The V8 Vantage Roadster embodies the qualities that are integral to Aston Martin: Power, Beauty and Soul. Representing the essence of pure driving pleasure, the new Roadster is a compact sports car that offers an astonishing blend of performance and exhilaration, a car with two distinct personalities: Open and invigorating, or closed, cosseting and protective.

The Vantage Roadster is a high performance sports car. With 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.0 seconds (0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds) and a potential maximum speed of 280 km/h (175 mph) its performance figures are as heady as you would expect of an Aston Martin.

Although there are many reasons for this excellent performance - light weight and efficient aerodynamics among them - the key is the engine, the heart of any great sports car. This new V8 has been specifically designed and developed for the Vantage Roadster and Vantage Coupe. Hand assembled at Aston Martin's purpose-built engine facility in Cologne, Germany, it is a light, compact, all-alloy unit - high performance yet ultra-responsive even at the lower end of the rev range. Its maximum torque is an impressive 410 Nm (302 lb ft) @ 5000 rpm, 75 per cent of which is delivered at just 1500 rpm - barely more than idle - making the Roadster extremely tractable and great fun to drive. Push harder, and that V8 engine revs freely, delivering refined, exhilarating pace.

True to Aston Martin tradition, it is as musical as it is muscular, an engine that entertains in every sense. The bore and stroke dimensions are optimised to provide an excellent balance between outright power and torque, while a resonance induction system improves tractability and performance, and contributes to that inspired engine note. The inlet camshaft timing also varies, improving low-end throttle response and mid-range torque in particular. The exhaust system is highly effective. Each bank of cylinders features a four-into-two-into-one manifold - an arrangement more usually found on racing cars - which improves breathing and therefore performance. Special bypass valves provide a quieter exhaust note at low speed, opening at higher engine speeds to reduce the pressure in the exhaust system, raise the power output and provide a more rousing accompaniment.

The flexibility of the engine and the easy-touse controls make everyday town or city driving simple and uncomplicated. Electronic safety controls provide further reassurance. Braking power is awesome, with massive disc brakes - 355 mm diameter at the front, 330 mm at the rear - that are both ventilated and grooved. For the Vantage Roadster, grooving is a better solution than conventional cross-drilling of the discs, as they work more effectively with the brake pads and do not fill with brake pad dust. There's a choice of two alloy wheel styles - 18 inch or 19 inch in diameter - fitted with specially tuned high-performance tyres.

Classic Aston Martin Style

The design brief for the V8 Vantage dictated a style that could not be anything else but Aston Martin.

Elegant, yet with a controlled aggression. Perfectly proportioned, with a low, purposeful stance. Modern, yet incorporating classic Aston Martin design cues. Like all Aston Martin sports cars, it is simple, understated and beautiful. And like all Aston Martin sports cars, its beauty is more than skin deep.

The design brief for the V8 Vantage dictated a style that could not be anything else but Aston Martin. Elegant, yet with a controlled aggression. Perfectly proportioned, with a low purposeful stance. Modern, yet incorporating classic Aston Martin design cues. Like all Aston Martin sports cars, it is simple, understated and beautiful. And like all Aston Martin sports cars, its beauty is more than skin deep.

Outside, the V8 Vantage displays beautiful sports car lines, while maintaining a unique identity. Inside, its traditional craftsmanship is matched to striking 21st century style. Hand-trimmed in the finest quality materials, the cabin is that of an authentic sports car. Driver and passenger sit low, close to the car's centre of gravity, where they can feel the car reacting to the input of the driver; it's a special sensation, usually only experienced in racing cars. The connection between car and driver is very direct. Very sporting. Instantaneous.

The long, low bonnet line and two-seater cabin of the V8 Vantage offer an attractive balance between beauty and pure aggression. The car sits low and close to the road, while the front and rear overhangs have been purposely minimised.

Essentially it's a sports car with a simple goal - to provide maximum exhilaration - yet it is also one of the world's most beautiful cars. The side profile is an elegant, simple sweep, creating a curved line rather like a bow under tension, while the rear haunches are wide and muscular, like those of a powerful animal. It is a pure, elegant design; but, above all, instantly recognisable as an Aston Martin.

21st Century Craftsmanship

All Aston Martins are built by hand;not for sentimental reasons but because only craftsmen can deliver the design details and level of finish that Aston Martin engineers and designers demand. This level of detail and finish is simply not possible in high-volume manufacture.

