Aston Martin Vantage V8 with 655 hp: More attractive for Brits

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The Vantage name had been used at Aston Martin since 1950; but at that time it was not yet a standalone series, merely used as an additional name to an improved DB2 engine package. The first model series, called Vantage, appeared on the market in 1972. The current version has been on sale since 2018 and is now getting a major refresh.

Inspired by One-77

The updated Vantage comes with a three centimeters wider body and a new front section. The larger and reshaped radiator grille provides more air to the engine. The new front splitter provides less lift and therefore more stability at high speeds. New matrix LED headlights are also used at the front. On the side, Aston Martin is bringing back trim strips with letters in the middle of the air intakes.

The Brit has 21-inch light alloy wheels with bespoke Michelin tires as standard. There is also a larger rear bumper with side air intakes. Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichmann explains: “To capture the massive increase in power and performance of the new vehicle, we further emphasized its appearance, increased its definition and created a perfectly sculpted silhouette. We took inspiration from the One 77 supercar. But the aim was to further enhance the Vantage’s stability and power.” was to express it clearly.

155 hp more than previous model

Speaking of “tremendous extra power”: the four-litre V8 biturbo engine now delivers a whopping 665 hp (489 kW) and a whopping 800 Nm of maximum torque – and this without requiring any electronic assistance, as many rivals already do. This means that performance increases by an impressive 155 hp (114 kW) and 115 Nm compared to the previous model. Aston Martin engineers achieved this through various optimisations, such as modified cam profiles, larger turbochargers or improved compression ratios. The engine is located at the front of the sports car, but ZF’s eight-speed automatic transmission transfers power to the rear wheels. Curb weight is 1605 kilograms and is optimally distributed across the vehicle in a 50:50 ratio.

The two-seater vehicle reaches a top speed of 325 km/h and reaches 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds. The new launch control system provides optimum acceleration from a standstill, allowing maximum torque usage depending on the current conditions. To keep wheel slip within the optimum range during acceleration, the Brit uses an electronic differential, ESP slip control and engine torque management. The driver can also select the exact amount of slip when starting to use the traction control system.

Will start in the second quarter

Inside, hand-stitched leather adorns the two sports seats and the dashboard. The Vantage is the second model after the DB12 to use the latest version of Aston Martin’s infotainment system. The center console houses a 10.25-inch touchscreen, below which there are various control buttons for the air conditioning or the five driving modes Wet, Sport, Sport Plus, Track and Individual. There are also additional switches for the chassis, ESP, exhaust flaps, lane departure warning system and parking assistance.

The triangular support in the engine compartment makes the front part more resistant to torsion. At the rear, Aston Martin managed to increase stiffness by 29 percent. The British also refined the Vantage chassis much more in terms of sportiness. Production of the revised Vantage is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of this year, and Aston Martin plans to deliver the first vehicles to customers in the second quarter. Aston Martin is not announcing prices yet. Since the current V8-powered Vantage costs around CHF 170,000, we think the new one could start around CHF 200,000.

Source: Blick