Segment:
Grand Tourer (GT) / Sports Coupe
Key Competitors:
Porsche 911, Ferrari 360 Modena, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, BMW M6.
Design Philosophy:
Classic Aston Martin styling with modern performance and luxury.
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers seeking a blend of performance, style, and British craftsmanship.
Engine System:
Engine mechanical (4.3L V8), lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, emissions, engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics.
Transmission System:
Manual and Sportshift (automated manual) transmission systems, clutch operation, gearbox overhaul, differential.
Chassis Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system, alignment specifications, dampers, springs.
Braking System:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, EBD, DSC, brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, brake fluid specifications.
Electrical System:
12V electrical system, battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, CAN bus system.
Body And Trim:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, door mechanisms, convertible roof system (if applicable), glazing.
HVAC System:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system operation, diagnosis, and repair.
Airbag System:
Airbag system components, SRS module, deployment procedures, diagnostic codes.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid level checks, brake inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, fault code interpretation, symptom-based diagnosis.
Component Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major components.
Rebuild Procedures:
Engine and transmission rebuild procedures, torque specifications for critical fasteners.
Diagnostic Procedures:
OBD-II diagnostics, scan tool usage, sensor testing, actuator testing.
Depth Level:
Expert level, covering complete overhaul and advanced diagnostics.
Wiring Diagrams:
Full, detailed color wiring diagrams for all electrical systems.
Torque Specifications:
Specific torque values for all critical fasteners and components.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Displacement:
4.3 Liters (4300 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
91.0 mm x 82.7 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.0:1
Valvetrain:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, Variable Valve Timing (VVT).
Horsepower:
380 bhp @ 7300 rpm
Torque:
410 lb-ft (555 Nm) @ 5000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (95 RON / 91 AKI)
ECU Type:
Bosch Motronic MED7.1.1 (or similar ECU)
Crash Test Results:
As a low-volume luxury sports car, formal crash test ratings from agencies like NHTSA or Euro NCAP are not typically published.
Traction Control:
Aston Martin="Dynamic Stability Control" (DSC) including Traction Control (TC).
Electronic Stability:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Braking Assist:
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA).
Airbags:
Front occupant airbags, side curtain airbags (standard).
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners.
Body Structure:
Bonded aluminum V-frame chassis with aluminum and composite body panels for strength and rigidity.
Audio System:
Premium Aston Martin sound system, optional Bang & Olufsen or Bose systems.
Navigation:
Optional GPS navigation system with touchscreen interface.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control with dual-zone functionality.
Parking Sensors:
Front and rear parking sensors available on some models.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth phone connectivity.
Usb Interface:
Not typically standard on 2006 models; may be an aftermarket addition.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Major Service Interval:
Every 20,000 miles or 24 months, including spark plug replacement and brake fluid flush.
Engine Oil Type:
Fully Synthetic SAE 5W-30 (e.g., Castrol EDGE Professional A5/B5 or equivalent).
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.5 Liters (with filter change).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant with a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water (e.g., Aston Martin 'Coolant Concentrate').
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (High Performance).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (e.g., Castrol Syntrans GL-4 75W-90).
Transmission Fluid Sportshift:
Specialized ATF for automated manual transmissions, consult manual for specific part number (often proprietary).
Differential Fluid Type:
GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil with limited-slip additive if required.
Clutch Wear:
Sportshift clutch can experience wear depending on driving style, requiring potential replacement.
Door Handles:
Pop-out door handle mechanisms can sometimes fail to deploy or retract.
Exhaust Valves:
Stuck exhaust bypass valves can affect sound and performance.
Paint Blemishes:
Some early models may exhibit minor paint imperfections due to hand-finishing processes.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear in suspension bushings can lead to noise and handling degradation.
Brand Origin:
Founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford.
Iconic Models:
DB5, DB9, Vanquish.
Predecessor:
DB7 Vantage.
Platform:
Shared platform with the DB9, a shortened version of the VH (Vertical Horizontal) architecture.
Introduction Year:
2004 (for the 2005 model year).
Manufacturing Location:
Gaydon, Warwickshire, England.
Production Period:
2004-2012 (for the first generation V8 Vantage).