2018 Aston Martin Vantage

[FiestaST]

First official pics of next-generation, almost-production-ready Aston follows several sightings of test cars

The new Aston Martin Vantage will be revealed on 21 November, ahead of a 2018 on-sale date.

Two new pictures of the Vantage, which showed its front and rear light designs for the first time ahead of the car's reveal, are the best look we've had of the car from Aston Martin, but previous spy shots confirm a DB10-like look.

The image of a covered car confirms that the model, which will take inspiration from the DB10, uses a full-length rear light strip - a fashionable design trend that's also applied to models such as the new Porsche 911. More importantly, the preview image shows a large rear wing, suggesting that the GTE version of the Vantage will also be revealed alongside its road-going variant.

The Vantage's shape is hidden in the official image, but previous sightings of test cars show its look and stance, which appears nearly identical to the DB10 that featured in the James Bond movie Spectre. Some details also clearly take influence from the Vulcan hypercar. Earlier sightings of the baby Aston were of a cut-up DB11 mule.

The Vantage will use a new generation of aluminium architecture that is a shortened version of the DB11’s. It is expected to be lighter and more torsionally rigid than its predecessor, improving agility.

The entry-level Aston will first arrive as a V8, adopting the Mercedes-AMG engine recently launched in the DB11. The 4.0-litre twin turbocharged V8 is expected to produce about 500bhp in the standard Vantage. The engine is supplied as part of a technical collaboration between Aston Martin and Mercedes-AMG and will use the former’s software.

That extra power over the existing 430bhp in the current V8 Vantage is set to help undercut the outgoing 0-62mph time of 4.8sec, edging the car closer to 4.0sec. The top speed will exceed 190mph.

Aston Martin is expected to offer the new Vantage with a choice of a six-speed manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Like the current Vantage, a V12 variant is also due, using the same 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged engine found in the V12 DB11.

Aston Martin boss Andy Palmer has already confirmed that the new Vantage will be shown by the end of 2017, while a V12 version will arrive at a later date. A hardcore AMR-branded track car is also likely to be on the agenda.

The V8 Vantage will cost slightly more than the current car’s £94,995 starting price.

As part of a new model blitz, all of Aston Martin’s key cars will be refreshed and joined by an all-new DBX SUV and Lagonda. The electric RapidE was also confirmed earlier this year as a limited-run model to enter production in 2019.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/2018-aston-martin-vantage-be-revealed-21-november

 

[FiestaST]

2018 Aston Martin Vantage revealed in patent images

First full pics of next-generation, almost-production-ready Aston follow several sightings of test cars. Full reveal 21 November

Pantent images of the Aston Martin Vantage have surfaced online, ahead of its November 21 reveal date.

The images reveal the full styling of the Vantage, which adopts a simple front end with a far more prominent grille than on the DB10, to which it has in the past been compared in terms of styling. The images, which first appeared on Autoguide, also reveal a large rear diffuser, and subdued styling, with the lights occupying a thin strip on the car's top trailing edge.

Two recent official pictures of the Vantage, which showed its front and rear light designs for the first time ahead of the car's reveal, are the best look we've had of the car from Aston Martin, but previous spy shots and this latest batch of patent images confirm a DB10-like look.

The image of a covered car confirms that the model, which will take inspiration from the DB10, uses a full-length rear light strip - a fashionable design trend that's also applied to models such as the new Porsche 911. More importantly, the preview image shows a large rear wing, suggesting that the GTE version of the Vantage will also be revealed alongside its road-going variant.

The Vantage's shape is hidden in the official image, but previous sightings of test cars show its look and stance, which appears nearly identical to the DB10 that featured in the James Bond movie Spectre. Some details also clearly take influence from the Vulcan hypercar. Earlier sightings of the baby Aston were of a cut-up DB11 mule.

The Vantage will use a new generation of aluminium architecture that is a shortened version of the DB11’s. It is expected to be lighter and more torsionally rigid than its predecessor, improving agility.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/2018-aston-martin-vantage-revealed-patent-images

 

[FiestaST]

Details emerge as Verstappen samples new Vantage

Aston Martin is giving us a taste tester of its all-new Vantage ahead of its planned reveal on Tuesday November 21, with this teaser video featuring Max Verstappen.