At Gaydon in England, Aston Martin's new headquarters, hand-made meets high technology. The all-alloy structure, the lightweight body, the hand-assembled V8 engine, the sophisticated electronic controls and audio systems: all are engineered to a level of technology rarely seen in the automotive industry. This mix of technology, tradition and low volume makes for an exclusive, advanced and uniquely desirable sports car.

24-Hour Sports Car

The V8 Vantage is a high-performance sports car, yet the engine is so tractable, the handling so predictable, the visibility so good and the controls so easy to use that it is as comfortable in town or city as it is on country roads or even the track. The car's tailgate adds to its day-to-day practicality, while high safety standards provide reassurance whatever the driving conditions. All of which means the V8 Vantage can be a weekday working car, as well as a weekend treat.

This is a car that will thrill you on the track, yet serve you just as well in town. It's an exhilarating drive on the world's most demanding race circuits, yet is quite happy on motorways, in traffic or across country. One of the world's most inspiring after-hours sports cars, it is nonetheless quite happy labouring from nine to five.

As you would expect of an Aston Martin, it has been thoroughly;and painstakingly;tested. The V8 Vantage has endured the most extensive testing and development programme in the company's long history, during which 50 prototypes were rigorously tested over more than half a million miles. Over 12,000 miles of testing, including maximum speed runs, were carried out in Dubai, where the ambient temperature regularly hit 48C and the bodywork of the cars reached 87C. 37,000 miles of high-speed testing was also conducted at the Nardo test track in Italy, where the car ran at high speed for hours on end. Extensive testing was carried out at the Noburgring's Nordschleife in Germany, the world's most daunting motor racing circuit, and cold weather testing, in temperatures as low as -30C, was undertaken in Sweden.

Body

• Two door style with tailgate with 2+0 seating
• Bonded aluminium structure
• Aluminium alloy, steel, composite, and magnesium alloy body
• Extruded aluminium side impact bars
• Halogen projector headlamps
• LED rear lamps

Engine

• All alloy quad overhead camshaft 32 valve, 4.3 litre V8
• Variable inlet camshaft timing
• Dry sump lubrication system
• Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves
• Front-mid mounted engine
• Rear wheel drive

Projected Performance Figures

• Maximum power: 283kW (380 bhp) @ 7300 rpm
• Maximum torque: 410Nm (302 lb.ft) @ 5000 rpm
• Maximum speed: 175 mph - 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds
• 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds

Transmission

• Rear mid-mounted six speed manual gearbox
• Alloy torque tube with carbon fibre propshaft
• Limited slip differential
• Final drive ratio: 3.909:1

Steering

• Rack and pinion power assisted steering
• 3.0 turns lock to lock
• Column reach and tilt adjust

Wheels

• Standard: 18"lightweight alloy wheels - 10 spoke design
• Front: 8.5J x 18"
• Rear: 9.5J x 18"
  

Tyres

• Front: 235/45 ZR18
• Rear 275/40 ZR18

Optional

• 19" lightweight alloy wheels - 7 spoke design
• Front: 8.5J x 19"
• Rear: 9.5J x 19"
• Tyres:
  • Front: 235/40 ZR19
  • Rear: 275/35 ZR19

Suspension

• Front: Independent double aluminium wishbones incorporating ant-dive geometry
  • Coil over aluminium monotube dampers
  • Anti-roll bar
• Rear: Independent double aluminium wishbones incorporating longitudinal control arms
  • Coil over aluminium monotube dampers
  • Anti-roll bar

Brakes

• Front: Ventilated grooved steel discs 355mm diameter with radial-mounted four piston Brembo monobloc calipers.
• Rear: Ventilated steel discs 330mm diameter with radial mounted four piston monobloc calipers and separate handbrake caliper.
  

Dimensions

• Stability control system including anti-lock braking activation system (ABS), electronic braking distribution (EBD), traction control (TC), electronic brake assist (EBA) and dynamic stability control (DSC).
• Length: 4380mm
• Width: 1865mm
• Height: 1255mm
• Kerb Weight: 1630 kg
• Wheelbase: 2600mm
• Boot capacity: 300 litres
• Fuel tank capacity: 80 litres
• C02 Emissions: 358 g/km

Sportshift adds electro-hydraulic control to the existing V8 Vantage 6-speed manual transmission to offer improved shift times and replaces the conventional manual gear lever with push button controls on the centre console to select 'Auto Drive', 'Reverse' or 'Neutral'.

