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Beauty more than skin deep with 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Aston Martin have announced that the 2009 V8 Vantage will feature a host of changes to practically every mechanical system within the car, resulting a vehicle that should be go faster, handle better and drink less fuel than the outgoing model.
The engine


Aston Martin have announced that the 2009 V8 Vantage will feature a host of changes to practically every mechanical system within the car, resulting a vehicle that should be go faster, handle better and drink less fuel than the outgoing model.

The engine has been increased in capacity by 400cc to 4.7-litres, with power rising by 11% to 420bhp and torque increasing by 15% to 470Nm. Bore and stroke are now perfectly square at 91mmx91mm too, which offers the ideal balance between low rev grunt and top-end power.

Top speed is increased to 288kph and the 0-98kph sprint is now dispatched in a rapid 4.7 seconds. Amazingly, these gains have also been met with a drop in fuel consumption. Aston Martin claim that combined fuel economy and CO2 emissions have dropped by 13% when equipped with the Sportshift paddle-shifted gearbox, which suggests that the V8's extra displacement confers upon the Vantage a great deal more pulling power at low revs.

The engine is also more responsive thanks to a lighter crankshaft and flywheel/clutch. The automatic Sportshift gearbox has also been remapped to take advantage of the new V8's torque, while also adding a couple of gear-holding programs to improve power delivery while cornering and descending hills.

Springs are now stiffer and Bilstein dampers are standard equipment for '09. Uprated suspension components that were originally introduced on the Roadster model are now standard on the Coupe and steering geometry has been changed for both models.

External changes are minimal and are limited to a change in wheel design, with sexy lightweight forged 5-spoke rims also on offer as part of the Sport Pack option, which also brings with it a thoroughly revised suspension.

On the inside, Aston's fancy ECU start button/keyfob combo from the DBS has now been carried over, simplifying a start procedure that previously involved twisting a key then pushing a button. The centre console material has also been changed, but aside from that the V8's interior should feel familiar to owners of the last model.

Although it still appears to be exactly the same as last year's model, there are enough revisions to the 2009 V8 Vantage to offer a markedly different driving experience. Indeed, with more power and more thriftiness, this is arguably the Vantage Aston Martin should have built in the first place. Pricing has not yet been announced, however Aston Martin say that deliveries should commence during the third quarter of this year.

Official press release follows the image gallery.

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PRESS RELEASE:

Gaydon, 23 May 2008. Aston Martin's 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 as one of the world's most desirable and exhilarating sports cars.

While the universally distinctive and award-winning shape of the 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 power unit in both Coupe and Roadster variants. Other changes include revised dynamics to take full advantage of increased power and torque availability, improved Sportshift™ transmission software and a new sports suspension option.

The 4.7 litre V8 engine has a power output of 420bhp (an 11% increase on the previous 4.3 litre unit) and delivers peak torque of 470Nm (15% increase), providing the 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 include a new centre console and revised switchgear and the introduction of an ECU replacing the previous V8 Vantage key. Externally, the acclaimed V8 Vantage design appearance is enhanced with a range of new standard and optional 19'' alloy 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 have taken the V8 Vantage to new levels of performance to produce an even more desirable sports car.

"The V8 Vantage is now the most successful Aston Martin in our history and we are confident these changes will continue its appeal and driving enjoyment for both new and existing customers."

Engine

Improvements in performance 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 design of the 4.3 litre engine.

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

Other key changes include efficiency improvements to the dry sump lubrication system, including a new 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 inlet 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 V8 Vantage transmissions have also undergone changes to improve performance 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 hence 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 include a revised control strategy, allowing the transmission, rather than the engine, to dictate how best the engine torque should be deployed to optimise performance 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 throttle inputs and in the default 'Sports' mode the throttle mapping is more aggressive, delivering a more dynamic and sporting feel.

Sportshift™ now also has the capability to take inputs from the steering wheel enabling the current gear to be held when the car is negotiating a corner and hill descent detection, allowing a low gear to be held, maximising the effects of engine braking.

Suspension

A series of improvements are introduced to the V8 Vantage chassis and suspension setup to deliver improved body control and low speed ride quality; enabling the driver to take full advantage of the increased performance potential.

A number of the improved components originally introduced on the Vantage Roadster are now carried over to the Coupe, including revised upper damper mountings and bump stops. Additionally, the front 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 V8 Vantage also now benefits from Bilstein dampers as standard; these low-friction dampers provide improved levels of dynamic capabilities and further improve ride quality.

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 response, up-rated springs and a revised rear anti-roll bar (Coupe only). The Sports Pack is intended to offer greater agility, high speed body control and precision feel for the most enthusiastic of drivers.

Although the award-winning exterior design of the 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 maximum choice. Alternatively, as part of the Sports Pack option, a 5-spoke lightweight aluminium wheel will be provided.

In the cabin, a new centre console constructed from die cast zinc alloy with a graphite silver finish is introduced along with a new ECU – first seen on the DBS in 2007. The ECU – constructed from glass, polished stainless steel and polycarbonate - replaces the key used previously for the V8 Vantage. The revised car also includes a new Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation System offering faster route processing, additional features and improved graphics. Full ipod/MP3 integration is retained as standard equipment.

First shown as a concept car at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the V8 Vantage 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 V8 Vantage Coupe to customers began in late 2005, joined by a convertible sibling in 2007 when the Vantage Roadster was launched. The car is hand built at Aston Martin's Headquarters at Gaydon, Warwickshire, UK and to date more than 10,000 have been delivered to customers around the world.

Prices for the revised V8 Vantage will be confirmed at a later date, with deliveries set to commence from quarter three 2008.

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