Aston Martin introduces V8 Vantage N420

Aston Martin has unveiled yet another special edition, the V8 Vantage N420, similar to the V8 Vantage N400 (earlier post).

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6 July 2010, Gaydon, Warwickshire: Aston Martin has unveiled a new motorsport-inspired special edition; the V8 Vantage N420 which brings a new dimension of sporting prowess and dynamic ability to the V8 Vantage range.

Successor to the special edition V8 Vantage N400 of 2007, the Vantage N420 is based upon the standard 4.7-litre, 420bhp, 180mph V8 Vantage and is available as a Coupe or Roadster, and with a six-speed manual or optional Sportshift automated manual transmission.

The Vantage N420 draws inspiration from the company�s experiences at the N�rburgring 24-hour race. In the 2006 running of the annual N�rburgring endurance classic amongst a field of mostly motorsport homologated cars, Aston Martin entered a near-standard, road-registered V8 Vantage. Driven by a team of employees, including Aston Martin�s CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez, the V8 Vantage � named �Rose� by the team � finished 4th in class and 24th overall from a field of more than 200 specialised racing cars.

Since then Aston Martin has returned every year to compete in this gruelling endurance race, scoring a string of class victories and podiums with road-registered V8 and V12 Vantages and most recently the new four-door Rapide. Not only has this racing success spawned a burgeoning V8 Vantage GT4 customer programme run by Aston Martin Racing, but lessons learned in racing at the N�rburgring has led to aerodynamic and other performance developments being fed back into Aston Martin�s road cars.

A generous standard specification and some unique options ensure the special edition Vantage N420 is both exclusive and distinctive, while also offering a 27kg weight saving � achieved through the application of carbon fibre � over the standard V8 Vantage.

On the outside, wider sills combine perfectly with a carbon fibre splitter, side strakes and diffuser, while bold 10-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels complete with gloss black finish, black mesh vents and �Graphitic� tailpipe finishers complete the co-ordinated look.

Inside the Vantage N420 offers an Iridium interior package, with graphite instruments, leather or Alcantara� steering wheel, special N420 sill plaques and lightweight carbon fibre seats, complete with �Race Track� stitching as in the V12 Vantage. Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and Park Distance Control are also standard.

Cementing the Vantage N420�s credentials as a special edition V8 Vantage tailored for the most discerning and enthusiastic drivers, it is fitted with the normally optional Sports Pack. This package combines revised springs, dampers and anti-roll bars for even more responsive and dynamic handling, while retaining the V8 Vantage�s renowned poise, balance and long distance ability. Finally, a new sports exhaust system delivers a suitably rousing soundtrack.

A further distinctive feature is the availability of a new range of optional Aston Martin �Race Collection� paint schemes. Pairing bold body colours with contrasting hues for the cant rails and radiator grille surround, they celebrate the marque�s racing heritage. All of the company�s successful N24 Vantage racers are celebrated, with �Rose� yellow, �Kermit� green and �Elwood� blue all featuring in the collection along with traditional Aston Martin Racing green. The white and black car shown in the accompanying images wears the equally striking �Asia Cup� livery.

Production of the V8 Vantage N420 begins this month, with deliveries commencing in August and prices starting from �96,995.

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READ MORE - Aston Martin introduces V8 Vantage N420

Next AM DB9 likely to come in 2013

According to British magazine Autocar, Aston Martin plans to introduce the new DB9 and Vantage in 2013/14. The new models will not be totally new, due to the impact of the financial crisis, but expect new body panels and revamped interiors.

In terms of exterior design, elements from the One-77 will be adopted. Key dimensions will not be altered of course.

"We're not going to start from scratch again when we already have experience with excellent cutting-edge technology," an Aston source revealed.

Autocar also revealed that "a major focus of projects VH500 (DB9) and VH600 (Vantage) is to get weight down through the detailed redesign of the individual extrusions and pressings that make up the car's alloy tub. "There's plenty more yet to come from the VH platform," said one insider".

Some sources suggest that Aston Martin wants to achieve a  10% weight reduction, which means that the new DB9 will weight less than 1500 kg. 

In terms of the engines, both the V12 and V8 engines will be re-engineered into more powerful, more fuel-efficient next-gen versions. Aston chairman David Richards recently confirmed that the V12 has a long-term future. "Our V12 has still got another generation to go," he told Autocar.

Source: Autocar

READ MORE - Next AM DB9 likely to come in 2013

First Aston Martin dealership opens in Greece

Aston Martin is seeking growth in new markets and as part of the company�s ongoing expansion plans, Aston Martin has entered into Croatia, Czech Republic, Taiwan, Sweden, Poland and Greece with plans to open in Brazil, Chile, and South Korea. 

The dealership in Greece has opened a few days ago and there are four cars in the showroom - a DBS, a DB9, a V8 Vantage and a V8 Vantage Roadster. Unfortunately, since I took those shots on Sunday, the dealership was closed, but I will try to make another visit soon and take some shots from the inside.

READ MORE - First Aston Martin dealership opens in Greece