Vantage (2005) Aston Martin releases new N420 edition V8 Vantage

[Bartek S.]

ASTON MARTIN INTRODUCES V8 VANTAGE N420

• New Special Edition, motorsport-inspired V8 Vantage
• Standard equipment includes Sports Pack suspension and new sports exhaust system
• 27kg weight saving over standard car
• New distinctive Aston Martin 'Race Collection' paint schemes available as an option

6 July 2010, Gaydon, Warwickshire: Aston Martin has unveiled a new motorsport-inspired special edition; the V8 Vantage N420 which brings a new dimension of sporting prowess and dynamic ability to the V8 Vantage range.

Successor to the special edition V8 Vantage N400 of 2007, the Vantage N420 is based upon the standard 4.7-litre, 420bhp, 180mph V8 Vantage and is available as a Coupe or Roadster, and with a six-speed manual or optional Sportshift automated manual transmission.

The Vantage N420 draws inspiration from the company's experiences at the Nürburgring 24-hour race. In the 2006 running of the annual Nürburgring endurance classic amongst a field of mostly motorsport homologated cars, Aston Martin entered a near-standard, road-registered V8 Vantage. Driven by a team of employees, including Aston Martin's CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez, the V8 Vantage – named 'Rose' by the team – finished 4th in class and 24th overall from a field of more than 200 specialised racing cars.

Since then Aston Martin has returned every year to compete in this gruelling endurance race, scoring a string of class victories and podiums with road-registered V8 and V12 Vantages and most recently the new four-door Rapide. Not only has this racing success spawned a burgeoning V8 Vantage GT4 customer programme run by Aston Martin Racing, but lessons learned in racing at the Nürburgring has led to aerodynamic and other performance developments being fed back into Aston Martin's road cars.

A generous standard specification and some unique options ensure the special edition Vantage N420 is both exclusive and distinctive, while also offering a 27kg weight saving – achieved through the application of carbon fibre – over the standard V8 Vantage.

On the outside, wider sills combine perfectly with a carbon fibre splitter, side strakes and diffuser, while bold 10-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels complete with gloss black finish, black mesh vents and 'Graphitic' tailpipe finishers complete the co-ordinated look.

Inside the Vantage N420 offers an Iridium interior package, with graphite instruments, leather or Alcantara® steering wheel, special N420 sill plaques and lightweight carbon fibre seats, complete with 'Race Track' stitching as in the V12 Vantage. Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and Park Distance Control are also standard.

Cementing the Vantage N420's credentials as a special edition V8 Vantage tailored for the most discerning and enthusiastic drivers, it is fitted with the normally optional Sports Pack. This package combines revised springs, dampers and anti-roll bars for even more responsive and dynamic handling, while retaining the V8 Vantage's renowned poise, balance and long distance ability. Finally, a new sports exhaust system delivers a suitably rousing soundtrack.

A further distinctive feature is the availability of a new range of optional Aston Martin 'Race Collection' paint schemes. Pairing bold body colours with contrasting hues for the cant rails and radiator grille surround, they celebrate the marque's racing heritage. All of the company's successful N24 Vantage racers are celebrated, with 'Rose' yellow, 'Kermit' green and 'Elwood' blue all featuring in the collection along with traditional Aston Martin Racing green. The white and black car shown in the accompanying images wears the equally striking 'Asia Cup' livery.

Production of the V8 Vantage N420 begins this month, with deliveries commencing in August and prices starting from £96,995.

 

[Centurion]

I prefer this edition in orange.

 

[Merc1]

Still a hot range of cars, the Vantages are...but how much longer can they make it with their comparatively weak V8 and for that matter, V12 engines? The 6.2L AMG V8 would have been perfect here if they had formed an alliance with Mercedes.


M

 

[navigator]

Aston Martin Vantage Problems

I would rate the car higher if AM and the dealer hadnt been so utterly useless. I waited years to own an Aston and they have totally ruined the experience. I keep it immaculate and have only done 4000 miles in 18 months but there have been lots of minor faults with it in that time and its had to go back in at least 10 times so far. The two main problems I have had are (1) squealing brakes... and when a say "squealing" I mean SERIOUSLY SCREAMING ! The dealer told me it was a common problem with the Vantage and I should drive the car really fast on the motorway and brake really hard to deglaze the pads ! Thats basically their way of not fixing the problem or trying to kill me so they dont have to! Anyway, I tried it, but it didnt work. Eventually, I couldnt drive the car without wearing ear defenders and dark glasses, it was so embarrassing pulling up in a 90k car that sounds like a braking roller coaster! Eventually they took the car in to fix it. I was left without a car for 3 weeks, they finally returned it and it was as if they had not even done anything. The same problem was there. Even If they did actually do something, they clearly didnt test their work but my guess is they did nothing, they have been useless (2) the clutch burnt out within 3000 miles. I had complained that it was tight as a drum when I drove it out of the showroom and it stank of burning, particularly when reversing, but AM refused to fix it under warranty and I was given a bill for £2500! nice!

 

[Centurion]

That sounds like a nightmare experience. Especially since you were clearly dealing with an obnoxious dealer. Wasn't there any possibility to escalate your queries to Aston Martin themselves? If I was to splurge hard earned money on such an exclusive car I'd expect the dealer to kiss and massage my family jewels in extra virgin walnut oil as an apology for any inconvenience caused by the car.