Market Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer / Sports Car
Key Competitors:
Porsche 911, Ferrari 360/430, Mercedes-Benz SL, BMW M6
Design Philosophy:
Elegant design, powerful V8 engine, engaging driving dynamics, handcrafted interior.
Target Audience:
Discerning enthusiasts seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and classic British sports car appeal.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, exhaust system, engine management (ECU), ignition system.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission (Graziano 6-speed), automatic transmission (Sportshift automated manual), clutch system, driveshafts, differential, axle components.
Chassis Suspension:
Front and rear suspension (double wishbone), steering system, wheels, tires, brakes (performance braking system, ABS, EBD), anti-roll bars.
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting (headlamps, tail lamps, interior), instrument cluster, body control module (BCM), audio system, navigation system, climate control module, power windows, mirrors, seats, security system, diagnostic connector (OBD-II).
Body Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, seats, airbags, safety restraint systems, HVAC system.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, brake pad/disc service, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, fault code interpretation, electrical system diagnostics, mechanical system diagnostics.
Repair Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation.
Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, diagnostic test procedures, sensor data interpretation, actuator testing.
Body Repair:
Panel alignment, door mechanism adjustment, bumper repair, trim replacement, convertible roof system (for Roadster).
Electrical Diagnostics:
Detailed wiring diagrams for all systems, troubleshooting flowcharts for common electrical faults, component testing.
Depth:
Extremely high. Covers everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including complex electronic diagnostics and calibration.
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on required diagnostic tools, scan tools, and software for advanced diagnostics (e.g., Aston Martin diagnostic software).
Engine Code:
4.3L V8 (AJ34)
Displacement:
4268 cc (260.4 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 93.1 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.0:1
Horsepower:
380 bhp (283 kW; 385 PS) at 7300 rpm
Torque:
420 Nm (310 lb-ft) at 5000 rpm
Induction:
Naturally Aspirated, Multi-point Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (95 RON recommended)
ECU Type:
Bosch Motronic ME9.2 (typical)
Emission Controls:
Catalytic converters, secondary air injection (on some variants)
Throttle Body:
Electronic throttle control (Drive-by-Wire).
Type:
Graziano 6-speed Manual
Type:
Sportshift (Automated Manual Transmission)
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios detailed within the manual.
Clutch:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch (manual) / Twin plate clutch (Sportshift).
Sportshift Operation:
Details on clutch actuation, gear selection algorithms, and manual override modes.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Mobil Mobilube 1 SHC 75W-90 (or equivalent GL-4/GL-5 rated)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ZF LifeguardFluid8 (or equivalent specification for Sportshift gearbox)
Crash Test Ratings:
Not formally rated by NHTSA/Euro NCAP for this specific model/era, but built to high safety standards of the period.
Braking System:
AP Racing ventilated discs, 4-piston calipers (front and rear), ABS, EBD, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), TRC (Traction Control).
Stability Control:
Standard ABS, EBD, and DSC. Specific calibration and deactivation procedures detailed in manual.
Airbags:
Driver, passenger, side airbags.
Restraint System:
Three-point inertia reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.
Minor Service:
10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Includes oil, oil filter, cabin filter, fluid checks.
Major Service:
20,000 miles or 24 months, includes minor service items plus brake fluid change, spark plug replacement (at higher mileage intervals), and thorough inspection.
Transmission Service:
Manual: Check periodically, change as needed (often per major service or if symptoms arise). Sportshift: Fluid change recommended every 30,000-40,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
Castrol EDGE Professional V 0W-30 (or equivalent A3/B3/B4 specification with Aston Martin approval)
Coolant:
Aston Martin specified Coolant (typically a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol-based coolant with deionized water).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Class 6 Low Viscosity Brake Fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S (or equivalent hydraulic fluid meeting specification).
Clutch Wear:
Sportshift clutch wear can be a significant maintenance item; manual clutch wear is normal for usage.
Door Glass Alignment:
Window glass alignment can require periodic adjustment to seal properly.
Catalytic Converter Issues:
Over time, catalytic converters can degrade, impacting performance and emissions, detailed diagnosis in manual.
Fuel Pump Reliability:
Early models sometimes experienced fuel pump issues, diagnosis covered in manual.
Ignition Coil Failures:
Individual ignition coil failures can occur, leading to misfires; troubleshooting procedures are detailed.
Heritage:
Aston Martin has a long history of producing iconic sports cars and grand tourers, renowned for their style, performance, and craftsmanship.
Vantage Lineage:
The V8 Vantage (2005) marked a significant departure, being the first Aston Martin built on a new V-platform, designed to be more accessible and sport-focused than the larger models.
Engine Variants:
The 4.3L V8 was the initial engine; a larger 4.7L V8 was introduced for later model years within this generation.
Production Period:
2005-2017 (first generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Gaydon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom
