Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer / Sports Car
Target Audience:
Affluent individuals seeking performance, luxury, and exclusivity.
Key Competitors 2005:
Porsche 911 Carrera, Ferrari 360 Modena, Mercedes-Benz SL500, BMW M6.
Design Philosophy:
Elegant GT styling with a focus on performance and driver engagement.
Powertrain Layout:
Front-mid-engine, rear-wheel drive.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine management (ECU), fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, clutch, gearbox (manual and Sportshift configurations), differential, driveshafts.
Chassis And Suspension:
Front and rear suspension (double wishbone, adaptive damping), steering system (power steering, geometry), brakes (ABS, EBD, DSC, AP Racing calipers), wheel and tire specifications.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), ignition system, engine control modules, transmission control modules, ABS/DSC modules, body control modules, infotainment system, climate control, power accessories (windows, mirrors, seats), CAN bus architecture.
Body And Interior:
Body shell construction, panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, seats, airbags, climate control systems, body sealing.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, differential fluid), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, drive belt inspection and replacement.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical circuit diagrams, wiring harnesses, component testing procedures.
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement, steering rack repair, electrical component replacement.
Depth:
Detailed step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, diagnostic flowcharts, component identification, special tool requirements, exploded views, wiring diagrams.
Engine Type:
DOHC V8, all-aluminum construction
Displacement:
4265 cc (4.3 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
91 mm x 81.4 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.3:1
Horsepower:
380 bhp @ 7300 rpm
Torque:
405 lb-ft (550 Nm) @ 5000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point sequential fuel injection (Bosch Motronic ME17)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (95 RON / 91 AKI)
Engine Management System:
Bosch Motronic ME17
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.7 Liters (9.2 US Quarts)
Recommended Engine Oil Viscosity:
0W-40 Synthetic
Spark Plug Type:
NGK Iridium (e.g., PFR6N-11)
Type:
Graziano 6-speed manual transmission
Type:
Sportshift Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)
Clutch:
Hydraulically operated, single dry plate
Gear Ratios Manual:
3.135:1 (1st), 2.077:1 (2nd), 1.417:1 (3rd), 1.000:1 (4th), 0.804:1 (5th), 0.657:1 (6th), 3.750:1 (Reverse)
Final Drive Ratio:
3.70:1
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Castrol BOT 341 (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-80)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ZF LifeguardFluid8 (for Sportshift)
Crash Test Data:
Limited official crash test data publicly available from major agencies for this niche luxury vehicle, but engineered to high safety standards.
Traction Control:
Yes (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control)
Anti Lock Brakes:
Yes (ABS - Anti-lock Braking System)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution:
Yes (EBD)
Brake Assist:
Yes (EBA - Electronic Brake Assist)
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags, side airbags, possibly knee airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners.
Chassis Safety:
Bonded aluminum and composite body structure for rigidity and impact absorption.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 24 months.
Coolant Change:
First change at 5 years, then every 2 years thereafter.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Recommended every 30,000 miles or 36 months. Sportshift: Refer to specific dealer schedule, often similar intervals or as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-40,000 miles (depending on usage and specific plug).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 LV (Low Viscosity)
Coolant Type:
Aston Martin specified coolant (often a silicate-free, ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, e.g., Aston Martin Coolant XCL 1007)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron III (or equivalent)
Dry Sump Lubrication System:
Potential for oil leaks, especially from seals and hoses. Early models may have experienced some clutch wear issues.
Door Mechanism:
Concerns about the 'swan wing' door mechanisms, requiring precise operation and occasional lubrication.
Electronics:
Infotainment system glitches or sensor failures can occur, typical for complex luxury vehicles of this era.
Catalytic Converters:
Can be prone to failure or degradation due to high performance demands, requiring specific replacement parts.
Heritage:
Aston Martin has a long-standing reputation for producing luxurious and high-performance sports cars since its founding in 1913.
V8 Vantage Development:
The V8 Vantage was a significant model for Aston Martin, marking a return to a more compact, sporting model in their lineup, distinct from the larger DB series. It was designed by Henrik Fisker and Ian Callum.
Platform:
Built on Aston Martin's VH (Vertical/Horizontal) platform, shared with the larger DB9.
Production Start Year:
2005
Manufacturing Location:
Gaydon, Warwickshire, England
Press Reviews:
Received widespread critical acclaim for its styling, performance, and driving dynamics upon release.
Performance Metrics:
Praised for its potent V8 engine and balanced chassis, offering a true sports car experience.
Automotive Design:
Recognized for its exceptional design, considered a modern automotive icon.
