Aston Martin unleashes race-inspired Vantage N420

These are the first official pics of Aston Martin's new motorsport-inspired special edition -- the V8 Vantage N420 -- which is said to draw its inspiration from the company's experiences at the recent Nurburgring 24-hour race.

Following in the wheeltracks of the limited-run 2007 V8 Vantage N400, the Vantage N420 is based on the standard 4.7-litre, 313kW V8 Vantage, but gains a raft of aero/suspension tweaks and weight-reducing measures.

Scheduled for an August Euro launch, the Vantage N420 will be priced in the UK from £96,995 ($173,185 in our money) -- but in real terms this equates to an Australian price roughly $285K.

To be offered in Coupe or Roadster form, the Vantage N420 will feature six-speed manual or optional Sportshift automated manual transmissions.

The upgrades begin with a 27kg weight saving (achieved via extensive use of carbonfibre bits), while the aero-enhancing mods include a new front splitter, side strakes and diffuser.

Other visual differentiators include 10-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels with gloss black finish, black mesh vents and 'Graphitic' tailpipe finishers.

The goodies list extends to an 'Iridium' interior package with graphite instruments, leather or Alcantara steering wheel, special N420 sill plaques and lightweight carbonfibre seats -- complete with 'Race Track' stitching as in the V12 Vantage. Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and Park Distance Control are also standard.

In keeping with its race-inspired orientation, Vantage N420 comes standard with a Sports Pack, which brings revised springs, dampers and anti-roll bars for tauter handling -- ostensibly without impinging too much on refinement levels. There's also a new sports exhaust system that delivers a "suitably rousing soundtrack".

Customers get to choose from Aston's 'Race Collection' paint schemes, which pair bold body colours with contrasting hues for the cant rails and radiator grille surround. The white and black car pictured here is festooned in 'Asia Cup' livery, but all of the company's N24 Vantage racers are celebrated, with 'Rose' yellow, 'Kermit' green and 'Elwood' blue all featuring in the collection... along with traditional Aston Martin Racing green, naturally.

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