Manual gear changes are selected in Paddle Shift Mode - the new ultra-quick system provides the driver with heightened precision via fingertip control of gear changes using steering column mounted paddles, forged from lightweight magnesium, to progress smoothly and swiftly through the ratios.

Sportshift offers gear changes up to three times faster than the standard manual transmission already available, with the driving enthusiast able to access precision gearshifts in around 200m/s. To adapt to all driving conditions, an additional 'Comfort' mode offering a more relaxed gear change features which is selected via a single button on the centre console.

Sportshift functionality is also enhanced with a low speed 'crawl' feature, which acts as a manoeuvring aid, gently engaging the clutch to move the car up to 4mph - allowing the driver to focus on positioning rather than throttle control when parking. Additionally, Sportshift includes a user-selected 'Auto Drive' mode, which, when operated, will take full control of the timing of all changes and select the appropriate gear for all conditions.

Equipped with Sportshift, V8 Vantage retains its low polar moment of inertia and excellent balance, with a negligible increase in overall weight and minimal impact to the Vantage's optimal 49:51 weight distribution. Equally, top end performance is unchanged, at 280 km/h (175 mph).

Just after 15:00 hrs on 18 June 2006, in the pit lane of the Norburgring, Chris Porritt, Aston Martin's Vehicle Engineering Manager, stepped from the cockpit of a bright yellow V8 Vantage. In the preceding 24 hours, Porritt, along with his co-drivers, Dr Ulrich Bez, Chairman & CEO of Aston Martin, Horst von Saurma and Wolfgang Schuhbauer, had lapped the legendary 25.4 km (15.77 mile) circuit, nestling in Germany's mountainous Eifel region, some 130 times. The near standard V8 Vantage finished 24th overall out of 220 starters; a staggering achievement among a field of mostly specialised race-homologated entrants.

The Norburgring 24-hour race not only gives its name to the V8 Vantage N24, but provided a conclusive demonstration of its abilities: a near-standard car capable of tackling the demands of one of the world's most arduous racing circuits. Following the team's success in Germany, the Vantage N24 subsequently went on to finish eighth overall in the inaugural 24-hour race of Bahrain in December 2006, again competing with highly modified race cars. During the course of the race, the Vantage N24 covered over 2,600 km (1,600 miles), needing only fuel, brake pads and tyres.

With the formation of Aston Martin Racing in 2004, the marque made a long-awaited and very successful return to international sports car racing in 2005 with the GT1 DBR9 and in 2006 with the GT3 DBRS9. However, the company also has a long history of racing near-standard cars at both national and international level and the Vantage N24 builds on this tradition; a factory-built car well proven and ready to race. The endurance races in Germany and Bahrain proved the Vantage N24's ability beyond question. At the core of this achievement is, of course, a standard V8 Vantage.

The V8 Vantage was launched in 2005, having undergone the most extensive test programme of any Aston Martin; in total over a million miles, including 19,000 km (12,000 miles) of desert driving at 50C in Dubai, cold-weather testing at -30C in Sweden and 60,000 km(37,000 miles) of maximum speed testing at Italy's Nardo track.

In production form, the V8 Vantage's powerful 4.3-litre engine provides 283 kW (380 bhp), giving the car a maximum speed of 280 km/h (175 mph) and a 0-100 km/h time of 5.0 seconds (0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds). Aston Martin's unique VH (Vertical Horizontal) aluminium bonded architecture allows for class-leading strength and rigidity, with a front mid-mounted V8 creating optimum front to rear weight distribution and a low centre of gravity - the perfect basis for a successful race car.

The V8 Vantage N24 is fastidiously hand-built in a dedicated facility within the factory. The level of detail and finish conforms to Aston Martin's exacting standards, fusing handcraftsmanship with advanced technology.

The Vantage N24 is based on a European specification V8 Vantage, with modifications to prepare the car for the racing environment. The engine is modified to enhance throttle response and performance. The crankshaft, connecting rods and pistons are lightened and balanced. Cylinder heads are re-profiled with inlet and exhaust ports smoothed and compression ratio optimised and the engine management system is calibrated for race use. The car also benefits from a free flow exhaust system and air filters. The standard V8 dry sump lubrication system is retained, helping to prevent oil surge during extreme cornering. The result is 305 kW (410 bhp) at 7500 rpm; a 22 kW (30 bhp) increase over the standard car.

