Form follows function? Hamann Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Click above for a gallery of the Hamann Aston Martin V8 Vantage
We were totally buying Hamann's line about "form follows function," right up until the point we saw the roof scoop on the tuner's Aston Martin V8 Vantage package. That aside, the kit from Hamann is one of the most comprehensive we've seen, implementing an array of aerodynamic, handing and engine mods to take the baby Aston to the next level.
On the aero side, Hamann festooned the Vantage with a new lower front fascia with two-piece spoilers, added a pair of sideskirts, a three-piece rear diffuser and a small, if not entirely stealthy, rear spoiler. You can get all these bits, or a different lip spoiler, in either carbon fiber or fiberglass, along with a roof scoop allowing you to channel your LeMans ambitions in poseurific style.
The engine benefits from a retuned ECU that can boost power of the outgoing Aston's 4.3-liter V8 to 358 hp (23 hp more than stock) or the 2009 model's 4.7-liter V8 to 426 hp (30 hp more than stock). A stainless steel exhaust is supposedly good for another 20 hp, but it's unclear whether the same gains can be attained without tweaking the Vantage's computer.
The handling has been shored up with a set of Hamann's three-piece 21-inch wheels and new springs that drop the Vantage by 30 mm up front and 20 mm in the rear, while the interior receives a new aluminum pedal set, bespoke floor mats and optional custom leather trim.
Check out all the details in the press release after the jump and peruse the gallery below.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
srDRIVEN 8:07PM (9/24/2008)
the scoop isn't on all of the images, so that's a plus. for me, why not a more classy and refined DB9 instead AMV8 plus the investment in these add ons? hamann customers aren't the classy refined type i suppose, they are all from miami.
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V3LOCIP3D3 2:16AM (9/25/2008)
The modifications are to better a cars performance. If you want it refined, leave it as is. If I want to get the most out of the *sports* car that I chose to buy, I will add these upgrades to improve performance.
True car aficionados will get these upgrades (and this car) with an engineering perspective . . if looks reigns most important in your view, you don't deserve to drive this car.
srDRIVEN 11:15AM (9/25/2008)
thank you for assuming I'm undeserving. if it's all about function, as you claim, please explain the non functioning roof scoop to me from your enlightened, engineering perspective. I think one could argue that the performance "gains" from the carbon body work are pretty negligible if any.
V3LOCIP3D3 3:10PM (9/25/2008)
Since Hamann is a serious tuner, I give them the benefit of the doubt . . so I'm sure it's a legit air vent into the cabin. some race cars have them to ditch the air conditioner, which saves weight by getting rid of the compressor, condenser etc. and saves power.
and I'm sure you're plenty deserving, there's just a lot of people on who will dismiss a car simply for its looks, if you're not one, then i take it back
Smeagle 8:08PM (9/24/2008)
Its not like these guys started off with a honda civic or something, they have a pretty attractive car as a basis for this yet they still managed to make it look like a cross-trainer. Job well done.
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Kumail 8:08PM (9/24/2008)
they took away it's smooth looks that made it an aston martin. bad decision.
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coolremo 8:20PM (9/24/2008)
i like hamman's style but this car is too classy to be made into a fast and the furious prop
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Elise SC 8:25PM (9/24/2008)
The variants from pic 15 on look incredible. Dare I say "classy" even.
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Nater 8:33PM (9/24/2008)
Umm... the original 4.3 V8 Vantage had 380 horsepower, so 358 would actually be 22hp less...
As you claim, it would have started out with 335hp. Derrr.... huh?
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axium 11:21PM (9/24/2008)
And the 4.7 Vantage is 420bhp stock.... so that's a 6hp gain they are claiming. Someone screwed up somewhere, me thinks.
RxMadness 1:49AM (9/25/2008)
I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed that and went.. "wait, wut?"
wonkydonkydotnet 9:28PM (9/24/2008)
As they say in the Plastic Surgery business, "Better is the Enemy of Good."
-try to improve on Ian Callum or Henrik Fisker's designs, just go ahead and try; I dare you.
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Herkimer 10:02PM (9/24/2008)
POOP-ERIFIC.
That used to be a nice looking car. Now, it just looks awkward.
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JD 9:50PM (9/24/2008)
Yeah, form before function. That's why they put 21" rims on it. Function. Right.
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CORVETTE ZR1 10:12PM (9/24/2008)
The Body Kit The Roof Scope + The 426 hp V8 Make The Vantage Look And Feel More Like A High Performance Sports Car. And Less Like A Luxury Sports Car... Nice Job Hamann As Always.
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