High performance Vantage was announced in February. Revised camshafts, air-box, larger inlet valves and carburettors, new inlet manifolds and different plugs, claims to provide an increase in power of 40% and 10% more torque. The same ZF manual gearbox as in the V8 Saloon is standard equipment. This is enough to give a top speed of about 170 mph and acceleration from 0-60 mph in 5.2 secs. Body modifications includes a spoiler on the tail, a deep spoiler under the nose and blanked off radiator, and blanked off bonnet air scoop.

 The Aston Martin Vantage is a stub to today's world of restrictions and ever-increasing legistlation. It bucks against the trend of anonymous uniformity, and serves as an ultimate expression for its owner.
 For the Vantage is the world's fastest accelerating current production car, with acceleration to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds* and to 100 mph in 12.9 seconds** And, where the law allows, it can sprint upwards to a maximum of about 170 mph.
 Allied to this colossal performance are massive race-bred disc brakes which stop
the Vantage even faster than it goes, a front air dam and rear spoiler which were developed in wind tunnel tests to increase the already impressive stability and handling, and low-profile, extra-wide tyres which enhance the famed Aston Martin roadholding
 Other features which improve the car's aerodynamics are headlamp covers, a revised grille and a cowl for the bonnet bulge.
 To produce such enormous performance is one thing. To contain it in a civilized package suitable for four adults and for motoring on the open road or the crowded city highway is another. And that's where Aston's experience of building some of the world's most treasured and envied thoroughbred machines of the century comes to the fore.
 So you'll find the engine is at the front, where it should be, and not directly behind the driver or at the rear end. That means there are four seats and a decently-sized luggage compartment
 The engine, a magnificent hand-assembled 5.4-litre V8, is as docile as it is
powerful, and is capable of accelerating the Vantage in fifth year from 20 mph with no traumas whatsoever It is no use being the fastest road car in the world if the engine is as temperamental and inflexible as a racing machine
 Driving the Vantage is a unique experience. The power is unleashed in a constant flow which is illustrated by the fact that every fifth gear 20 mph increase in speed up to 100 mph takes six seconds or less**, yet around the occupants are the sort of luxurious appointments normally associated with e stately limousine.
 The passenger door and window locks, for example, are electrically operated. The steering has power-assistance which relieves the driver's burden, but still allows him adequate feel. There is air-conditioning. A radio and cassette player. Leather upholstery, total instrumentation, reclining front seats, carpeting, a map light and lots more.
 And of course a guarantee of quality and safety which only superb engineering, hand building, a dedicated workforce and more than 50 years experience can give.
 
*Autocar **Motor

Vantage

Aston Martin AM V8, chassis #RHAM/001, engine: Aston Martin 5.340 cc. (Robin Hamilton / Mike Salmon / David Preece) by Robin Hamilton at 24h Le Mans.