The Vantage N24 is available with a six-speed manual transmission only. A Valeo twin-plate cerametallic racing clutch and lightweight flywheel complete the powertrain specification.

At 1330 kg (2930 lb), the Vantage N24 weighs 250 kg (550 lb) lighter than the standard car. The entire interior trim of the standard car is removed, with the exception of the facia moulding which is re-trimmed in Alcantara. The console and door casings are replaced by new lightweight mouldings.

The air-conditioning system is removed, as are the airbags. The interior features a full high-strength steel roll-cage and Recaro Pole Position competition seat shell (a passenger seat and safety harness are an optional extra). A suede-trimmed steering wheel with a quick-release mechanism is also fitted as standard. The Vantage N24's safety features are completed with a Schroth six-point safety harness with a push-button release and Lifeline Zero 360 gas extinguisher system.

The V8 Vantage's acclaimed suspension has required only minor adjustments for optimal track performance. These include larger diameter front and rear anti-roll bars and adjustable ride height aluminium dampers, as well as single-rate, flat ground springs with separate helper springs. The front subframe is modified for extra camber and castor.

Speedline cast magnesium front and rear wheels are standard fitted with high performance Yokohama A048-R tyres. The brakes are uprated with Pagid RS 29 race pads. As further endorsement of the standard V8 Vantage underframe, the active safety systems are directly carried over to the Vantage N24, including dynamic stability control, traction control, ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution, providing reassurance and enhanced control in slippery conditions. The Vantage N24 provides an ideal base for a wide variety of motorsport uses and is ideal for club racing amongst other categories. As supplied it is eligible for series such as the VLN Endurance Championship at the Norburgring, the Britcar Endurance Series, the Dutch Supercar Challenge, the Australian GT Championship and the European Endurance Championship. The Vantage N24 is potentially eligible for the proposed European GT4 Series, the Grand-Am Cup and the SCCA Touring Car Class in the USA*

*Specification changes may be required

N.B. This product is supplied direct from the factory, for further information please contact: Sarah Durose on +44 (0) 1926 644198

Specification

BODY

Two seat, two door body with rear tailgate. Bonded aluminium structure. Aluminium alloy, steel, composite and magnesium alloy body. Production headlamps.

• FIA approved full roll-cage in 40 mm x 1.5 mm 15CDV6 high-strength steel
• Preparation for pneumatic jacks incorporating tapping plates
• Motorsport towing eyes
• Plastic side and rear windows; with slide opening on driver's side
• Re-styled side sill with exposed carbon fibre rib
• Quick-release bonnet/tail safety latching with hinges retained
• Lightweight aluminium side strakes

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

• Cylinder heads; re-profiled and smoothed inlet and exhaust ports and optimised compression ratio
• Crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons and flywheel lightened and balanced to race standards
• ITG cylindrical foam air filters
• Reduced cell density primary catalysts
• Revised engine calibration (97 RON fuel)
• EGR and secondary air system removed
• Simplified oil breather system with catch tank
• Weight-reduced rear muffler without bypass valves
• Air-conditioning system removed
• FIA-approved ATL bag type fuel tank with twin fuel pumps; 100-litre (22 gallon) capacity. Filling point built into the righthand C-post with facility to accept a quickfill 'dry break' arrangement
• Standard six-speed manual transmission; fitted with breather catch tank Valeo twinplate cerametallic clutch (215 mm) with lightweight flywheel

UNDERFRAME

• Single-rate, flat ground, 2.5 in ID Eibach springs with separate helper springs
• Stiffened front and rear anti-roll bars
• Dynamic Suspensions adjustable ride height aluminium dampers
• Front subframe modified for extra camber and castor

WHEELS & TYRES

• Speedline 10 in X 18 in ET45 mm cast magnesium front wheels
• Speedline 11 in X 18 in ET48 mm cast magnesium rear wheels
• Yokohama A048-R tyres
• Standard radial-mounted four-piston monobloc calipers fitted with highperformance Pagid RS 29 race pads

ELECTRICAL

• Reduced weight and optimised route wiring harness
• Optima gel battery
• Battery cut-off relay
• New switch panel mounted in centre console incorporating re-settable circuit breakers for each fuel pump, extinguisher button, battery cut-off button, heater controls, mirror switch and toggle switches for fog lights, hazard lights, traction control and heated front screen
• Panel graphics illuminated by electroluminescent film
• Original V8 Vantage instrument pack
• All other standard production ancillary electrical systems removed