The Aston Martin Vantage range comes of age with the new Aston Martin V8 Vantage S characterised by a host of new driver-focussed features all designed to...
The Aston Martin Vantage range continues to evolve with a comprehensive array of improvements to the Aston Martin V8 Vantage aimed at enhancing the dynamic...
Pure, unadulterated fun is what lies at the heart of the new Aston Martin V8 Vantage N430. Honed on the track to excel on the road, N430 - available in...
Aston Martin revealed its most potent and uncompromising Vantage to date: the track-inspired Vantage GT12. With production strictly limited to just 100...
Aston Martin V8 Vantage - originally launched to widespread critical acclaim at the Geneva Motor Show in 2005 - is to receive significant technical...
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage has endured the most extensive test and development programme in the Company's 91 year history during which 78 Prototypes were...
Aston Martin V12 Vantage, the most potent production sports car in the marque's 95-year history, made its debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. Based on the...
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage was annouced on 18th February , 1977. The V8 engine having proved to be an exceptionally reliablle and robust unit, it was...
The Aston Martin V8 Zagato was first shown as a design at Geneva in 1985. All 50 copies were bought on the basis of drawings and a scale model. Three...
Aston Martin has unveiled one of the most eagerly anticipated convertibles of the year when the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster was revealed at the 2006...
The Ferrari 458 Italia is a completely new car from every point of view: engine, design, aerodynamics, handling, instrumentation and ergonomics, just to name a few.
The Ferrari 458 Speciale joins the Ferrari range alongside the 458 Italia and 458 Spider and, like all...
The Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Squadra Corse was presented for the first time at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show. The Squadra Corse delivers high levels of...
With the new Gallardo LP560-4, Lamborghini once again sets a higher standard for super sports cars. With its new engine, permanent four-wheel drive...
Even more dynamic, lighter, more powerful and stunning - the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera is the new top model in the Gallardo line-up. Its...
Lamborghini Gallardo, the smaller cousin of the Lamborghini Murcielago , was design to be a cutting edge sports car that could still be used as an everyday...
With the Gallardo Superleggera, to be launched at the 2007 Geneva motor show, Automobili Lamborghini presents an uncompromisingly high-performance sports...
The entry-level version is launching in China with an output of 184 kW (250 hp). In the other markets, the 718 Cayman produces 220 kW (300 hp) from two litres...
The new two-seaters are powered by a 294 kW (400 PS) four-litre six-cylinder boxer engine, similar to that used in the 718 Spyder and the 718 Cayman GT4.
In the Porsche 718 Boxster GTS and 718 Cayman GTS, the focus is on an even sportier tuning of the chassis components. The Porsche Active Suspension...
Among the striking features of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is the comprehensively improved aerodynamics concept. It produces up to 50 percent more downforce...
Porsche 718 GT4 RS is exclusively available with the Porsche dual clutch transmission (PDK). This gearbox shifts through its seven gears at lightning speed and guarantees...
The new Porsche Cayman is once again promising to set new standards for driving performance in its class - with an all-round new chassis, longer wheelbase...
This material is also used to clad the A pillars and roof lining in the Cayman GTS. The interior is refined even further with the black GTS badge...
Its destination: the circuit racetrack. Its mission: pure Porsche driving pleasure. In introducing the Cayman GT4, Porsche is once again demonstrating its...
Three years after their debut, the Cayman and Cayman S are entering their second generation. Now the discreetly refined, even more sporting exterior...
Three years after their debut, the Porsche Cayman and Cayman S are entering their second generation. Now the discreetly refined, even more sporting...
The main aim during the design of the Porsche Cayman R was to improve the two-seater even further in its performance, driving dynamics and agility through...
The 2007 Porsche Cayman S is the higher-performance version of Porsche's Boxster -based sports coupe, and like all Porsche "S" models, the...
The Porsche Cayman Sports Coupé is powered by a 2.7-litre boxer engine featuring VarioCam Plus valve management. Maximum output of this six-cylinder...
