Aston Martin Racing has updated its successful V8 Vantage-based GT4 racer ahead of the 2011 season. A new aero package, revised ECU mapping and a new Bosch ABS/traction control setting developed with race data headline the improvements.
But, really, it’s an Aston and with slick marketing pics like these it’s the beauty of the Vantage’s form that is worth savouring. So enjoy these handful of pics and remember to click on each one to launch the 2000px super sizing.
Aston Martin has gone all Top Gear on us with this new video of the V8 Vantage N420. It’s very much in the theme of the closing piece Jeremy did on the V12 Vantage to close out Series 13. This version from Aston is a perfectly brilliant way to start the day, so crank up the volume and enjoy!
Aston Martin have just taken the wraps of their latest special edition V8 Vantage. It’s called the N420; that’s N for Nürburgring and 420 for the number of horses under the bonnet.
The Vantage has a proud record of racing at the Nürburgring 24 hour race. An Aston Martin Vantage has raced at the Ring every year since making its debut in 2006. Perhaps the most famous of these cars is the one called “Rose” which was the first Vantage to pop its Ring cherry. That car has completed thousands of racing miles over a number of years. A great advertisement for Aston, supported ably up by the appearance of CEO Ulrich Bez in the race seat as well.
So, this N420 thing, what’s it all about? In addition to the 420hp on offer from the 4.7 litre V8 there is the choice of 6-speed transmissions in traditional manual or Sportshift auto configuration. Weight has been reduced by 27kg, too, which is a nice touch. But that won’t really stand out at the Country Club, so Aston have obliged by throwing bits of carbon fibre trim on the outside. Optional “Race Collection” paint schemes will also give you bragging rights at the 19th hole. Other minor styling updates have also been introduced.
Perhaps one of the better introductions is the addition of a revised sports exhaust system. Aston say this “delivers a suitably rousing soundtrack”. The V8 Vantage already sounded sublime and if they have found a way to improve on that exhaust note then they’ve done a cracking job.
More after the break.
Volkswagen Australia, are you watching! Even Tom Ford, all the way over in England, knows the deal—bring the Scirocco to Australia in place of the three door Golf GTI. While GTI production is in limbo prior to the launch of the MkVI model the case for the Scirocco is even stronger. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!
So we know how Episode 6 started, read on to see what else the Fifth Gear had in store.