V8 Vantage Engineering
The V8 Vantage is inherently taut and agile. Its all-alloy structure creates an immensely strong passenger cell, and further protection is provided by deformable front and rear crumple zones designed to absorb crash energy. Excellent side impact protection is also inbuilt, thanks to the large sills, strong roof pillars, door impact beams and the substantial dashboard and footwell structures. Both driver and passenger benefit from dual-stage airbags (deployed in one of two stages, depending on the severity of the accident) and side airbags. The mid-mounted aluminium-encased fuel cell is not only safe but also improves balance and handling.
A suite of electronic safety aids helps to keep the V8 Vantage away from accidents. In addition to ABS and Traction Control, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) prevents wheel slippage or loss of traction, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) achieves optimal braking balance and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) automatically applies full braking power in an emergency situation. Positive Torque Control (PTC) also acts to help prevent the rear wheels from locking under engine braking.
Monumental braking power is provided by sizeable disc brakes – 355 mm diameter at the front, 330 mm at the rear – which are both ventilated and grooved.
Front LED indicators and side lamps are joined by rear lamps employing 360 LEDs for lights, brakes and indicators, while optional xenon dipped beam headlights are also available. The ultra-quick illumination of the LEDs provides crucial additional reaction time for the car behind in the event of an emergency stop. In a potential roll-over situation, sensors in the Vantage Roadster instantly deploy two roll-hoops from the rear tonneau cover.
The V8 Vantage underwent an extensive testing and development programme, during which 50 prototypes were vigorously tested over more than half a million miles. Over 12,000 miles of desert driving, including maximum speed runs, were carried out in Dubai, where the ambient temperature regularly hit 48 degrees C and the bodywork of the cars reached 87 degrees C. Some 37,000 miles of high-speed testing were conducted at the Nardo test track in Italy, as well as on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany, the world’s most daunting motor racing circuit. Cold-weather endurance testing was undertaken in Sweden, in temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees C.