Instant response, lightning-fast high-revving and a unique sound - the heart of the Audi R8 is its V10 naturally aspirated engine. It is available...
The rear-wheel drive of the Audi R8 V10 RWD provides a very special kind of driving pleasure. If sport mode is activated in connection with the...
Twelve years after the premiere of the first Audi R8 GT, Audi Sport GmbH is launching the second edition of this exclusive super sports car: the new Audi R8 Coupe V10 GT RWD.
The top model R8 V10 plus has a dry weight of 1,454 kilograms (3,205.5 lb). Despite a lot of extra equipment and greater rigidity, the new Audi R8 weighs...
The latest version of the electrically-powered high-performance Audi R8 e-tron achieves a performance figure of 340 kW and a torque of 920 Nm (678.6 lb-ft).
The Audi R8 V10 plus is the fastest series-production Audi of all time. It develops 449 kW (610 hp) and its maximum torque of 560 Nm (413 lb-ft) is available...
The chassis of the Audi R8 V10 is decidedly tuned for dynamics. A special configuration including modified spring/damper tuning with a corresponding adjustment...
At the top of the model range is the Audi R8 V10 plus with 404 kW (550 hp) and 540 Nm (398.28 lb-ft) of torque. Equipped with the S tronic, it accelerates...
Audi is entering the most discerning segment of the car market with its R8 mid-engine sports car - and immediately taking up a position among the leaders:
Now even more powerful, lighter and faster: Audi presents the Audi R8 GT - a limited-production version of the Audi R8 high-performance sports car. The...
The new Lexus LFA marks an important moment in both the history of Lexus and the development of the supercar. A true "clean-sheet" design, the...
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG embodies a blend of consummate automotive fascination and high tech. The super sports car delivers a compelling mix of purist...
The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT boasts enhanced driving dynamics and even better race track performance. With a maximum output of 435 kW (591 hp), the...
With the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive, Mercedes-AMG is entering a new era: the locally emission-free super sports car featuring...
Mercedes-AMG presented the high-end super sports car version of the gull-wing model, the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series. Inspired by the SLS AMG...
2024 Nissan GT-R grades are extensively revised to increase downforce and reduce drag, helping provide confident, responsive handling, representing Nissan's...
The 600-horsepower GT-R Nismo offers an even more exceptional level of performance, with engineering drawn directly from motorsports applications.
The 2017 Nissan GT-R has been updated with an exciting new look both inside and out, as well as receiving major driving performance enhancements in key...
Powering each Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign is a NISMO-tuned 720 PS hand-built 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6. Customer demand for the production version of...
The 2017 Nissan GT-R NISMO made its debut at the famous Nürburgring race course, known as the one of the longest and most challenging race tracks in...
Since its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2007, the Nissan GT-R has enthralled its customers as the definitive accessible supercar. The 2011...
Records fall and dreams come true with the debut of the Nissan GT-R Nismo. This race-oriented model delivers "factory tuned" supercar dynamics...
The new Nissan GT-R may well be the most accomplished and technologically advanced high performance car ever made. One of the world's fastest vehicles, it...
For the new 911 Carrera GTS models, Porsche's engineers used knowledge gained from motor racing as the basis for designing the hybrid system.
The 911 Carrera still features a 3.0-litre boxer engine with twin turbocharging. This engine, too, has been comprehensively revamped. Among other things, it has now adopted...
The increased performance of the new Porsche 911 Carrera 4S goes hand-in-hand with the further development of the front-axle drive. The clutch and differential...
One of the most striking new features of the Porsche 911 Dakar is the significantly increased ground clearance. At 161 mm, it rides some 50 mm higher than...
This enables the Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe to accelerate from 0-100 kmh in 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of 293 kmh. The optional Sport Chrono Package shaves...
The muscular rear wing sections with integrated air intakes emphasise the sleek body of the Porsche 911 Turbo S. The new look of the rear is completed by...
The Porsche 911 has been the world's best-selling sports car for decades. Now the new generation has arrived to further extend this lead. With innovative...
