Skip to main content

First Drive: 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

2003 BMW M5. 2005 Lotus Elise. 2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. What do these three vehicles have in common? They all occupy a space in my dream garage. Sure, I could've added a few more fantasy slots for a Ferrari 250 GTO, a Land Rover 90 and everything in between, but the Bimmer, the Lotus and the Aston exemplify all I've ever wanted on four wheels: a powerful sedan, a competent track tool, and an elegant coupe. No matter the occasion, I'm covered. But there's a problem. While I've spent a fair amount of time in and around the Elise and M5, I've never had the opportunity to drive the ... Read More

  • 0
    Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    Video: Aston Martin Vantage S is music to our ears
    1299805020

    Not to step on John Stewart's toes or anything, but it's now time for your moment of Zen. After seeing yesterday's smoking-hot photos of the first production Singer 911, we thought this week just couldn't get any better. We're happy to tell you that we were completely wrong. The good people of Motor Authority have been so kind as to slip the web a taste ...

  • 0
    Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    Aston Martin V8 Vantage S packs more power, attitude
    1295978460

    Aston Martin has found a way to turn up the heat on its V8 Vantage with a new S model. The coupe packs the same 4.7-liter V8 under the hood as its predecessors, though the mad scientists in Gaydon have managed to wrench a full 430 horsepower and 361 pound-feet of torque from the eight-pot. The engine is now bolted to a tweaked version of the company's ...

  • 0
    Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    Aston Martin recalls 2007-2008 V8 Vantage, DBS, DB9 models over suspension fear
    1286402280

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration has issued a recall for select Aston Martins. If you own a V8 Vantage, DB9 or DBS produced during the 2007 and 2008 model years, you should head on in to your local dealership. A cam bolt in the front bottom suspension arm could crack, allowing the lower control arm to move about in ways it shouldn't. As ...

  • 0
    Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    Paris Preview: Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 Roadster
    1285606860

    There's not much we'd change about the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, as it's compact, stylish and thoroughly addictive already. But that hasn't stopped the British marque from launching a series of updates and upgrades. The latest came in July with the launch of the N420 edition coupe, a race-car-for-the-street variant inspired by the company's motorsports ...

  • 0
    Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    Aston Martin releases new N420 edition V8 Vantage
    1278430140

    You remember the Vantage N400? Aston Martin released the special-edition sportscar back in 2007 to commemorate the success of its Vantage N24 racer at the Nürburgring. It packed 400 horsepower, a series of suspension tweaks and some special cosmetic touches. Unfortunately, Aston only produced 240 examples of the 'N', all of which have long since ...

  • 0
    Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    Report: Aston Martin to debut revised DB9, Vantage in 2013/14
    1276261080

    Following the introduction of the Rapide and One-77, and with the miniaturized Cygnet on its way, Aston Martin is turning its attention to its two core model lines. But rather than replace the existing DB9 and Vantage with all-new, ground-up redesigns, word from the UK is that Gaydon is planning thorough revisions of the existing models, including to ...

  • 0
    Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    Reunion for four of Bond's Astons planned at Stoke Park Club
    1276088340

    Before the original Aston Martin DB5 Bond-mobile goes on the auction block this Fall, it and three other Astons from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s will get together for a party in the UK. The DBS, Vanquish, and V8 Vantage Volante from Quantum of Solace, Die Another Day and The Living Daylights will be on hand for the Midsummer Classic at the Stoke Park ...

  • 0
    Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    Spy Shots: Aston Martin planning more Vantage upgrades?
    1265927400

    With Aston Martin busy releasing the Rapide, preparing the Cygnet city car, running the One-77 flat out, gearing up for a fresh assault on Le Mans and toying again with the whole Lagonda project, it's been a while since we've heard anything about the Vantage. The entry-level model in Aston's range received some upgrades for the 2010 model year, including ...

  • 0
    Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    Elite LMV-R brings the heat to Aston Martin
    1249491600

    The Aston Martin Vantage GT4 might be worthy on the track, but what if you want a lightened, hardened Vantage for the street, à la Lamborghini's Gallardo Superleggera and Ferrari's F430 Scuderia? Then you have Elite to thank for this, the LMV/R. The car is lightened with the use of carbon fiber body panels and interior kit, widened with bespoke ...

  • 0
    Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    Aston to field half-dozen V12 Vantage racers at Nürburgring 24
    1243083600

    It started with one lone V8 Vantage, dubbed the N24, that ran the Nürburgring 24-hour race in 2006. Last year, that first racer, a yellow car dubbed "Rose," won class honors in the race. This year, it will be joined by five more Vantages, one of them being the 510 horsepower V12 Vantage introduced in Geneva earlier this year.Only three of the six ...

Autoblog iPhone App