Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer / Sports Car
Heritage Focus:
Designed for owners and independent workshops requiring in-depth factory information.
Key Competitors:
Ferrari California, Porsche 911 Carrera, Jaguar XK
Vehicle Philosophy:
Hand-built luxury and performance blend, distinctive Aston Martin design.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians with the same data used by Aston Martin dealerships.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of V8 engine components (cylinder heads, block, pistons, crankshaft, valvetrain).
Engine Management:
ECU diagnostics, sensor testing, fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control systems.
Transmission Manual:
Service and repair procedures for the manual gearbox (clutch, gear selection, synchronizers, internal components).
Transmission Automatic:
Service and repair procedures for the optional Sportshift automatic transmission (torque converter, valve body, electronic controls).
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive system, driveshaft, differential, half-shafts, axle components.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, dampers, springs, anti-roll bars, bushings, alignment procedures.
Brakes:
Brake system diagnostics, component replacement (discs, pads, calipers, lines, master cylinder), ABS system, parking brake.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, column, associated components, hydraulic diagnostics.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting systems, accessory circuits, fuses, relays.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, structural components, crash repair information, sealing, sound deadening.
Climate Control:
HVAC system diagnostics, component replacement (compressor, evaporator, heater core, blower motor), refrigerant handling.
Interior:
Trim panel removal, seat mechanisms, airbag system components, dashboard, center console.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed service schedules, oil change intervals, filter replacements, fluid checks, belt inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, fault code explanations, common problem identification and resolution.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment for all major systems.
Component Testing:
Testing procedures for sensors, actuators, electrical components using diagnostic tools and multimeters.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for required factory special tools.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including diagnostic strategies.
Transmission Type:
Graziano 6-speed Manual
Transmission Type:
Aston Martin Sportshift (Automated Manual)
Clutch Manual:
Hydraulically actuated, twin-plate dry clutch
Clutch Automatic:
Single dry plate clutch operated by electro-hydraulic actuators
Gear Ratios Manual:
1st: 2.538, 2nd: 1.727, 3rd: 1.295, 4th: 1.000, 5th: 0.848, 6th: 0.727, Reverse: 2.250 (typical)
Gear Ratios Automatic:
Shared with manual, but with automated shifting
Final Drive Ratio:
3.70:1 (typical)
Crash Test Results:
Not extensively tested by major agencies like NHTSA/Euro NCAP due to low production volume and niche market.
Traction Control:
Standard, often switchable
Stability Control:
Standard (Aston Martin Dynamic Stability Control - DSC)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution:
Standard (EBD)
Airbags:
Front occupant airbags, side impact airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners
Chassis Structure:
Bonded aluminum VH platform with steel and composite body panels for rigidity and safety.
System Name:
Aston Martin Premium Audio System
Features:
CD player, AM/FM radio, optional satellite navigation, optional Bluetooth connectivity.
Display:
Central dashboard LCD screen (typically 7-inch).
Parking Sensors:
Optional front and rear parking sensors.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Bluetooth:
Optional for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Usb Aux Ports:
Typically available for audio input.
Minor Service:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first): Oil and filter change, general inspection.
Major Service:
Every 20,000 miles or 24 months: Includes minor service items plus air filter, cabin filter, brake fluid flush, spark plugs (at higher mileage intervals).
Transmission Service Manual:
Gearbox oil change recommended every 30,000 miles or 36 months.
Transmission Service Automatic:
Sportshift fluid and filter change recommended every 20,000 miles or 24 months.
Brake Fluid Interval:
Every 24 months (hygroscopic nature)
Engine Oil:
Mobil 1 0W-40 or equivalent API SN, ACEA A3/B3/B4 rated (check manual for exact spec).
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.25 Liters (8.7 US Quarts)
Coolant:
Aston Martin specified OAT (Organic Additive Technology) coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with deionized water.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Aston Martin specified ester-based fluid for Sportshift, consult manual for P/N.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 LV (Low Viscosity) or DOT 5.1
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid).
Clutch Wear:
Sportshift clutch packs can wear over time, requiring replacement. Manual clutches also subject to wear.
Exhaust Valves:
Vacuum-actuated exhaust valves can stick or fail, affecting sound and performance. Often requires actuator or valve replacement.
Water Pumps:
Early models may have had issues with water pump seals. Regular coolant checks are advised.
Suspension Bushings:
High-performance use can lead to wear in suspension bushings, affecting handling precision.
Infotainment System:
Early infotainment systems can be slow or prone to glitches; software updates may mitigate some issues.
Brand Origin:
Founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford.
Brand Philosophy:
Emphasis on luxury, performance, exquisite design, and handcrafted quality.
Vantage Lineage:
Successor to the DB7 Vantage, representing a new generation of Aston Martin sports cars.
Platform Development:
Built on the VH (Vertical/Horizontal) platform, shared with other Aston Martin models.
Engine Development:
The 4.3L V8 was Aston Martin's first completely new engine design in decades, a dry-sump lubricated unit for lower center of gravity.
Production Years:
2005-2017 (V8 Vantage, with updates)
Manufacturing Location:
Gaydon, Warwickshire, England
Key Updates 2008:
Refined Sportshift gearbox availability, minor styling tweaks, and potential ECU recalibrations.