V8 Vantage Control
The V8 Vantage delivers superb, responsive handling. Aston Martin’s unique all-alloy VH (Vertical Horizontal) architecture provides an excellent backbone, while the use of lightweight alloys, magnesium and advanced composites reduces body weight and creates class-leading rigidity.
The car’s natural agility is also aided by a low polar moment of inertia and excellent weight distribution. Engineered to accommodate as much weight as possible within the wheelbase, the V8 Vantage has minimal front and rear overhangs. The engine is positioned well behind the front axle line, just ahead of the cabin, creating what is effectively a front mid-engined car. Dry sump lubrication enables the engine to sit lower in the car, dropping the centre of gravity and preventing cornering G-forces from restricting oil supply to the engine.
The transmission is rear mid-mounted forward of the rear axle line, improving weight distribution still further. The transmission is connected to the engine by a rigid, cast aluminium torque tube, housing the immensely strong and light carbon-fibre propeller shaft. A fast-shifting, six-speed manual gearbox is standard, its ratios perfectly matched to the performance of the V8 engine.
Aston Martin’s acclaimed electro-hydraulic Sportshift transmission is available as an option. Offering precision gearshifts in around 200 milliseconds, the paddle-operated gearbox brings the sporting driver even closer to the car. When the paddles are not in use, Sportshift includes a user-selected ‘Auto Drive’ mode that will automatically select the right gear for the conditions. A ‘comfort’ setting allows for more relaxed changes.
The light, strong body structure of the V8 Vantage is combined with fully independent double wishbone suspension, resulting in outstanding handling and excellent ride quality. The suspension wishbones and dampers are aluminium, while the steering rack is solidly mounted forward of the front wheels – common on race cars but rarely seen on road cars – for better control, and to provide the driver with greater feedback and response.
The optional Sports Pack consists of forged, lightweight, five-spoke alloy wheels, revised dampers with an improved dynamic response, uprated springs and, for the Coupe, a revised rear anti-roll bar. The Sports Pack option provides improved high-speed body control, greater agility and more precise driver feedback.
The rigid body structure of the V8 Vantage ensures maximum communication between road and hand, relaying the car’s behaviour faithfully and accurately, and providing an undiluted driving experience that is well mannered and predictable at any speed.