Aston Martin V8 Vantage 2009

Aston Martin V8 Vantage 2009

Its something about Aston Martin V8 Vantage 2009 Now to discuss!

According to Car magazine, the Vantage will get some engineering tweaks and its engine capacity will grow by almost half a liter, to 4733-cc. A year ago Aston merely fiddled with the ECU on the N400 and found 20 extra horses.

The cabin is also expected to receive a polish, with things like the Ford key. A face-lifted range of DB9s is also expected. All of these changes leads us to our one request for Aston, please be careful with what is already perfection.

Aston Martin launched V8 in 2005, we had a lot of good things to say about it at that time. The look, power, handling, and solidness of Aston’s everyday supercar - also liked the idea of the British firm giving us a car that could take on Porsche 911 as a direct competitor. Now, three years later, Aston has updated the car with even more of what we loved…

For example, the engine is still a V-8, but it has increased in size from 4.3L to 4.8L. With thinner cylinder liners, increased bore and stroke, a new forged steel crankshaft and aluminum pistons, a larger cylinder-head intake port and inlet valve, improved oil circulation from the dry-sump system, and an optimized intake manifold, power now comes in at 420 hp and 347 lb-ft of torque. The transmission has undergone some changes, too – well, both of them, actually. The standard six-speed manual and optional Sportshift have been given a modified clutch and flywheel that saves weight, reduces rotating mass, and – in the manual version – lessens clutch effort.

Also the Sportshift transmission has a few additional changes, including a revised control program for smoother power delivery and Dual Throttle Map software allowing for “Sports” and “Comfort” modes that alter throttle tip in to make around-town driving a smoother exercise while allowing for sharper inputs in spirited driving. Sensitivity to steering and hill decent have also been added, allowing the current gear to be held midcorner and a lower gear to remain engaged to optimize engine braking on steep mountain declines. Combined with the V8 Vantage’s increased power, acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is down to a paltry 4.7 sec, while top speed is up to 180 mph.

Amazingly, Aston also claims the new engine, when coupled with the revised Sportshift transmission, provides greater fuel economy and fewer emissions despite the increased performance – a refreshing trend.

One of the few complaints we had regarding the original V8 Vantage was its slight lack of steering feel. Aston’s addressed that by changing up the steering geometry and stiffening the front lower suspension arm bushings to improve feel – and handling to boot. 

Inside the V8 Vantage, another complaint has been addressed – that of complicated, untactful switchgear that we found difficult to use while focusing on the road. That’s been revised in the new car with a completely restyled center stack – constructed from die-cast zinc alloy and finished in graphite silver — containing new controls designed to be easier to operate than their predecessors. A new electronic key fob, dubbed ECU, mimics that of the DBS’s glass, stainless steel, and polycarbonate unit, and replaces the old car’s traditional key. A new Hard Disk Drive Navigation System allows for faster route processing, improved graphics, and additional features.

Those looking for ultimate performance from their V8 Vantage aren’t likely to be disappointed either.