2010 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Review

A younger, smaller and more affordable system to the Aston Martin DB9, the V8 Vantage is an amazing vehicle either as a coupe or a convertible. With its long, low-bonnet line, this two-seater stays close to the road with a minimalist exterior, yet proud, and performing interior.

Stunningly hot photos of the 2010 Aston Martin V8 Vantage show the typical and sexy C-pillar looks that you would expect from an Aston Martin with muscular, yet toned shoulder lines and sleek, streamlined curves that promise all the skill of an aerodynamic engineer’s loving hands.

Wit an interior practically identical to what you will find on the larger, more expensive DB9, the difference for this baby sister of a car is to be found under the hood because it lacks in performance where the designers have decided to make up for in the car quality, appearance and style.

Performance

The 2010 V8 Vantage comes standard with a 4.7-liter V8 which produces a thundering 420 horsepower and can be mated to either a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission. Pressing the glass starter button on the V8 Vantage rewards a driver with an exotic, throaty purr of welcome from the engine. Throw the Vantage in gear using the shift paddles and you can be off and running immediately thanks to the timing adjust of the electronic clutch.

The 2010 V8 Vantage does not perform quite as well as the Porsche 911 it was obviously designed to compete with, but its on the road handling is more than adequate enough for a sunny country drive with the top down or a rain-spattered commute through city streets on your way to work. Not hesitating to provide uptick power when demanded or failing to hug corners like a true pro, the Vantage V8 performs not like a champion, but more like a contender.

Exterior Features

Not much has changed on the Vantage since 2009. The wheels have gone up to 19-inch variants which now have a spider-mesh appearance instead of the 8-spoke design that was so unimpressive before. A slight rear-lip spoiler adorns the back, not at all detracting from the somewhat Spartan-seeming exterior. The dual exhaust ports on the back are fully enclosed in the body of the car, further minimizing the shadow cast by this gorgeous beauty.

Interior Features

The interior cabin of the 2010 V8 Vantage is sensual and designed to be a delight to the tactile senses. Beautifully-designed buttons, switches, and levers that are well placed and move with silky smoothness are there exactly where you need them. The firm steering wheel practically begs to be held tightly and sends back response from the wheels with reassuring regularity. Despite all of the love you feel when you sit inside, there are a few notable absences to the V8 Vantage worth mentioning.

Absent is the auto-dimming rearview mirror, the ventilated seats are gone, and even illumination for the vanity mirrors located in the sweet suede sun visors. The stitching is nice throughout and offered in a color complementing the primary interior color that is chosen, giving the Vantage a hand-crafted feel throughout.

Safety & Specifications

Car safety features include your standard traction and stability control, antilock brake system (ABS), and anti skid system and front/side airbags.

Upgrade Options

an optional Sports Pack changes the spider web alloy wheels into 5-spoke alloy wheels instead. Exterior options include a Bright Finish front grille, front parking system, Xenon headlamps, power folding mirrors, stoneguards, and a wind deflector to keep the wind from coming back up on the driver and passenger while the top is down.

For the interior, drivers have a choice of the standard 160 watt audio system or a premium system which boasts a heart-stopping 700 watts and has an optional integrated Sirrius Satellite Radio receiver. Heated front seats, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, and a satellite navigation system are all options also available on the V8 Vantage

How the 2010 V8 Vantage Compares to Other Luxury Sports Cars

The V8 Vantage is not as much of a performance machine as its direct competitor the Porsche 911. It is much more luxurious and eye-catching than the Corvette Z06, however so the car fits nicely in the niche market giving buyers a choice of what matters to them. Though she may not perform as well, neither is this Aston Martin lagging so far behind as to be laughable. Able to hold corners and perform well on and off the track, its stunning beauty makes the V8 worthy of serious consideration if you have the money to spend on this $110,000 invoice vehicle.

Conclusion: Is the 2010 V8 Vantage a Smart Buy?

When all is said and done the looks department is where the Aston Martin V8 Vantage is going to trump performance by a mile. Undeniably beautiful both inside and out, the car serves as a passable replacement for those yuppies who are flooding the market with the comparable Porsche 911 or Corvette Z06. If you are looking for the superior performance and agility of the DB9 but don’t have the ability to meet that greater price tag, then the V8 is certainly worthy of consideration.