2009 Aston Martin Vantage V8

Before James Bond drove on screen in a Q-modified Aston Martin DB5, few Americans knew of this venerable British Marque. But since that 1964 screen debut, a lot of intrigue has surrounded the brand itself, being sold twice, before ending up with Ford and now back as a stand alone car maker. But, thanks to Ford, Aston Martin escaped this turmoil with their best cars ever. And this week we test their latest update, the Vantage V8.

The 2009 Aston Martin Vantage V8 is the “Brit” brand’s entry level car. Of course in the world of Aston Martin, entry level still means a solid 6-figure price tag. But you don’t have to break the bank at Monte Carlo to recognize the sheer beauty and strength of our test Vantage Coupe, and its companion Roadster. Unchanged from its 2005 debut are the sleek, distinctive lines that epitomize understated English style and sophistication; from the traditional Aston grille, to the slick upswept tail. 

But, beneath its lightweight aluminum, composite and magnesium skin spins one of many technical upgrades for 2009; a bored and stroked, Jaguar derived twin-cam 32-valve V8. At 4.7-liters, it is exclusive to Aston, pumping out 420 horsepower and 346 pound-feet of torque. That’s 40 horses and 44 pound-feet more than the previous 4.3-liter.

To harness that power, the Vantage gets a revised 6-speed manual with lower mass flywheel, or our test car’s Sportshift, which uses the same rear transaxle but adds an automatic clutch.  Along with “comfort” and “sport” throttle mapping, new Sportshift software uses steering and other inputs to determine whether to shift in fast corners and on down-hills, or just hold the current gear.

The extra power and trick gearbox allows the 3,595 pound Vantage to hit 60 in a rapid 4.7 seconds. The Sportshift’s best show comes in “sport mode,” with “comfort” gearchanges on the lazy side.

But the Vantage V8 really comes alive when the road become challenging. The Coupe has a reworked suspension, including stiffer springs and new Bilstein shocks. Some beefier parts from the Roadster were also imported. The result is a grand touring Coupe that delivers a true sports car experience.

Wheels are new design 19-inch 20-spoke alloys. Lighter 5-spoke wheels with even stiffer shocks and revised rear anti-roll bar are part of the optional Sports Pack. But, be prepared for a race track ready ride.

Even in wet and windy weather appropriate to its English origins, our standard fitment Vantage V8 proved to be both comfortable and remarkably sure footed. The standard electronic stability control and traction control minimize wheel spin without intruding on the driving experience. Revised suspension bushings help deliver sharper steering as well.

Like other Astons we have driven there is a touch of front push on corner entry, but a blip of the throttle restores the superb balance.  While a stab of the brake pedal delivers serious deceleration, with plenty of feedback from the 14-inch front discs and radial mount 4-piston calipers.

The one wrinkle in Vantage performance is in fuel economy. Government fuel economy ratings are 13 city/19 highway on premium gas. We managed 13.6 miles-per gallon. So Vantage drivers are advised to steer clear of Sierra Club meetings.

But while unmistakable looks and performance are integral parts of the Aston appeal, a healthy dose of interior luxury is also important.

The low roof and seats means that entry for the tall or wide requires a bit of acrobatics. But once in the twin leather buckets, all of our drivers found superb support and long haul comfort.

A redesigned center dash, now largely shared with the DB9, presents a more organized control layout.  It centers on a port for the new glass and stainless steel ECU electronic ignition key.

Naturally there are plenty of goodies like automatic climate controls, a somewhat confusing satellite navigation system, even a pen holder - but only enough luggage space for a weekend getaway; a mere 5.0 cubic feet.

Still that’s big enough to hold $119,500 dollars in winnings, which is the Vantage V8 Coupe’s base price. The Roadster starts at $132,500. But, the sky is the limit with options, so win big! And finally, yes, driving the Vantage V8 makes you almost feel like 007. That is invincible, and revered by all. But, at least, the car is no fantasy.