The video shows the Red Bull Racing F1 driver sampling a disguised prototype of the new Vantage on the Rockingham Circuit with Aston Martin’s Dynamics Chief Engineer Matt Becker.

During the driving scene Becker reveals that the new sports car, which is Aston’s entry model, will have “more than 500 horsepower” (373kW) and 685Nm of torque.

The new Vantage is expected to be powered by Mercedes-AMG’s 4-litre twin-turbo petrol engine following an engine deal that the two companies signed back in 2013.

The DB11 V8 uses a 375kW/675Nm version of this engine, so it’s practically certain, given Becker’s words, that Vantage will have the same tuning.


That’s as much as we know for now on the technical side of things, but the video above will at least give you an idea of how it sounds and handles.

Verstappen describes the new Vantage as being “playful” yet easy to control.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/late...ge-as-verstappen-samples-new-vantage-12079810

 

[FiestaST]

What a looker!

Aston Martin Vantage

Vantage. An evocative name for a magnificent bloodline of thoroughbred sports cars. For seven decades the heartbeat of Aston Martin's purest models, the Vantage nameplate has been worn by some true icons. First used in 1951 on a high-output engine option for the DB2, Vantage was quickly established as a model in its own right. Highlights include the William Towns-designed V8 Vantage, spectacular twin-supercharged V600 Le Mans and the much-loved V8 Vantage. Today this formidable sporting dynasty is poised to hit new heights with the introduction of the new Aston Martin Vantage.

A spectacular new Aston Martin sports car demands a bold and distinctive design language. Pure, sculptural forms create an athletic, predatory stance, while the minimal front and rear overhangs, muscular flanks and broad haunches express the agility and dynamism inherent within the car. New head and tail lights form dramatic new signatures giving the Vantage unmistakable road presence and contribute to a strong and individual identity within the growing Aston Martin model range.

Aerodynamic performance was central to the Vantage design concept: the front splitter directs airflow underneath the car, where a system of fences channels cooling air where it is needed, and also ensures the rear diffuser is fed with clean airflow. The design of the diffuser creates an area of low pressure air, while simultaneously preventing turbulence generated by the rear wheels from disrupting the flow of air exiting centrally from beneath the rear of the car.

Together with the new side gills, which have been integrated into the body surface and bleed air pressure out from the front wheel arches, and the pronounced upswept rear deck lid, the Vantage generates a significant level of downforce - a rarity on any production car and a first for a core production Aston Martin model.

The design story continues inside the Vantage, with a dynamic and focused sports car cockpit that rejects long, fluid curves in favour of sharp, focused lines denoting the more aggressive nature of the car. A high waist interior theme and lower driving position creates a more immersive driving experience, and contributes to significant gains in occupant space and significant improvement in headroom compared with the outgoing Vantage. A combination of rotary and toggle style controls have been used for their tactile and intuitive functionality. Likewise, the PRND transmission buttons have been moved into a triangular formation so as to cluster major controls into clearly defined zones. The interior also offers generous stowage space, with useable room behind the seats and generous double-tier storage areas.

The heart of the Vantage is Aston Martin's potent new alloy, 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. Set low and as far back in the chassis as possible for optimal centre-of-gravity and perfect 50:50 weight distribution, this high performance, high efficiency engine returns a CO2 figure of *245g/km yet develops 510PS at 6000rpm and 685Nm from 2000-5000rpm. With a dry weight of 1530kg this gives the Vantage formidable power-to-weight and torque-to-weight ratios - something vividly demonstrated whenever the throttle is squeezed. Detailed tuning of the induction, exhaust and engine management systems has given the Vantage a truly intoxicating character and soundtrack.

The Vantage deploys its impressive power and torque to the rear wheels via a rear-mounted ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. Capable of accelerating from 0 to 60mph in 3.5 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 195mph, it employs a sophisticated suite of integrated electronic systems to offer maximum control and driver enjoyment. These include Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Torque Vectoring. The speed-dependent electric power steering has 2.4 turns lock-to-lock for an outstanding combination of responsiveness and precise, intuitive control.

