Aston Martin Vantage AMV 8 - Spectacular Performance and Dynamics

2018 Aston Martin V8 Vantage AMV 8 Tungsten Silver - Drive, Interior and Exterior. Subscribe.

New Vantage defined by bold new look, intensified performance and dynamics
Powered by 4.0-litre, 510PS/685Nm twin-turbo V8 mated to eight-speed ZF transmission
Maximum speed 195mph. 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds
First Aston Martin to be fitted with an Electronic Rear Differential (E-Diff)
Deliveries scheduled to begin second quarter of 2018

The backbone of the new Vantage is its bonded aluminium underframe. While the architecture of the car is based on Aston Martin’s next generation platform, 70% of its components are bespoke to the Vantage as it was essential the engineering team had the freedom to create the ideal foundation for a sports car. The result is an impressive dry weight of 1,530kg.

At 4465mm, the car is 284mm shorter than DB11, and is 34mm shorter than a Porsche 911. This compactness helps give the car its inherent agility – something for which the outgoing Vantage was renowned and on which this new model raises the bar.

The underframe features a solidly-mounted sub frame which creates an immensely rigid structure providing a very stable platform from which the suspension can control the car. This structure ensures that the driver feels very much a part of the car, creating a feeling of ‘direct connection’ that can be felt and appreciated by all drivers and relished by the most skilled.

The new Aston Martin Vantage utilises a high performance 4-litre V8 Twin Turbo engine, generating an output of 510PS. The basis of this engine has been provided by Mercedes-AMG as part of the company’s successful ongoing relationship. Aston Martin Engineers have worked to ensure that this engine maintains the unique AML character and ‘feel’ that Aston Martins are renowned for.

Moving to a twin-turbo V8 from a naturally aspirated V8 could have resulted in the new Vantage lacking the soundtrack for which Aston Martins are rightly renowned. However, , engineers have successfully tuned both the induction and exhaust systems to provide the iconic sound quality synonymous with an Aston Martin sports car. This is particularly noticeable in Sport Plus and Track modes.

Great effort has also been put into positioning the engine as low as possible for a lower centre of gravity and improved weight distribution to contribute to optimised driving dynamics. The low engine position is achieved through new engine mounts and a lower, slimmer wet sump. With this bespoke new wet sump design, AML have achieved an improved engine parasitic loss figure, which improves fuel economy.

The 685Nm of torque is fed through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission mounted at the back of the car. The gearbox has specially developed software which provides short, crisp gear changes when required, and can also deliver the type of shift refinement and usability which is beyond that seen on dual clutch gearboxes.

By using eight gears, this enables close ratios, which allow the engine to be kept in its most powerful / efficient speed range for longer depending on driver demand. The gearbox’s adaptive software is designed to gauge the conditions the car is operating in, along with the demands the driver is making, to ensure the car is in exactly the right gear at the right time.

The dynamic brief for the new Vantage was simple. Make it as exciting and engaging as possible without compromising its everyday usability or making it too challenging for drivers of all abilities. The key to achieving this objective was complete integration of the powertrain, transmission, suspension and steering systems, which work in harmony to offer three distinct dynamic modes – Sport, Sport Plus and Track.

The new Aston Martin Vantage utilises a high performance 4-litre V8 Twin Turbo engine, generating an output of 510PS. The basis of this engine has been provided by Mercedes-AMG as part of the company’s successful ongoing relationship. Aston Martin Engineers have worked to ensure that this engine maintains the unique AML character and ‘feel’ that Aston Martins are renowned for.

Moving to a twin-turbo V8 from a naturally aspirated V8 could have resulted in the new Vantage lacking the soundtrack for which Aston Martins are rightly renowned. However, , engineers have successfully tuned both the induction and exhaust systems to provide the iconic sound quality synonymous with an Aston Martin sports car. This is particularly noticeable in Sport Plus and Track modes.

Great effort has also been put into positioning the engine as low as possible for a lower centre of gravity and improved weight distribution to contribute to optimised driving dynamics. The low engine position is achieved through new engine mounts and a lower, slimmer wet sump. With this bespoke new wet sump design, AML have achieved an improved engine parasitic loss figure, which improves fuel economy.