German Car Zone

Baby Aston now goes as well as it looks, thanks to a range of mechanical tweaks.

Intro
Baby Aston now goes as well as it looks, thanks to a range of mechanical tweaks. As a result the Vantage is now a serious rival for the all-conquering Porsche 911.

Image/Styling
If you want to get noticed, then this could be the car for you. Based on the same platform as the larger DB9, the V8 Vantage is arguably the greatest looking car in the British firm’s line-up, and it backs up its visual presence with an ear-splitting exhaust note. Buyers wanting even more attention can choose the soft-top Roadster version. Forthcoming V12 RS version is influenced by the firm’s Le Mans racers and boasts bulging wheel arches, extra vents for cooling and a rear spoiler.


Interior/Practicality
If anything, the interior is even more stunning than the exterior. Deep leather seats, a neat instrument cluster and crystal key mark the Vantage out as a special place to spend time. Surprisingly, cruise control, satellite navigation and heated seats are options, but the 300-litre luggage capacity of the coupe makes the Aston a practical proposition. Eagle-eyed buyers might spot the occasional use of switchgear from the Ford parts bin.


Engine/Performance
Recent revisions have seen the Jaguar derived V8 motor increase in size from 4.3 to 4.7-litres. As a result, power has now risen by 40bhp to 420bhp, while the sprint from zero to 60mph has dropped to 4.7 seconds. The standard six-speed manual gearbox can suffer from a notchy shift action, although the optional Sportshift semi-auto is now much improved and serves-up fractionally quicker acceleration.


Driving Experience
Wide-ranging changes to the suspension have transformed the Vantage driving experience. With plenty of grip, sharp steering and ride comfort just the right side of firm, the Aston now has the depth of talent to match the accomplished Porsche 911. Those buyers wanting even more driver involvement can choose the optional Sports Pack, which features lightweight alloy wheels, stiffer springs and revised dampers.

Full article:Aston Martin V8 Vantage | New Reviews | Car Reviews | Auto Express