For the first time on an Aston Martin the new Vantage also features an Electronic Rear Differential (E-Diff). This differential is linked to the car's electronic stability control system, so it can understand the car's behaviour, and react accordingly to direct the engine's power to the relevant wheel. Unlike a conventional LSD, it can go from fully open to 100% locked in a matter of milliseconds. At higher speeds, the Electronic Differential's speed and sensitivity of response enables the system to take very fine control of the car's dynamic behaviour. It makes the car feel much more composed both in terms of its straight-line stability and its cornering performance, providing the driver with increased levels of confidence to explore and enjoy the car's capabilities to the full.

The chassis is an evolution of the latest generation bonded aluminium structure first seen on the DB11, though some 70 per cent of the structure's components are new for Vantage. Balance, strength, rigidity and weight efficiency were all priorities in the new Vantage design, as was handling purity and consistency. Highlights of the chassis include a solidly mounted rear subframe for an enhanced feeling of direct connection for the driver, new Pirelli P Zero tyres developed specifically for new Aston Martin Vantage and the latest generation Adaptive Damping System which incorporates Skyhook technology and offers the choice of Sport, Sport Plus and Track modes.

Thanks to full integration of engine, transmission, E-Diff, Dynamic Torque Vectoring, Dynamic Stability Control, Adaptive Damping and the electric power steering systems, each mode optimises every area of the car as one. With each step the Vantage gains in agility and responsiveness, its character becoming progressively sharper, more vocal and more exciting. This is the essence of the Vantage driving experience - a car that's never less than connected and engaging with the breadth of capability to revel in challenging roads and bare its teeth on track.

The Vantage features a high level of standard equipment, including keyless start/stop, tyre pressure monitoring system, parking distance display, park assist and front and rear parking sensors. The In-Car Entertainment system - controlled and viewed via a centrally mounted 8" LCD screen - comprises of the Aston Martin Audio System, Bluetooth® audio and phone streaming, iPod®, iPhone® and USB playback and an integrated satellite navigation system.

https://www.netcarshow.com/aston_martin/2019-vantage/

 

[mic_y]

looks a bit too similar to the Jag F-type for my liking

 

[FiestaST]

Shmee has a 20min first look

[video=youtube_share;sl0wIAAMFZw]https://youtu.be/sl0wIAAMFZw[/video]

 

[FiestaST]

CarAdvice first look

[video=youtube_share;qKwknWZT3Oc]https://youtu.be/qKwknWZT3Oc[/video]

 

[FiestaST]

Motor1 UK first look

[video=youtube_share;R5opt1aFHA0]https://youtu.be/R5opt1aFHA0[/video]

 

[FiestaST]

Carfection first look

[video=youtube_share;GqFb0ssFM1o]https://youtu.be/GqFb0ssFM1o[/video]

 

[FiestaST]

Meet The New (AMG-Powered) Aston Martin Vantage!

The new Aston Martin Vantage has been revealed, powered by a 4,0-litre twin-turbo V8 courtesy of the Gaydon-based brand’s technical partners at Mercedes-AMG.

The British automaker says the eight-cylinder engine is set low and “as far back in the chassis as possible” for optimal centre-of-gravity and 50:50 weight distribution (the vehicle has a claimed dry weight of 1 530 kg).

In this guise, the V8 makes 375 kW at 6 000 r/min and 685 N.m from 2 000 to 5 000 r/min (the same peak power but a little more torque than in the V8-powered DB11), which Aston Martin says is enough for a 3,5-second sprint to 60 mph (97 km/h) and a top speed of 314 km/h. The automaker furthermore says “detailed tuning” of the induction, exhaust and engine management systems has given the Vantage a “truly intoxicating character and soundtrack”.

The Vantage sends its oomph to the rear wheels via a rear-mounted ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, and boasts a dynamic torque vectoring function and an electronic rear differential (the latter a first for Aston Martin).

