Production Years Covered:
2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Chassis Code:
VH500 (internal project code, often referred to by model name)
Vehicle Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer (GT)
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, collectors, and owners of high-performance luxury vehicles
Key Competitors:
Ferrari 456, Bentley Continental GT, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class AMG
Unique Selling Proposition:
Hand-built British luxury with a potent V12 engine, iconic styling
Engine:
Comprehensive V12 engine service, diagnostics, and repair
Transmission:
Service and repair of the automatic transmission system
Brakes:
Brake system diagnostics, repair, and maintenance (including ABS)
Electrical:
Full electrical system schematics, diagnostics, and component repair
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension system service and repair
Steering:
Steering system diagnostics and repair
Cooling System:
Cooling system maintenance, repair, and component replacement
Fuel System:
Fuel delivery, injection system service, and component troubleshooting
Exhaust System:
Exhaust system inspection, repair, and component replacement
Bodywork And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, structural repair guidance
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system service
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements
Troubleshooting:
System-specific diagnostic procedures, common fault identification
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major components
Disassembly Assembly:
Complete procedures for component removal and installation
Adjustments:
Alignment, setting of various system parameters
Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, fault codes, diagnostic test procedures
Technical Specifications:
Torque values, fluid capacities, wear limits, electrical data
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of required special service tools
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and system overhauls
Diagrams:
Detailed pictorial diagrams, exploded views, and schematics
Illustrations:
High-quality illustrations and photographs to guide procedures
Precision Measurements:
Guidance on using calibrated instruments for critical measurements
Searchability:
Likely searchable text within the PDF document
Printability Resolution:
High enough for clear reproduction of text and diagrams
Digital Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Digital Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download, printable on any paper)
Completeness Statement:
100% complete and intact, no missing or corrupt pages/sections
Engine Code:
4.3L V12 (Aston Martin V12 Vanquish)
Displacement:
5935 cc (5.9 Liters)
Configuration:
V12, naturally aspirated
Bore X Stroke:
89.0 mm x 79.5 mm (approximate)
Compression Ratio:
10.3:1 (approximate)
Power Output Hp:
450 hp @ 6500 rpm (approximate for early models)
Power Output Kw:
335 kW @ 6500 rpm (approximate for early models)
Torque Lb-Ft:
400 lb-ft @ 5800 rpm (approximate for early models)
Torque Nm:
542 Nm @ 5800 rpm (approximate for early models)
Redline:
7000 rpm (approximate)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential multi-point fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, premium unleaded recommended (e.g., 91 octane or higher)
Spark Plug Type:
Refer to manual for specific part numbers (e.g., NGK PFR6B or equivalent)
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic oil meeting Aston Martin specifications (e.g., 5W-30 or 10W-40 depending on climate, refer to manual)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 12.5 liters (13.2 US quarts) with filter
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, Aston Martin approved (e.g., Aston Martin Red)
Transmission Type:
Hydraulic Automatic Transmission (e.g., 6-speed automatic)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Refer to manual for specific ATF specification (e.g., Dexron III or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Refer to manual for precise capacity, typically around 10-12 liters for a full refill
Gear Selection:
Selector lever with manual override capability (e.g., paddle shifters on some later versions, though likely lever-based for 2001-2007 models)
Length:
4753 mm (187.1 inches)
Width:
1944 mm (76.5 inches) excluding mirrors
Height:
1323 mm (52.1 inches)
Wheelbase:
2730 mm (107.5 inches)
Curb Weight:
1739 kg (3834 lbs) approximate
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle's specific documentation
Front Tire Size:
245/40 ZR18 (typical)
Rear Tire Size:
275/40 ZR18 (typical)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm
Wheel Offset:
Refer to manual or specific wheel specifications
Crash Test Ratings:
Not typically subject to standardized government crash test ratings due to low production volume and price point. Aston Martin's internal safety standards apply.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Traction control system (e.g., ASC - Automatic Stability Control)
Electronic Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or similar system
Airbags:
Front airbags for driver and passenger, side airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners
Structure:
Bonded aluminum 'V-shaped' chassis with bonded aluminum and composite body panels for rigidity and weight saving.
Head Unit:
Period-appropriate integrated audio system, often with CD player. Navigation systems were optional and less advanced by modern standards.
Speaker System:
Premium audio system (e.g., Linn or similar branded system optional)
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Parking Sensors:
Rear parking sensors may have been optional on later models
Bluetooth:
Bluetooth connectivity was not standard on early models and may have been an aftermarket addition or very late option.
Headlights:
Xenon (HID) headlights were likely standard or optional
Minor Service:
Annually or every 10,000 miles (16,000 km), whichever comes first (refer to manual for specifics)
Major Service:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km) (refer to manual for specifics, may include timing belt/chain inspection, etc.)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 high-performance brake fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific power steering fluid type (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent)
Differential Fluid Type:
Refer to manual for specific differential fluid specification (e.g., synthetic gear oil)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear (if applicable to transmission type), suspension bushings, catalytic converters, ignition coils, various electrical components due to age.
Potential Gremlins:
Electrical system faults, subtle coolant leaks from aging hoses/connections, occasional sticky door handles/latches.
Preventative Care:
Regularly inspect for leaks, monitor fluid levels, ensure proper battery maintenance, address any unusual noises promptly.
Storage:
Proper storage in a climate-controlled environment is recommended for long-term preservation. Use a battery tender and fuel stabilizer for extended periods of inactivity.
Founding Era:
Founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford
Reputation:
Renowned for building elegant, high-performance, and luxurious sports cars
Design Inspiration:
Designed by Ian Callum, drawing inspiration from the earlier Project Vantage concept car
Updates During Production:
Minor updates throughout its production run, including potential power increases and feature refinements for later model years.
Production Plant:
Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, England
Production Numbers:
Limited production, estimated around 525 examples worldwide.
Ownership Changes:
Produced during the period when Aston Martin was owned by Ford Motor Company.
