Positioning:
High-performance luxury grand tourer, offering exclusivity and potent V12 power.
Competitors:
Ferrari 550 Maranello, Lamborghini Murciélago, Bentley Continental GT.
Unique Selling Points:
Naturally aspirated V12 engine, handcrafted luxury, distinctive styling, advanced (for its time) materials and construction.
Engine Service Repair:
Complete overhaul, diagnostics, component replacement
Transmission Service Repair:
Service, repair, and diagnostics for automatic transmission
Brake System:
Maintenance, repair, bleeding procedures, component replacement
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all systems
Electrical System:
Diagnostics, troubleshooting, component testing, repair
Suspension:
Inspection, repair, alignment procedures, component replacement
Periodic Lubrication:
Lubrication points, fluid types, and service intervals
Steering:
Diagnosis, repair, and alignment of steering system
Cooling System:
Maintenance, leak detection, component replacement, coolant specifications
Fuel Injection:
System diagnostics, component testing, repair of fuel delivery system
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, filter, lines, and tank service
Emission System:
Component testing and repair related to emissions control
Heater Air Conditioning:
Service, repair, and refrigerant handling for HVAC system
Engine Control System:
ECM diagnostics, sensor testing, control module repair
Chassis Body:
Body repair, structural integrity, chassis components
Restraint System:
Airbag system diagnostics, repair, and safety component replacement
Interior:
Trim removal and installation, interior component repair
Differential Drive:
Service and repair of rear axle differential and drive components
Axle:
Front and rear axle service and repair
General Maintenance:
Routine checks, fluid changes, filter replacements
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed guidance on complete vehicle and component disassembly/assembly
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to complete rebuilds and diagnostics.
Engine Code:
VH (Modular V12)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V12
Displacement:
5.9 L (5935 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
89.0 mm x 79.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.3:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Horsepower:
420 bhp @ 6100 rpm (early models), 430 bhp @ 6000 rpm (later models)
Torque:
395 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (early models), 400 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (later models)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (95-98 RON)
Crash Test Ratings:
Not formally rated by major organizations like NHTSA or Euro NCAP due to low production volume and niche market.
Active Safety:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
Passive Safety:
Driver and passenger airbags, side-impact protection beams, advanced chassis design for occupant protection.
Infotainment System:
Basic AMi III infotainment system, often with satellite navigation and premium audio (e.g., Linn or Bang & Olufsen depending on model year and options).
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited by modern standards. Primarily focused on traction and stability control for managing the V12's power.
Connectivity Options:
No Bluetooth or USB connectivity as standard on earlier models. Later models may have had basic CD changer integration.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specification).
Major Service Interval:
Significant checks and component replacements often recommended around 30,000 miles or 3 years (refer to manual).
Engine Oil Type:
Fully Synthetic SAE 0W-30 or 0W-40 API SM/SN, ACEA A3/B4 (confirm specific grade in manual).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Aston Martin 'Durex' coolant or equivalent).
Transmission Fluid Type:
Mobil ATF LT 71141 or equivalent DEXRON III H (verify exact specification in manual).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 High Performance (e.g., Castrol GT LMA or equivalent).
Common Issues:
Early 'Violin String' rattle from exhaust manifold heat shields, potential issues with the 'Touchtronic' gearbox logic, HVAC blower motor resistor failures, aging fuel pumps, and minor electrical gremlins common in older low-volume exotics. Clutch wear on earlier manual variants (though this manual specifies the automatic).
Heritage:
Aston Martin's rich history of producing elegant, powerful, and luxurious sports cars dating back to 1913.
Evolution:
Successor to the V8 Vantage and V12 Vantage, designed by Henrik Fisker. Introduced in 2001. Featured an updated V12 engine and a more advanced chassis compared to predecessors.
Production Years:
2001-2007
Manufacturing Location:
Gaydon, Warwickshire, England
