Aston Martin Vantage
- Production Dates: October 1992 – April 1995
Launched at the Birmingham Motor Show in 1992, this was the second model to be given the name Vantage in its own right, rather than just an updated version of a current product. The first was the AM Vantage, the Company Developments version of the DBS.
Reaction to the Vantage was predictably enthusiastic, and it certainly generated the right sort of publicity for Aston Martin, though it was the Volante version which was the mainstay of production at Newport Pagnell.
Specification
- Engine:
- V8, 5340cc twin-OHC, four valves per cylinder, twin Eaton superchargers, 550bhp @ 6500rpm, 550Ib.ft @ 4000rpm
- Bore/stroke: 1000mm x 85mm
- Capacity: 5340cc
- Power: 550bhp @ 6500prm
- Fuel system: Bosch injection with EEC IV management
- Gearbox: 6-speed ZF manual
- Chassis: Steel platform
- Suspension:
– (Front) wishbones with coil springs and anti-roll bar.
– (Rear) de Dion with coil springs, trailing arms and Watt linkage. - Brakes: Discs all around, ABS
- Length: 5’7″ (4745 mm)
- Width: 6’4″ (1924 mm)
- Height: 4’5″ (1330 mm)
- Weight: 1920 kg
- Wheelbase: 8’7″ (2610 mm)
- Top Speed: 186mph (229km/h)
- Acceleration: 0-60mph 4.6 secs
Launched at the Birmingham Motor Show in 1992, this was the second model to be given the name Vantage in its own right, rather than just an uprated version of the standard offering. For the first time in its history, Aston Martin had the resources of a major motor manufacturer at its disposal, with Ford having bought into the company in 1987. This paid dividends in the development of the Vantage.
While Vantage did bear a passing resemblance to Virage, closer examination would reveal many differences. The most obvious were external details, the only Virage panels being the door and roof skins. The frontal aspect had two groups of three headlamps, each behind a heated lens, a deep front chin spoiler with three vents, larger pronounced flared wheel arches and two mesh filled air vents in the panel behind the front wheels giving the car a formidable appearance.
In 1999 Aston Martin launched the ultimate Vantage, named Vantage Le Mans, in celebration of the company’s victory at Le Mans in 1959. Only 40 cars were built with a massive 600 bhp and 600 lb-ft of torque, the highest output of any Aston Martin and, indeed, any production car at the time.
Visible modifications included a restyled bonnet with twin air intakes, a distinctive blanked off radiator grille, larger side vents and magnesium alloy wheels. The brakes were up rated to 6 piston AP Racing discs and calipers. The interior wood was replaced with brushed metal panels and larger, racing style rev counter.