The Gaydon-based brand describes the new Vantage’s chassis as an “evolution” of the latest generation bonded aluminium structure first seen on the DB11, but with some 70% new components.

New Pirelli P Zero tyres have been developed specifically for new Vantage, while the latest-generation adaptive damping system offers the choice of Sport, Sport Plus and Track modes.

Inside, you’ll find a combination of rotary and toggle-style controls, while the P, R, N and D transmission buttons have been moved into a triangular formation. Aston Martin claims “significant gains” in occupant space compared with the outgoing Vantage, as well as a lower driving position.

http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/meet-the-new-amg-powered-aston-martin-vantage/

 

[FiestaST]

2018 Aston Martin Vantage unveiled

Hardcore look, Mercedes-AMG-built 503bhp turbocharged V8 and all-new platform show the Vantage’s intent

The new 503bhp V8-engined Aston Martin Vantage is a “statement car” that showcases how the brand’s future models will become more individual and confident, according to its designer.

The new two-seater follows the DB11 as the second product of the British firm’s ‘second-century plan’, under which it will launch seven new cars in seven years. To ensure sufficient separation between the models, Aston is taking a bolder approach for each design.

The firm has revamped its entry-level model with an “analogue” approach that puts the focus on providing a direct, engaging drive, and that is reflected in the car’s exterior and interior design.

“The design team is trying to push a lot more and show the character of each car,” designer Sam Holgate told Autocar. “The Vantage is about being the hunter. It’s a car you want to get in and chase down a Lamborghini Huracán or a Porsche 911.”

The new Vantage’s front end is dominated by the lowest-sited functioning grille to have been used on a mainstream production Aston Martin.

The bonnet is a single clamshell design, with minimal shut lines. The turbocharged V8 engine doesn’t require air vents cut into the bonnet, although a slight bulge has been employed to link the car to the old V12 Vantage design and to create room for under-bonnet airflow to the turbo.

The flanks of the new Vantage have large side-cut features just behind the front wheels, which reflect the firm’s traditional side strakes and reduce pressure on the front tyres to cut drag.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/2018-aston-martin-vantage-unveiled

 

[FiestaST]

Aston Martin shows off new Vantage

Aston Martin – the marque synonymous with James Bond and everything cool about being British – has revealed its all-new Vantage, which is set to go into production in 2018.

The Aston Martin Vantage is back, and what a way to make a comeback. Look at it... that perfectly proportioned silhouette that’s distinctly Aston Martin is still visible, but there’s certainly a modern interpretation of the bodywork. The body is designed for aerodynamic performance, channelling air for both downforce and cooling. The rear diffuser looks as if it has been pulled straight from its Le Mans-winning GTE race car.

Still a looker from the rear and the diffuser looks particularly racecar-ish.

Where possible the Vantage has been designed to be as aggressive as possible, sharp lines meet fluid curves, trying to separate the Vantage from the more streamlined and GT like DB11.

Under the bonnet, the Vantage makes good use of a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. There are 375 kW and 685 Nm of torque available from 2 000 rpm to 5 000 rpm in a car that weighs 1.5-tonnes (about the same as a BMW M3).

The 0-96 kph sprint is claimed to take 3.5 seconds and the newcomer will hit a top speed of 313 kph. There is also a relatively standard 8-speed ZF gearbox mounted at the rear.

Aston Martin appears to have gone the technologically advanced sportscar route rather than the rough, raw and hard-edged route. The Vantage is equipped with an electronic differential that can react, within milliseconds, and transfer power to the wheel where it needs it. The diff can be 100% locked and also works to create stability at higher speeds. The steering too is electronically controlled; it adjusts dynamically depending on the car’s speed.

Other electronic controls installed to "enhance" the driving experience include, torque vectoring, dynamic stability control and adaptive dampers.

Interior has much less Merc design in it than the DB11.

Switching to the inside of the Vantage, it still incorporates much of the Mercedes-Benz switchgear, but in a way that preserves the aggressive and sharp theme of the exterior. The gear shift buttons have been rearranged for the Vantage and form a triangular shape in the centre console. The 8-inch LCD screen does all the normal, modern-day functions such as Bluetooth, media playback and navigation. The seats are sculpted in Alcantara and the finishing materials are of the highest quality according to Aston.

