Aston Martin Readies a Porsche 911 Fighter

New Model Designed to Increases Aston Sales and Market Reach

Its finally here! Having introduced the long-awaited V8 Vantage at this years Geneva Motor Show, Aston Martins latest work will join its elegant siblings, the beautiful DB9 2+2 and the refined Vanquish S supercar in 2006.

The design, spawned from the AM V8 Concept shown at the 2003 North American International Auto Show which debuted Astons new Henrik Fisker-penned styling direction, is positioned as a high-performance sports car with intentions of competing with and overthrowing legendary performance machines such as the Porsche 911, Mercedes-Benz SL, Maserati 4200 GT and the next-generation BMW M3; the latter car to a lesser extent.

To Aston Martin, the V8 Vantage signifies the end of the first stage of the "reinvigoration" of the company, according to A-M CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez. This vehicle is a symbol of what improvements the brand has made through its modernization process, namely the modular engine series, the aluminum-intensive V-H architecture and the separation from other PAG-branded companies.

At the cars unveiling, Dr. Bez said that, "The V8 Vantage is a true Aston Martin, built with the same high integrity and passion as all of our cars. This is the most affordable Aston Martin and its design and agility should help us to widen our appeal and attract younger customers to the marque. The real difference is that the V8 Vantage takes us into a new sector of the market where we have not been previously represented."

Though the Vantage is smaller and cheaper, these factors dont make it any less of an Aston Martin, Bez said. "The V8 Vantage has all of the hand-built bespoke attributes for which Aston Martin is renowned." This will be a big point of attraction for customers, who will see and feel the difference of its carefully crafted components, a trait rarely seen in its segment.

What will help set the V8 apart from its competitors is its exquisite interior design and material choice. A wide variety of top-notch leathers and fabrics will be available while aluminum will be featured as a major element of the cabins trim and the instrument dials. The two-seater will feature many of the interior themes started with the DB9, but will have its own unique attributes. To uphold the companys modernized values, there definitely wont be any parts-bin sharing with other Ford-owned brands - a very good thing.

On the outside, the V8 Vantage is immediately recognizable as an Aston Martin. The slinky, sexy exterior of the concept car has received very little change through its extensive testing and development process. Surprisingly, this design translates quite well despite the cars compact dimensions. The Vantage doesnt shy away from practicality either, offering a practical liftback and vast cargo bay. While all Astons share similar in profile, the V8 Vantage is more toned and muscular, with more pronounced fenders and leaner flanks that hint at the cars performance abilities.

While the DB9 and Vanquish S both feature handcrafted V12 powerplants, the baby Aston uses an all-new 4.3-liter quad-cam, 32-valve V8 engine. The motor produces an impressive 380 horsepower at 7,800 rpm, and 302 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. Aston claims that the V8 Vantage is capable of accelerating to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of about 175 mph.

Key features of this thoroughbred motor include dry-sump lubrication, which allows the motor to sit low in the car with a front-mid mounting. The former aids in lowering the cars center of gravity, while the latter allows the six-speed manual gearbox to be positioned at the rear, and helps create the cars 49:51 front-rear weight distribution.

For its chassis and structure, the V8 Vantage will utilize a super-lightweight aluminum architecture bonded with rivets and advanced epoxies, a technique first used in the DB9. This strong frame will ensure a stiff structure, while keeping weight to a minimum to ensure excellent road manners. Body panels for the Vantage will be a mix of aluminum, steel and composite materials to save even more weight.

As with other Astons, the V8 Vantage is multi-national; its engine is built in Cologne, Germany alongside the V12s used in the DB9 and Vanquish S, while the rest of the vehicle is assembled in Gaydon, England.

Deliveries in Europe of this new, breathtaking machine will begin in late summer. Although North Americans will have to wait a little longer for the Vantage, Aston hopes to have models ready for sale by the years end. Pricing has yet to be announced.