2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage – Full test

Forget the DBS. Seriously. Compared with that V-12-powered moviestarmobile, the 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage - updated with a newly enlarged, more potent V-8 -- is easily as quick, lighter and nimbler, and arguably every bit as good-looking. Yet the Vantage sells for about half the price. If you're shopping for an Aston, we've just saved you about $140K (we accept 10-percent honorariums for our services; please mail checks to "Those Americans at the Bar," c/o Grand Hotel du Cap-Ferrat). A larger question remains, though: Do you really want this Aston at all?

) and, on Sportshift, a smarter computer that automatically holds the selected gear if it detects cornering inputs at the steering wheel.

Underneath, a newly available Sports Pack adds lightweight forged alloy wheels (19-inchers are now standard on all models) plus stiffer springs and shocks, trading some body roll and ride cushion for flatter cornering and quicker response.

On its first run the Aston had clocked a 0-to-60-mph time of 4.1 seconds and a quarter mile of 12.5 seconds at 115.0 mph, easily bettering the 4.3-liter car's performance (5.2 seconds; 13.6 seconds at 105.8 mph) and even topping the times of the mighty, 520-horse DBS with six-speed automatic (4.2 seconds to 60 mph; 12.6 seconds at 112.3 mph in the quarter). And the Vantage hadn't even revealed its full potential. "Definitely could've gone quicker," said test driver Scott Mortara. "Probably under four seconds to 60." Does the new Sports Pack pay handling dividends? Why, yes: The new Vantage circled our figure-eight course in 24.5 seconds at 0.79 average g, compared with 25.7 seconds at 0.72 g average for the outgoing car.

Aston Martin has upped its game. There's no denying the Vantage's rarity and beauty (lined up with the 911, it looks like a leopard next to an ostrich egg). Nor are there many engines on the planet whose exhaust note alone can convince you that $136,630 is an entirely reasonable sum to pay for an automobile. It's this timbre-the V-8's nerve-chilling shriek above 4000 rpm-that inspires the phrase "the sound of ripping silk." Of course, that's really just another hackneyed auto-journalism cliche. Besides, what the Vantage's V-8 really sounds like is a ripping silk-and-mohair blend. Those in search of spectacular tailoring and engine fireworks will adore this new Aston Martin. Porsche, however, has not a thing to worry about.

© Source: motortrend
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