Segment:
Grand Tourer (GT)
Positioning:
High-performance luxury sports car, blending potent V12 power with elegant styling and refined comfort.
Competitors:
Ferrari 456 GT, Bentley Continental GT, Porsche 911 Turbo (996 generation), Mercedes-Benz CL 600.
Engine Highlight:
Naturally Aspirated 6.0-liter V12 engine derived from Jaguar's AJ-V8, significantly enhanced by Aston Martin.
Design:
Timeless styling by Ian Callum, featuring classic Aston Martin proportions and elegant lines.
Performance Focus:
Balanced performance, offering exhilarating acceleration and high-speed cruising capability.
Engine Mechanical:
V12 Engine (6.0L), Cylinder Head, Pistons, Crankshaft, Camshafts, Valve Train
Engine Management:
ECU (Engine Control Unit), Fuel Injection System (Bosch Motronic), Ignition System, Emission Controls
Transmission:
Manual Transmission (Getrag 6-speed) and Automatic Transmission (Tiptronic)
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive, Differential, Driveshafts
Suspension:
Front and Rear Suspension Systems, Dampers, Springs, Bushings, Anti-Roll Bars
Brakes:
Front and Rear Disc Brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Brake Calipers, Rotors, Fluid Lines
Steering:
Power Steering System, Steering Rack, Column
Electrical System:
Battery, Alternator, Starter Motor, Wiring Harnesses, Fuses, Relays
Body And Chassis:
Body Panels, Frame Structure, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Convertible Top Mechanism (Volante)
Climate Control:
Air Conditioning System, Heater, Ventilation
Interior:
Seats, Dashboard, Trim, Upholstery, Airbags
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Error Code Interpretation
Repair:
Component Removal and Installation, Engine Rebuild, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Repair, Brake Service
Adjustment:
Valve Clearance Adjustment, Clutch Adjustment, Door Alignment
Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Tightening Sequences, Clearances
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed Electrical Schematics for all Systems
Depth Of Coverage:
Complete vehicle disassembly and reassembly, from basic maintenance to complex overhauls.
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.
Engine Code:
V12 (Derived from Jaguar's AJ-V8)
Displacement:
5935 cc (5.9 Liters)
Configuration:
V12, 60-degree bank angle
Aspiration:
Naturally Aspirated
Horsepower:
420 bhp (426 PS; 313 kW) @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
400 lb-ft (542 Nm) @ 5000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.8)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (Premium Unleaded Recommended)
Bore X Stroke:
80.6 mm x 77.3 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Type:
Getrag 290 6-Speed Manual
Type:
Tiptronic 5-Speed Automatic
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate clutch (Manual)
Gear Ratios Manual:
1st: 2.92, 2nd: 2.04, 3rd: 1.42, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.83, 6th: 0.71, Reverse: 2.54
Gear Ratios Automatic:
Refer to manual for specific ratios
Crash Test Results:
Specific official crash test ratings for this model year are not widely publicized but designed to meet contemporary safety standards.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags, Side Airbags (May vary by market/option)
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up rollover protection bars for Volante model
Audio System:
Premium audio system, often with CD player. Specific manufacturer (e.g., Linn, Alpine) may vary by option.
Navigation:
Optional navigation system, typically a period-correct CRT or LCD screen unit.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking sensors.
Bluetooth:
Not typically integrated in the 2000 model; aftermarket solutions may exist.
Seats:
Electrically adjustable leather sports seats with lumbar support.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control with cabin air filtration.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Refer to the manual for precise recommendations.
Major Service Interval:
Significant inspections and component replacements often recommended at intervals such as 30,000 miles or 3 years.
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 5W-30 or 10W-40) and API/ACEA specifications. High-quality synthetic oil is recommended.
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specific Aston Martin approved coolant recommended.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 or higher specification brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Refer to manual for specific gear oil specification (e.g., API GL-4 or GL-5).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Refer to manual for specific ATF specification, often a proprietary blend or high-quality DEXRON/MERCON equivalent.
Power Steering Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific fluid type, often a hydraulic fluid or ATF.
Engine Reliability:
While the V12 is generally robust, potential issues can include ignition coil failures, lambda sensor issues, and oil leaks from various seals due to age.
Suspension Components:
Wear on suspension bushings, ball joints, and dampers can occur over time due to the car's performance nature.
Electrical Gremlins:
As with many older luxury vehicles, occasional electrical issues can arise, often related to aging wiring harnesses or module failures. The manual's wiring diagrams are crucial for diagnosis.
Paint And Bodywork:
The aluminum body panels can be susceptible to minor dings and scratches; the manual covers proper care and repair techniques.
Maintenance Schedule Importance
Schedule Adherence:
Strict adherence to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule is vital for preserving the performance, reliability, and longevity of the V12 engine and complex systems.
Aston Martin Legacy:
Aston Martin has a long-standing heritage of producing luxurious, high-performance sports cars with a distinctive British character.
Db7 Introduction:
The DB7 was introduced in 1994, succeeding the Virage. The V12 Vantage model was introduced in 1999, replacing the supercharged inline-six variant and significantly elevating performance.
V12 Development:
The V12 engine was a joint development with Jaguar and Ford, forming the basis of what would become the Jaguar XJ220's V12 and later Ford's own V12 offerings.
Production Period:
DB7 V12 Vantage produced from 1999 to 2003.
Manufacturing Location:
Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, England.
Automotive Press:
The DB7 V12 Vantage was widely praised by automotive journalists for its exquisite styling, potent V12 engine, and refined driving experience, often cited as one of the most beautiful modern Aston Martins.
Performance Reviews:
Consistently received high marks for acceleration, top speed, and handling balance, fitting its GT character.
Manufacturing Standards:
Built to exacting Aston Martin quality standards.