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| 2006
Aston Martin V8 Vantage |
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| Overview |
On
Sale Date
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Fall 2005 |
| Body Style |
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Coupe |
| Category |
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Sports Cars |
| Drivetrain |
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Rear-wheel drive |
| Engine |
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4.3-liter 380-hp V8 |
| Estimated Price |
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$100,000 - $110,000 |
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 The
newest Aston Martin made its debut at the
2005 Geneva Motor Show. Not only is this the
smallest car to ever wear the Aston Martin
logo, it is also the least expensive.
“The V8 Vantage is a significant car
for us“, explained Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO
of Aston Martin. “It is now the third
model in our range and is the culmination
of the first phase of reinvigorating the Aston
Martin brand around the world that began in
the year 2000.”
Joining the flagship Vanquish and the DB9
line, the V8 Vantage is a sleek two-seat sports
car with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
layout. “The V8 Vantage features many
of the design cues that have become basic
DNA for all Aston Martin models and are leading
edge in car design,” added Dr Bez.
Under the hood is a 4.3-liter V8 engine producing
380 horsepower. The engine, unique to Aston
Martin, is positioned ahead of the driver,
but well back in the chassis. Combined with
a rear-mounted 6-speed manual transaxle, the
V8 Vantage achieves a nearly perfect 49/51
weight balance. Performance should be impressive,
with a promised top speed of 175 mph and 0-60
mph in just 4.9 seconds
The interior is all Aston Martin, with much
of the styling for the switches and instruments
derived from exclusive watches and premium
audio gear. The interior makes extensive use
of leather and anodized aluminum, and the
V8 Vantage features a full complement of custom-fitted
luggage.
Aston Martin hopes to go head-to-head with
the Porsche 911 with its new V8 Vantage, but
has no plans to match production numbers with
the German sports car. Plans call for around
2,500 V8 Vantages to be built annually. |
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