Pricing in the UK has been announced at 120 900 pounds or R2.25 million as a direct conversion. It’s on sale from the second quarter of 2018.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/aston-martin-shows-off-new-vantage/44278/

 

[FiestaST]

Aston Martin Vantage GTE Racecar

Aston Martin revealed the new Vantage: a dynamics successor to the biggest-selling road car in the British marque's history. Then, on the same day, in an unprecedented synchronised launch, Aston Martin Racing revealed the new Vantage GTE: the spectacular new FIA World Endurance Championship challenger poised to replace the team's most successful competition car of all-time, the multiple Le Mans-winning V8 Vantage GTE.

Built to comply with the FIA's strict GTE class regulations, the new Vantage GTE takes the road car's core design and dynamic capabilities to a whole new level through extensive optimisation of the powertrain, chassis and aerodynamics. Designed and engineered in-house at Aston Martin Racing's headquarters in Banbury, the project is led by Technical Director Dan Sayers, who also guided the design and development of the current V8 Vantage GTE - the car credited with 37 of the team's 51 international race victories, including two Le Mans 24 Hour class wins.

Though the new Vantage road car has only just been launched, development of the new Aston Martin Vantage GTE racecar is well advanced, with more than 13,000km of testing completed, including a successful 30-hour run at the Spanish circuit of Navarra. The car has also been through a rigorous durability programme at the notoriously rough Sebring circuit in Florida. All of Aston Martin Racing's current drivers have contributed to the test programme.

Reliability has been exceptional straight out of the box, while the drivers have reported the car is easier to control on the limit than its predecessor - something that will make the Vantage GTE especially attractive to competitors in the GTE Am class, where top-level amateurs race alongside professional teammates. Together with Aston Martin Racing's engineers, the factory drivers have worked hard to optimise the drivability and performance of the base Mercedes-AMG 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 engine, that has been developed for use in the Vantage GTE application by Aston Martin Racing.

https://www.netcarshow.com/aston_martin/2018-vantage_gte_racecar/

 

[FiestaST]

All-new Aston Vantage gets bold design, turbo power

Aston Martin’s new Vantage is heir to an iconic name. First used in 1951 for a high-output engine option for the DB2, the Vantage soon became a model in its own right.

Much as that first Vantage was all about the engine, the 2018 version is built around Aston Martin’s new four-litre twin turbo V8, rated in this application for 375kW at 6000 revs and 685Nm from 2000-5000rpm, giving the 1530kg Vantage a formidable power to weight ratio of 245kW per ton.

That translates to a 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.5 seconds and 312km/h flat out.

The engine is set far back in the chassis for perfect 50:50 weight distribution, driving the rear wheels via rear-mounted ZF eight-speed automatic transaxle with an electronic limited-slip differential - a first for Aston Martin - that can go from can go from fully open to 100 percent locked in a matter of milliseconds, and is tied into the car’s dynamic stability control system, to keep the car going exactly where it’s pointed.

Significant downforce

The chassis is an evolution of the bonded aluminium structure first seen on the DB11, although only less than a third of its components are shared, and the Vantage has a rigidly mounted rear subframe for more direct feel, albeit at the expense of a somewhat harsher. Adaptive damping is standard, offering the choice of Sport, Sport Plus and Track modes, as are new Pirelli P Zero tyres developed specifically for this car.

Aerodynamics are central to the Vantage design; the front splitter directs airflow underneath the car, over a set of fences that send cooling air where it’s needed and feed clean airflow to the rear diffuser to help create an area of low pressure under the car, literally sucking it onto the road.

That, together with side gills that bleed air pressure out from the front wheel arches and an upswept bootlid, generates a significant level of downforce - a first for a series-production Aston Martin model.

