Thursday 22 August 2002

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Driving Experience

Think of Aston Martin and you can expect a line of powerful, dashing and smart sports cars. Of course, every car by this British car maker is a great model to drive in, but the brand didn't have anything like a party piece - this is why Aston Martin V8 Vantage came into existence.

Aston engineers kept the tried-and-true 4.7-liter V8 engine under the plan but re-designed the valved air intake system, and improved the spark strategy. These changes happened to accrue more air to the engine at the higher rpm, and also ignited the gasoline more effectively. All these factors cause more power generation and more efficiency.

With modifications came an engine paired to either a seven-speed automated manual or a six-speed manual. It produces 361 pound-feet of torque and 430 horsepower. In addition, the engineers expected the car to reach 0 to 60 in just 4.6 seconds and could make up top a top speed of 190 mph.

To ensure V8 stops and goes well, engineers got inspiration from GT racing series and worked with a quick-ratio steering rack and high performance brakes. With the price kept at the lower slot, it is taken as an introductory model to this British luxury car maker range.

If you have driven V12 Vantage S Roadster, you may not feel comfortable driving a cheaper version or a less powerful engine. Also, you would not expect it to offer an enlivening driving experience. You may find your theories wrong after driving this great car. Just a few shifts, and you will become accustomed to heavy yet intuitive clutch, the weight and directness of steering, positioning and heft of the gearbox shifter and its linkage. After a few minutes of ride, you can feel as if you are not driving a simple car, but operating a new appendage, and you will find the car becoming a part of you.

Speaking honestly, no other car would feel as intuitive as V8 Vantage. Take this car for a drive and you would not realize the burden of driving a car. It offers superb grip and can shift the transmission quickly. The handling is confident, and you can drive on road without any fear of losing the grip or control. Every component hits perfection and you will love the experience.

V8 Vantage carries the legacy forward and offers ultimate facilities like any other Aston Model - be it 2013 DB9, Volante or any other model.