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Aston Martin V8 Vantage 2012 Review (All Series)

Styled to seduce and engineered to thrill, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage is unashamedly focused on delivering an unforgettable driving experience. Whether fitted with the vocal 4.7-litre V8 or sensational 6.0-litre V12, each model in the versatile Vantage range is bestowed with phenomenal performance, agility and dynamism together with the refinement and tractability to excel in everyday driving. Compact dimensions, perfect proportions, pure lines and a lithe, athletic stance give the Aston Martin V8 Vantage unmistakable presence. Free from gimmicks, the Vantage’s clean, sculptural form, perfectly executed details and subtle visual references to great Aston Martins of the past combine to create a car with presence, compelling visual tension and timeless beauty.

Being an Aston Martin, what separates the Vantage from its rivals is emotion. From the tingling sense of adrenaline when you see it to the feeling of pure exhilaration as you feel its ‘Road Proven, Race Perfect’ performance and hear its rousing exhaust note, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage delivers a driving experience that engages the senses and enriches your journey. Honed to deliver an intense experience on the road using knowledge gained from victories on the track, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S is a lesson in race-bred dynamism. More power, sharper handling, stronger brakes and a new seven-speed gearbox make it a sporting driver’s dream.


Sophisticated engineering and artful design make the Aston Martin V8 Vantage a consummate modern sports car. Exceptional performance and an irrepressible sporting character deliver excitement in abundance, yet its easy, intuitive feel, high levels of refinement and comprehensive equipment mean it is a very special car you can enjoy every day. The V8 Vantage Sportspack has been developed with the enthusiast in mind. Already boasting an outstanding chassis as its foundation, the Sportspack sees further key components tuned to deliver an even more agile and focused driving experience. A process-driven, comprehensive approach has been taken in re-engineering such components, to ensure that all modifications made work not only to complement each other but also to increase the precision of the overall driving experience.


For example the combination of uprated springs and Bilstein aluminium dampers with their improved dynamic response works in perfect harmony with new lightweight, five-spoke alloy wheels, all resulting in an exceptionally responsive suspension. Overall the pack helps reduce body roll and improve control especially at high speeds, while also offering unrivalled agility in all aspects of handling. Overall the pack helps reduce body roll and improve control especially at high speeds, while also offering unrivalled agility in all aspects of handling.

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage Power Upgrade creates an even more potent version of Aston Martin’s already impressive 4.3 litre engine. The Power Upgrade features valved airboxes that open at higher rpm allowing additional air into the engine, which in turn enables more power to be produced. Peak power is raised by 20bhp to 400bhp while peak torque is also increased by 10Nm to 420Nm. The revised engine management system also enables the engine to take full advantage of the latest high octane fuels, providing a crisper throttle response and stronger performance feel. Developed exclusively by Aston Martin Engineering, the new stainless steel silencer and new dark smoked stainless steel Graphit-IC tailpipes (exclusive to this system) have been engineered together with new engine calibration to give the V8 a more dynamic soundtrack whilst complying with all noise legislation. The silencer retains the engine management control valves but the new engine calibration optimises the valve opening to maximise sound quality. The system is suitable to fit to Aston Martin V8 Vantage N400, 09MY, 10MY and 4.3ltr cars that have had the Aston Martin 400bhp Power Upgrade.

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage features a complete integration package for iPod personal digital media players from Apple, allowing the iPod to be seamlessly incorporated into the dashboard display and electronic systems. The iPod range is integrated into the Aston Martin V8 Vantage via a specially designed interface, bringing the functions of this award-winning range of digital media players into the car's in-dash display. Finger-tip controls replicate the innovative menu structure of the iPod to ensure that your hands need never stray from the wheel in the search for the perfect accompaniment. The iPod is docked with the Aston Martin V8 Vantage via a cable located in a compartment in the centre arm-rest, which also provides the iPod with power. There is ample space available, allowing all types of iPod, including the iPod touch, iPod nano and iPod classic, to be used in conjunction with the car. A power socket, auxiliary input and USB interface allow the connection of other media players.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Roadsters are glorious exceptions. Styled to evoke the look of an athlete wearing a skin-tight suit, the Vantage Roadster’s rakish lines and snugly tailored roof are perfectly in keeping with its pared-back, performance-biased brief. Raised or lowered in just 18 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h (30 mph), the powered fabric hood stows beneath an aluminium tonneau to create a clean, unbroken line from front to rear. Something shared by both Vantage Coupe and Roadster is a simply fabulous interior. Handcrafted from the finest natural materials and styled with the same confidence and purity as the exterior, the Vantage’s two-seater cockpit provides comfortable space for driver, passenger and luggage. Its practical hatchback gives the Vantage Coupe a 300-litre (10.6 cu ft) luggage area up to three times larger than some rivals while the Roadster’s 144-litre (5 cu ft) luggage compartment is also class-leading. The Vantage’s Gran Turismo credentials are underlined by a large-capacity fuel tank for extended range between refuelling stops.

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