If you're an owner of the
4.3-litre V8-engined V8 Vantage and you're a little miffed that you didn't wait for the new 4.7-litre version, you'll be glad to hear that Aston Martin has decided to offer a series of retrofit upgrades that include more power and sharper handling.
Thanks to a revised induction system, which utilises a pair of switching airbox valves, and a reprogrammed engine control unit, peak power is up 20bhp to 400bhp,while torque increases to 310lb.ft. Top speed rises to 177mph, while Aston merely states that the 0-60mph time sees a 'slight improvement'.
Aston has found that its new Sport Pack option has been taken up by 50 per cent of buyers of the new V8 Vantage, so has decided to offer it as an option on the older car too. The pack incorporates uprated springs and dampers and the fitment of lightweight forged alloy wheels, which reduce the unsprung mass.
Owners of the V8 Vantage can order the upgrades now from their Aston dealers.
Shane O' Donoghue - 12 Dec 2008