2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage improvements
Friday May 23, 2008
A host of changes have been announced for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage model and are scheduled to be available in showroom models sometime in the third quarter of 2008.
Most importantly, revisions to the model's engine up the power and torque significantly, with power rising to 420 bhp (426 PS, 313 kW) from the previous 4.3 litre model's 380 bhp, and torque increasing from 302 ftlb (410 Nm) to 347 ftlb (470 Nm). The power peaks at 7000 rpm (unchanged from the 4.3 litre engine), but peak torque arrives 750 rpm later than the older version, now at 5750 rpm. These gains were found by enlarging the bore and stroke of the V8 motor, with bore and stroke now perfectly square at 91.0 mm each, up from 89.0 mm and 86.0 mm respectively. The increase in bore was made possible through a change in the production of the block, which now features pressed-in liners that allow for thinner walls and the increased bore. Modified cylinder heads incorporate new intake ports and the size of the inlet valves has been increased. Detail changes to the crankshaft design reduce rotating mass and have improved breathing, and further tweaks to the dry sump lubrication system complete the engine enhancements.
To better suit the improved performance of the engine, the transmission has undergone some modification as well. Lighter clutches and flywheels in both manual and Sportshift transmissions have reduced the rotating masses inside the gearboxes which results in improved responsiveness. The Sportshift transmission has also received a number of electronic upgrades, resulting in different gearchange characteristics. It is also switchable between "Comfort" and "Sport" modes, allowing for the driver to select the sort of dynamic responses required. Steering-mounted controls allow the driver to override the transmission's shift points to allow for more control over downshifts in situations where a completely automated system might not adequately predict optimal gearchanges.
Suspension and chassis changes have also been introduced, with stiffer springs fore and aft, revised damper mountings and modified steering geometry. Standard wheel and tyre sizes are now 235/40 ZR 19 tyres on 9.5J x 19 rims at the front, and 275/35 ZR 19 tyres on 10.5J x 19 rims at the rear.
Most importantly, revisions to the model's engine up the power and torque significantly, with power rising to 420 bhp (426 PS, 313 kW) from the previous 4.3 litre model's 380 bhp, and torque increasing from 302 ftlb (410 Nm) to 347 ftlb (470 Nm). The power peaks at 7000 rpm (unchanged from the 4.3 litre engine), but peak torque arrives 750 rpm later than the older version, now at 5750 rpm. These gains were found by enlarging the bore and stroke of the V8 motor, with bore and stroke now perfectly square at 91.0 mm each, up from 89.0 mm and 86.0 mm respectively. The increase in bore was made possible through a change in the production of the block, which now features pressed-in liners that allow for thinner walls and the increased bore. Modified cylinder heads incorporate new intake ports and the size of the inlet valves has been increased. Detail changes to the crankshaft design reduce rotating mass and have improved breathing, and further tweaks to the dry sump lubrication system complete the engine enhancements.
To better suit the improved performance of the engine, the transmission has undergone some modification as well. Lighter clutches and flywheels in both manual and Sportshift transmissions have reduced the rotating masses inside the gearboxes which results in improved responsiveness. The Sportshift transmission has also received a number of electronic upgrades, resulting in different gearchange characteristics. It is also switchable between "Comfort" and "Sport" modes, allowing for the driver to select the sort of dynamic responses required. Steering-mounted controls allow the driver to override the transmission's shift points to allow for more control over downshifts in situations where a completely automated system might not adequately predict optimal gearchanges.
Suspension and chassis changes have also been introduced, with stiffer springs fore and aft, revised damper mountings and modified steering geometry. Standard wheel and tyre sizes are now 235/40 ZR 19 tyres on 9.5J x 19 rims at the front, and 275/35 ZR 19 tyres on 10.5J x 19 rims at the rear.