Inner space

Rather than the easy-on-the-eye fluid curves of a GT car, the cockpit - trimmed in a hand-crafted mix of leather and alcantara synthetic suede - is laid out in sharp, focused planes, the seats set low behind a high waistline, which may look a little claustrophobic from the outside but actually gives you more interior space and, in particular, more headroom than the previous Vantage.

There’s no gear lever, instead there are buttons for Park, Reverse Neutral and Drive in a V formation on the centre console with the engine start/stop button front and centre, and paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

Standard kit includes keyless start/stop, tyre pressure monitoring, front and parking sensors and a 20cm infotainment display on the centre stack for audio, phone and music streaming via Bluetooth or USB port and an integrated satellite navigation system.

The new Vantage is available to order now, starting from £120,900 (R3.62 million) in the UK, for delivery in the second quarter. First deliveries in South Africa are expected in late August or early September 2018; local pricing has yet to be confirmed.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/late...vantage-gets-bold-design-turbo-power-12109408

 

[FiestaST]

Superb video celebrates 'untamed' new Aston Martin

Aston Martin has celebrated the launch of the new Vantage with a special portfolio of video and still images by top photographer John Rankin Waddell, founder of influential fashion magazine Dazed and Confused.

The brief was to capture the catchphrase “Beautiful won’t be tamed”, portraying the new Vantage as the archetypal hunter. Rankin has made of it a classic story of rivalry, and of a car bred on the track for driving pleasure on the road.

Making the video involved two shoots - a dynamic two-day session at the Atlanta Motorsports Park, with actors, stunt drivers, drones and a chase car, to create the storyline and a static shoot in Rankin’s London studio that included bringing a wolf on set to bring out the predatory persona of Aston Martin’s stripped-back new performance flagship.

“It’s two drivers exploring the limits, vying for dominance over each other,’ Rankin explained. “It finishes with a tense stand-off, waiting for the next move.”

And there’s also a twist in the tail that we won’t tell you about; watch the video for yourself.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/indu...-celebrates-untamed-new-aston-martin-12124524

[video=youtube_share;AMv7Xe13EQ4]https://youtu.be/AMv7Xe13EQ4[/video]

 

[FiestaST]

[video=youtube_share;Q_wP94LjI0E]https://youtu.be/Q_wP94LjI0E[/video]

 

[FiestaST]

Aston Martin eyes up possible V12 Vantage

A more powerful V12 Vantage is 'technically possible' says Aston Martin boss, but there's no decision on whether it will make production

A V12 version of the Aston Martin Vantage is technically possible, but no decision has yet been made to put it into production, according to CEO Andy Palmer.

Speaking at the launch of the new Vantage, Palmer highlighted that it had been developed with a new, sportier character in mind as part of Aston’s push to give each of its models different characters, adding that the V8’s weight benefits contributed to that. “The V12 is a question we’ll consider, but there has been no decision yet,” said Palmer.

“Technically, it is very possible. The engine bay has been designed to replicate that of the DB11, so the pick-up points and so on are all there. The V12 would fit without the need for extensive modifications.

“But we have to consider the character of the new Vantage. This is our rebel, a really sporty car that stands out for its handling. The V12 has many great attributes, but the extra weight would bring some differences in character that we’d need to consider.”

Palmer has already confirmed that a manual V8 version of the Vantage will be developed, as well as a roadster, with both set to be launched over the next 18 months to two years.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/aston-martin-eyes-possible-v12-vantage

 

[FiestaST]

Used car buying guide: Aston Martin Vantage

A V8 Vantage is a honed, luxurious but analogue-style sports car with old-school appeal — and you can get one with full Aston history for £30k

If you can’t afford the £120,000 or so required to buy an example of the all-new Aston Martin Vantage V8 4.0 slated for release later this year, perhaps you’d like to consider its forebear, typically available from around £30,000 for a 2006-reg manual one with 50,000 miles and full Aston service history.

It’s tempting, especially since this previous-gen V8 Vantage looks sensational and has a reputation for being one of the best-built Astons yet. Okay, you say, that’s not saying much but its engine is rock solid and, apart from occasional paint bubbling, the bodies are holding up well.

