German Car Zone

Spy Shots: Upgraded Aston Martin V8 Vantage


Less than a month after the launch of the new DBS, images of a similarly-prepped V8 Vantage have surfaced ahead of a likely unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Changes to the car include new clear-lens taillights, beefier brake discs with uprated calipers and some aero upgrades including a rear diffuser. The car hasn't been officially announced by Aston Martin but early reports suggest it'll be called the Vantage V8 RS.

The car will basically be a tamer version of the road-legal but stripped-out N24 club-racer, so expect some power mods under the hood such as breathing and ECU upgrades to deliver improved response from the gas pedal. Though it's hard to tell from these spy shots, the interior should have plenty of carbon-fiber and aluminum elements adding to the race car feel.

Earlier reports suggested that Aston Martin is planning to present two new race-inspired cars at the Frankfurt show in addition to the new DBS, so with this new Vantage V8 model revealed we wonder what else it has up its sleeves.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage N400 and DB9 LM joining new DBS at Frankfurt



Aston Martin previously announced that it would unveil two new special edition models in addition to its all-new DBS at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. We now have official details on the two new models, one based on the V8 Vantage and the other is another DB9 variant. First up is the new V8 Vantage N400, a car that commemorates Aston’s achievements at the Nϋrburgring and can lap the famous track in less than eight minutes.
The Vantage N400 includes a number of technical improvements as well as enhancements to the car’s standard range of renowned color and trim specifications. These include a power upgrade to the 4.3L V8 engine, lifting peak power to 400hp and peak torque to 420Nm. It also comes with a sports pack consisting of lightweight graphite-finished aluminum wheels, up-rated springs and dampers and a new rear anti-roll bar. There also a revised side sill design, new bonnet and side strake meshes, clear rear lamp lenses and a bright finish grille. Inside, the car picks up satnav, Bluetooth and heated seats.
The DB9 LM, meanwhile, was created to celebrate Aston’s GT1 class victory in the Le Mans 24-hour endurance in the DBR9 race car. Available only in the coupe, the new car comes with a Touchtronic transmission, a unique silver paint job, meshes and rear crossbar finished in silver and red brake calipers. The car also features a sports pack as standard and upgraded leather trim inside.

Wow, the new owners are doing it way big. I like that, keeping Aston-Martin in the headlines with fresh product. Exclusives based on exclusives, now that is how Aston should be run...long as they don't over do it. Love the wheels on both.

M

Press Release

Aston Martin is not only showing the DBS for the first time in Europe at the Frankfurt motor show next week but will also showcase two new special editions - the Aston Martin DB9 LM and the V8 Vantage N400. Both special editions draw inspiration from the company's recent achievements at Le Mans and the Nurburgring 24-hour races.

The V8 Vantage N400 commemorates Aston Martin’s achievements at the N?rburgring where the company enjoyed success in the gruelling ADAC 24-hour race with the V8 Vantage N24 production race car. Aston Martin develops and tests all of its road cars extensively on the N?rburgring Nordschleife circuit and the Vantage N400 recently broke the eight minute benchmark around the legendary 14-mile circuit.

The Vantage N400 includes a number of technical improvements as well as enhancements to the car’s standard range of renowned colour and trim specifications. These include a power upgrade to Aston Martin’s 4.3 litre V8 engine, lifting peak power to 400bhp and peak torque to 420Nm. The car also comes equipped with a new Sports Pack which offers subtly different driving dynamics tailored to enthusiasts who seek even more responsive handling. The Sports Pack comprises a unique lightweight graphite-finished aluminium wheel with diamond turning, up-rated springs and dampers and a new rear anti-roll bar (for the Coupe). The Vantage N400 also includes a number of exterior design changes, including a revised side sill design, Magnum Silver bonnet and side strake meshes, clear rear lamp lenses and a bright finish grille.

Interior enhancements include perforated black leather seats, micro-spin alloy facia trim and a unique numbered sill plaque. The Vantage N400 will be available in three new exterior colours; Bergwerk Black, Lightning Silver or Karussell Orange, with either Sportshift automated manual or conventional manual transmission and in either Coupe or Roadster forms. Additionally, the Vantage N400 comes equipped with a range of normally optional equipment, including Satellite Navigation, 700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System, Bluetooth telephone preparation, HID headlamps, cruise control and memory/heated seats.

The DB9 LM celebrates Aston Martin’s GT1 class victory in the Le Mans 24-hour endurance classic in June with the DBR9 – a race car derived from the DB9.

This special edition car, available in Coupe form only with Touchtronic transmission, includes a unique Sarthe Silver exterior paint finish, meshes and rear crossbar finished in Magnum Silver and red brake calipers. Inside, the DB9 LM is fitted with handcrafted black leather finish, perforated leather inserts, unique ‘Tertre Rouge’ facia trim and numbered sill plaque. The car is also equipped with the normally optional DB9 Sports Pack as standard, with colour keyed and diamond turned alloy wheels.

Pricing details for both cars will be confirmed at the Frankfurt motor show.

[Source: Aston Martin via WCF]

Usually loud colors aren't my thing, but this is something special!

First DBS now those awesome two,the new owners are serious

Sweet!

Aston Martin V8 Vantage N400 pictures from LLN...

AsAston Martin DB9 LM pictures from LLN...

Never though I'd be saying this, but the "regular" versions of the DB9 look kinda plain compared to the DBS. Didn't think such a thing would be possible. Maybe it is the color?

M