Facelifted Aston Martin V8 Vantage features 4.7L V8

Aston Martin has updated its Aston Martin V8 Vantage that was unveiled back in 2005 for the new model year. The facelifted V8 Vantage features numerous improvements, with the most noticable being the increased engine displacement up to 4.7 liters, while retaining the V8 cylinder configuration. Peak power is now at 420 horses at 7,000rpm, an 11% increase over the 4.3 liter unit, and peak torque is now 470Nm at 5,750rpm, up by 15% over the previous engine. 0 to 100km/h takes 4.7 seconds, and the car goes on to a top speed of 288km/h.

The increased displacement is achieved by an increase of bore from 89mm to 91mm, and stroke from 86mm to 91mm. The result is a “square” cylinder. The new longer stroke is achieved via a new forged steel crank with new holes in the counterweights for reduced rotating mass. Conrods are also forged steel, and pistons are cast aluminium. Intake valves are now larger - 35.9mm versus 34.9mm on the previous engine. The dry sump has also been improved with a new sump casting featuring oil pick-up points moved from the front and rear to the sides.

The car’s optional Sportshift 6-speed automated manual transmission with LSD differential has revised shifting intelligence, and mechanically it, together with the pure manual gearbox has a modified clutch and flywheel resulting in less effort required to operate the clutch. These improvements also save 0.5kg over the previous gearbox. Throttle inputs now have two modes - a Comfort mode with a more progressive and smooth operation and a Sport mode that is more snappy and aggressive.

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage gets an updated interior featuring a new center console design and a revised switchgear. The navigation system has been updated to use a Hard Disk Drive for faster map loading and route processing. More space also allows better graphics to be stored. The exterior remains largely unchanged except for new standard 20-spoke 19 inch wheels, finished in either silver or graphite. The Sports pack uses a lighter 5-spoke aluminium wheel.