What’s more, generally speaking, the cars seem to have been well looked after and not run much beyond 70,000 miles. There are lots of multiple-owner examples (typically five previous keepers) but, as a Porsche dealer once told me, that’s five honeymoon periods when no expense has been spared to keep the new bride (or groom) just so.

The V8 Vantage coupé was launched in 2005 with a free-revving all-alloy 4.3-litre V8 producing 380bhp and 302lb ft, driving the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox or Speedshift six-speed semi-automatic. Suspension is by double aluminium wishbones with front and rear anti-roll bars. The body is aluminium and, as standard, the interior is trimmed in leather and the fascia in alloy, while the seatsare 10-way electrically adjustable. Original options included a sat-nav that was bad even then. The Roadster followed in 2007 and prices for these now start at around £35,000.

There were mutterings about the car’s relative shortage of torque at lower revs but Aston was already working on a more powerful engine, which it released in 2008. The 4.7 V8, which replaced the 4.3, produces 420bhp but, crucially, 347lb ft at lower revs. So equipped, a Vantage 4.7 covers 0-62mph in 4.7sec, two- tenths faster than the 4.3, but it’s in the mid-range that the hike in power is most keenly felt. The 4.7 is cleaner than the 4.3 but road tax starts at £400 compared with the 4.3’s £165. Other changes included a new centre console and new 19in alloy wheels.

Prices for the 4.7 start at around £42,000 (we spied a 2009-reg one-owner 4.7 coupé with 35k miles and full Aston history for £42,480) but £50,000-plus is where the sweetest 2010-reg cars and younger reside.

Meanwhile, also in 2008, envious 4.3 owners were offered the chance to upgrade their Vantage with a new induction system and ECU software that boosted power to 400bhp and torque to 310lb ft. The 4.7’s popular Sports Pack option, comprising Bilstein dampers and lighter alloys, was also made available. It’s worth keeping an eye out for these.

Obviously, with its extra muscle, a 4.7 would be nice to have but a cherished 4.3 is better value. It’s just as achingly beautiful too. If you don’t throw it a backward glance every time you walk away, you don’t deserve one.

How to get one in your garage:

An expert’s view - STUART GOLDSMITH, SENIOR ENGINEER, RIKKI CANN

“The Vantage’s V8 engine is strong and reliable but it doesn’t like being taken for granted. Make sure the car has been properly serviced. That doesn’t mean the work must only have been carried out by main dealers. The specialist service network is just as good if not better since they work on a much greater variety of cars. Check the correct tyres have been fitted and all are in good condition. Air-con and heater controls need to be working correctly as they can be very expensive to put right. When properly maintained at the standard you’d expect of an Aston Martin, a V8 Vantage can be surprisingly affordable to own.”

Buyer beware…

ENGINE - The alternator belt may squeak from cold but a modified pulley cures it. Over-revving from cold can damage the engine. Check the exhaust bypass valve hasn’t been tampered with. Oil strainers on the 4.3 need to be removed and cleaned at service.

TRANSMISSION - Expect first and second gear selection to be sticky when cold. The clutch lasts up to 40,000 miles with care and is about £3000 to replace.

WHEELS, BRAKES AND SUSPENSION - Check the tyres for alignment. Use worn discs and pads as a haggling ploy. Low-mileage cars can have leaking shocks and broken springs. Bolts to realign the geometry seize and can be costly to replace. Rear hub’s lower bush housings crack.

BODY - Check for water ingress in the boot caused by blocked drain holes. Any rust is likely to be a bodged crash repair. Look for paint defects at the base of A-pillars and around parking sensors. Check for a loose and discoloured grille. Oxidising aluminium can be a problem on early cars and affects wing mirror stems, door bottoms and inside door handles. Paint on the vertical bars behind the radiator grille can flake off.

INTERIOR - The sat-nav can be slow and the plastic gears that open the screen are prone to breaking up. Check leather for wear and splits. Dash-tops suffer shrinkage.

Also worth knowing:

You can buy an extended warranty from Aston Martin – at a price. We were quoted £2192 for 12 months’ Premium cover and £1498 for Plus. The car has to be inspected by an Aston dealer for £600. Then you must wait 90 days before cover is applied, after which the car must be inspected again, for £300.

