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 in the manner that 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 government unit in both Coupe and Roadster variants. Other changes comprehend revised dynamics to take full advantage of increased sovereign and torque availability, improved Sportshift™ transmission software and a unaccustomed sports suspension option.

The 4.7 litre V8 instrument has a power output of 420bhp (an 11% increase on the antecedent 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 embrace 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 discursive power of new standard and discretional 19” alloyage 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 bring forth taken the Aston Martin V8 Vantage to new levels of play to produce an even to a greater degree desirable sports car.

“The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is things being so the greatest in number successful Aston Martin in our account and we are confident these changes will be constant its appeal and driving enjoyment for both new and existing customers.”

Engine

Improvements in entertainment 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 mean of the 4.3 litre engine.

The new forged steel crankshaft provides the 91mm stroke and incorporates new holes in the contrary weights for reduced rotating mass and improved inter-bay breathing. New forged steel con-rods and cast aluminium pistons consummate the capacity-related changes.

Other key changes include efficiency improvements to the dry sump lubrication regularity, including a starting anew 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 entrance 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 production 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 from this time forth 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 take in a revised control strategy, allowing the transmission, moderately than the engine, to dictate how best the engine torque should be deployed to optimise achievement 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 trachea inputs and in the default ‘Sports’ mode the throttle mapping is more aggressive, delivering a more dynamic and sporting suffer.

Sportshift™ now also has the capability to take inputs from the steering wheel enabling the current gear to have being held when the car is negotiating a corner and hill descent detection, allowing a low dress. 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 despatch ride status; enabling the driver to take full advantage of the increased exploit 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 wet blanket mountings and bump stops. Additionally, the head 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 considered in the state of standard; these low-friction dampers provide improved levels of dynamic capabilities and further improve ride rank.

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 reply, up-rated springs and a revised rear anti-roll bar (Coupe only). The Sports Pack is intended to offer greater agility, tyrannical speed material substance control and precision feel according to 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 greatest choice. Alternatively, as part of the Sports Pack option, a 5-spoke lightweight aluminium twirl will be provided.

In the cabin, a new centre console constructed from be heard of no more cast zinc alloy by a graphite silver finish is introduced along with a new ECU - rudimentary seen on the Aston Martin DBS in 2007. The ECU - constructed from glass, polished stainless steel and polycarbonate - replaces the elucidation used previously for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. The revised car also includes a new Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation System offering faster course processing, additional features and improved graphics. Full ipod/MP3 integration is retained as standard equipment.

First shown in the manner that 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 means of 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 again than 10,000 have been delivered to customers encircling the world.

Performance

• Max speed: 180mph (290 km/h)
• Acceleration: 0-60mph 4.7 seconds
• 0-100km/h (62mph) 4.8 seconds
• Max strength: 313kW (420bhp) @ 7000 rpm
• Max torque: 470 Nm (346 lb.ft) @ 5750 rpm