Aston Martin V8 Vantage packs on muscle

Aston Martin's V8 Vantage -- originally launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 2005 -- is about to receive a host of mid-life upgrades, none more significant than the slotting in of an enlarged 4.7-litre V8 (in lieu of the existing 4.3-litre unit).

Other key changes include revised dynamics to "take full advantage of increased power and torque availability", improved software for the Sportshift sequential manual gearbox and a new sports suspension option.
 
The 4.7-litre V8 engine kicks out 313kW at 7000rpm (an 11 per cent increase on the previous 4.3-litre unit) and peak torque of 470Nm at 5750rpm (a 15 per cent increase).

Aston claims the beefed-up powerplant provides the V8 Vantage with "new reserves of mid-range performance" (even though the peak torque figure doesn't arrive until late in the piece) and the company is touting a 0-100km/h split of 4.8 seconds and a v-max of 288km/h.

These numbers put the updated Vantage more or less on par with the Porsche 911 Carrera S and Audi R8 -- at least as far as straight-line performance is concerned.

In addition, combined fuel economy and CO2 emissions are claimed to be 13 per cent better than before in the Sportshift-equipped model.

The stretch in engine capacity was reaped via bore/stroke increases from 89mm to 91mm and 86mm to 91mm respectively, giving a total displacement of 4735cc. What's more, Aston says 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.

Changes to the Sportshift transmission 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".

In the default 'Sports' mode the throttle mapping is "aggressive", for a more dynamic and sporting feel, but there's also a 'Comfort' mode for when you're just tooling about around town.

The dampers (Bilsteins as standard) have been stiffened up for sharper responses and the Aston boffins have also revised the steering geometry for improved feel.

Also introduced as an option for both Coupe and Roadster variants is a new Sports Pack that comprises forged lightweight alloy wheels for lower unsprung mass, re-tuned Bilstein dampers for sharper response, up-rated springs and a revised rear anti-roll bar (Coupe only).

Inside, the changes include a new centre console and revised switchgear and the introduction of an ECU ('Emotion Control Unit'….really) replacing the previous V8 Vantage key.

Aston's crayon department hasn't tampered unnecessarily with the Vantage's sublime proportions and the sole external changes are the provision of a new range of 19-inch alloys.

New-design 20-spoke rims are standard -- with either diamond-turned silver or graphite finishes available as options -- while the Sports Pack option brings five-spoke lightweight wheels.

The updated Vantage V8 goes on sale internationally in the third quarter of this year, which suggests we'll see it here towards the end of '08 or early next year.

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