How much to spend:

£29,000-£34,995 - A spread of 4.3 coupé manuals (some autos) from launch to 2008/57-reg, many with full Aston service history.

£29,000-£34,995 - A spread of 4.3 coupe manuals (some autos) from launch to 2008/57-reg, many with full Aston service history.

£35,000-£39,995 - Sub-40k-mile 4.3 coupe manuals, plus a sprinkling of Roadsters.

£40,000-£44,995 - More coupé and Roadster autos. Small choice of 2008-10-reg 4.7s from £42k.

£45,000-£49,995 - The best 4.3 Roadster autos but quality 4.7s Roadsters and coupés are now available in numbers.

£50,000-£69,995 - Take your pick of 2010-15-reg 4.7s.

One we found:

Aston Martin Vantage 4.3, 2006/06, 51k miles, £33,000

There are lots of nice-sounding Vantages at this money but this private-sale car stood out for its full Aston service history and its new clutch, discs and pads. Plus you can tell a lot about a car from its owner.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/used-car-buying-guides/used-car-buying-guide-aston-martin-vantage

 

[FiestaST]

5 Cool Performance Cars Coming to SA in 2018

If outright performance is what you are looking for in 2018, then check out these 5 cars that are bound to scratch your performance itch…

There’s a wide range of new product headed for South Africa, including some potent machinery that will satisfy the needs of buyers looking to light up the tar. Here are 5 performance cars to look out for this year…

Aston Martin Vantage

An all-new Aston Martin Vantage is expected to make an appearance this year and it looks phenomenal. It will be powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with 375 kW and 685 Nm of torque. An 8-speed ZF transmission will propel the Vantage from zero to 100 kph in about 3.6 seconds before reaching a top speed of 313 kph. Its date of arrival in South Africa is yet to be confirmed, but it’s definitely a car to look out for in 2018.

BMW M5

The highly anticipated BMW M5 is due to arrive in South Africa in March 2018. Enthusiasts can look forward to a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 441 kW and 750 Nm of torque that will, for the first time in the M5, power all four wheels using an 8-speed automatic transmission. The driver can, however, choose to direct power to the rear wheels exclusively too…

The new M5 will reportedly decimate the zero to 100 kph sprint in 3.4 seconds before tapping out at its electronically limited top speed of 250 kph. There will be an M Driver’s Package on offer that will increase the top speed to 305 kph...

Honda Civic Type R

Honda will launch its new, hardcore Civic Type R sometime this year and it will arrive 16 kg lighter than the model it replaces. A turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine will develop no less than 228 kW and 400 Nm of torque with an enhanced 6-speed manual transmission directing power to the front wheels. The Civic Type R is claimed to take 5.7 seconds to sprint from zero to 100 kph before reaching a top speed of 272 kph. We will keep you updated as soon as definitive launch details emerge.

Porsche 911 GT2 RS

The fastest and most powerful road-legal 911 to date, the 911 GT2 RS will make landfall in South Africa early in 2018. It’s by far the fastest car on this list and will use a twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre flat-six engine that develops a mammoth 515 kW and 750 Nm of torque that will allow the Porsche to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in an eye-watering 2.8 seconds before reaching its top speed at 340 kph using a 7-speed PDK transmission. The 911 GT2 RS is expected to arrive locally in limited numbers.

Renault Megane RS

The new Renault Megane RS is expected to arrive in mid-2018 and it’s bound to thrill hot-hatch enthusiasts with its new turbocharged 1.8-litre engine with peak outputs of 205 kW and 390 Nm of torque. The Megane RS Sport and Cup versions are expected to arrive first with the more powerful Megane RS Trophy following later in 2018 or 2019. Buyers will, for the first time, have the choice between a 6-speed manual or 6-speed EDC transmission. The Megane RS is said to be capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 kph in 5.8 seconds.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/5-cool-performance-cars-coming-to-sa-in-2018/44450/

 

[FiestaST]

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