The Porsche 911 Turbo S Coupe now develops 427 kW (580 hp) and sprints to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds. Its top speed of 330 km/h is twelve km/h higher than before.
Porsche is proud to present the new Porsche 911 Carrera , a completely new generation of the iconic coupe that has been acclaimed as one of the world's...
Porsche is doubling its range of driving fun in the new 911 generation by launching the all-wheel drive Porsche 911 Carrera 4 on the market in four model...
With its new Porsche 911 R, Porsche unveiled a puristic sports car in classical design at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show. Its 368 kW (500 hp)...
In front, the new Porsche 911 Turbo S is distinguished by additional air scoops in black in the lateral cooling air openings. The front lights in LED...
The power unit of the Porsche 911 Targa 4S, in turn, displacing 3.8 litres, develops an even more substantial 385 bhp (283 kW), accelerating Porsche's...
The all-wheel-drive, brawny Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Coupe and its higher-performance variant, Carrera 4S Coupe offer the skilled enthusiast driver...
The 2009 911 Carrera Coupe develops 345 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 288 lb.-ft. of torque at 4400 rpm. That's an output of 95.5 hp per liter and represents...
With a power output of 408 hp, outstanding vehicle dynamics and emphatically sporty equipment, the new Porsche 911 Carrera GTS ascends to the pinnacle of...
Introducing the new Porsche 911 Turbo making its debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, Porsche is once again setting the highest standard in the...
Porsche's engineers have developed the new top model in the 911 series for the sports car driver demanding the very best in performance and driving...
The all-new Porsche 911 launches with a pair of coupes that package innovative technology, more powerful engines, enhanced aerodynamics and new interiors...
The 2007 Porsche 911 Targa 4 and Porsche 911 Targa 4S feature a unique roof system that provides their occupants with a panoramic view even when the top...
The fabled wide-body, all-wheel-drive version Porsche 911 returns for the 2007 model year with several enhancements. These include tire-pressure monitoring...
The sixth generation of the range-topping Porsche 911 Turbo provides towering performance in a practical, stylish and functional package suitable for...
The 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S combines the 320-horsepower normally aspirated 911 Carrera engine with the all-wheel-drive chassis, body design and...
The Porsche 911 Targa updates a sliding glass roof design first used on the previous-generation 911 Targa, offered in the U.S. in 1996 and 1997. The...
Porsche for 2002 has given the Porsche 911 Carerra models a larger, more powerful engine and a new look inspired by the 911 Turbo . The new engine makes...
From the first Porsche 911 Turbo, this top model has always stood apart from other Porsche 911 models by virtue of functional design differences. Nothing...
The 444 horsepower (SAE) generated by the Porsche 911 Turbo S's engine is supplemented by 457 pound-feet (620 Nm) of torque, yet all of that awesome energy...
In the end, staking everything on the Porsche 911, Type 993 paid off for Porsche. The chapter of air-cooled engines in this unique model history ended...
The Porsche 911 Carrera RS is a lightweight variant of the Porsche 993 Carrera . It features a naturally aspirated 3.8 liter engine with 300 hp (DIN). On...
The new generation also set standards with its drive unit: the Porsche 911 Turbo with standard all-wheel drive came with two turbochargers in 1995.
The 911 Jubilee model was one of the most distinctive variations of the 964 generation, with only 911 of these special, limited-edition cars to mark 30 years...
Porsche introduced the 964 Turbo model in March 1990 as the successor to the Porsche 930 . Unfortunately, they hadn't had the necessary time to develop a...
The 911 Turbo initially adopted its predecessor's 3.3 litre engine, which at that time produced 320 PS, and the 911 Turbo S engine delivered an impressive 381 PS.
As from 1983, this even increased again to 3.2 litres, with a power output of up to 250 PS for the 911 SC RS. The enormous development potential of the air-cooled...
For five decades, the 911 has been the heart of the Porsche brand. Few other automobiles in the world can look back on such a long tradition and such...
Porsche proudly presents the eagerly anticipated successor to the 356. The new sports car, originally known as the 901, is following in great footsteps.