Luxury performance carmaker Aston Martin says that at the heart of every great sports car is a great engine. The company's V8 Vantage model upholds this axiom. But additionally, the Vantage is one of the most beautiful pieces of machinery that you could ever find rolling down a highway. Factor in its superb performance, and you've got an auto lover's fantasy.
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Photo: Aston Martin
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Aston Martin V8 Vantage
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ABOUT ASTON MARTIN V8 VANTAGE:
Price:
$143,155 as tested
Drive:
Rear wheel
Seating:
Two
Engine:
4.3-liter V-8
Transmission:
Six-speed automated manual
EPA estimate: 13 city / 20 highway
WHAT'S SPECIAL:
The V8 Vantage offers tremendous speed Ñ how about 0-60 in 4.9 seconds and a potential top speed of 175 mph. It makes 380 horsepower and 302 pounds-feet of torque. Its engine is built for high performance but also offers responsiveness even when not being pushed hard. The roaring sound of the engine when revved is glorious.
WHAT WE LIKE:
The outstanding performance comes from great body rigidity. Aston Martin says it uses lightweight alloys, magnesium and advanced composites to keep the weight down. Its handling seems so intuitive when you take twists and turns in the road.
WHAT ISN'T THERE:
A whole lot of recognition. Aston Martin maintains a relatively low profile in these parts, so people seeing the car often don't know what they're looking at. But they can almost always tell it's something special.
YOU OUGHTA KNOW:
Just because it's a sports car doesn't mean it skimps on safety. The V8 Vantage has front and rear crumple zones that absorb crash impact and dual-stage air bags for driver and passenger. Also, there is dynamic stability control to prevent loss of traction, electronic brake force distribution for braking balance and positive torque control.
DIMENSIONS AND OPTIONS:
The V8 Vantage is 172.5 inches long, 80 inches wide, 49.5 inches tall, has a wheelbase of 102.5 inches, a 62-inch front track, a 61.5-inch rear track, a 36.5-foot turning radius, a 21.2-gallon fuel tank and a curb weight of 3,595 pounds. The tester's optional equipment included 19-inch seven-spoke wheels, a wind deflector, satellite navigation, Bluetooth capabilities and red brake calipers.
CLAIMS TO FAME:
The Aston Martin Vantage N24 appeared in the FIA GT4 series, the VLN Endurance Championship at the Nurburgring, the UK Britcar Endurance Series and the UK Aston Martin Owners Club series in 2007. The 2006 James Bond movie "Casino Royale" featured an Aston Martin DBS.
EXTRAS:
Aston Martins are hand-assembled and finished, and that craftsmanship is quite evident. The quality materials used throughout the interior contribute to the overall richness of the vehicle. Plus, there's actually an element of practicality in the V8 Vantage, which isn't a given among sports cars. For instance, there's a fairly deep storage area under the hatchback. The center console is neatly arranged. The premium audio system is terrific.
AND ANOTHER THING:
Be prepared to make a few stops at the pump. The Vantage gets 13 mpg city and 20 highway.
