2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coupe Review
October 3, 2008 by Anthony Crawford
Aston says that the steering geometry has been modified to improve steering feel but again, after nearly 700 kilometres behind the wheel of the new Vantage, it’s hard to pick any improvement over what was already a near faultless set up.
If anything, even less power assistance would be my call, especially when you’re into some nicely cambered bends at considerable velocity and you’re thinking about whether to keep your right foot into it, or to back off a little.
I’ve got to be fair though, I’m comparing the steering of the V8 Vantage to Lamborghini’s Gallardo Superleggera (the benchmark in the luxury sports car category), which is close on twice the price of the Aston. If anything, it demonstrates how good this car really is.
Let’s not forget, the Vantage will push on to 290km/h, so extreme grip levels are essential. The Bridgestone Potenzas are competent on a variety of road surfaces and frankly, I can’t complain although, we didn’t get to drive the car in the wet on this trip.
What is noticeably different with the new car is the level of intrusion from its DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system, in short and thankfully, not much.
Powering out of a few corners on the twist-fest up to Mount Selwyn, I wondered if I had inadvertently turned the DSC off, such is the level of manageable oversteer allowed by the system, wonderful stuff.
Coming back down the mountain we encountered a rather over zealous utility driver who seemed in an awful rush to get to the bottom. Half way down we doubted whether he had any brakes left such was the smell of his on-fire pads. My point is, there was no brake fade during the rapid 20 minute descent from the four-pot calipers on ventilated, grooved rotors.
By the way, if anyone doubts the value of tyre pressure monitoring systems, we can surely testify to their usefulness. They can save you a packet!
Just on five minutes out of Gundagai, Alborz, who was piloting the Vantage at the time, pulled off to the side with hazard lights blazing, to our annoyance. Apparently, there was a tyre pressure warning light.
On inspection though, the big 275 ultra low profile Bridgestone looked fine, so we pressed on into the town made famous for its “dog on a tuckerbox”.
wonderful review guys
sounds delicious, consider me jealous, now back to my 4pot civic :(
Awesome stuff! Well written review on a brilliant, unpretentious and supremely capable car. Now if only I could win lotto.
Frankly, being very pretty and having a shiny badge doesn’t really do it for me. Give me a R35 Skyline and I still have $100 000 left for another set of wheels.
But thats me :D
I suppose at least,it’s a worthy alternative to the Porsche 911.
As for Tim’s R35 remark-I have a feeling that will be said quite a lot when reviewing high performance cars. ;)
Are you really comparing a Nissan to an Aston Martin
Really?
As a pleb with no money, I’d pick the Nissan and save myself a tonne of interest. It is all about the go.
But if I seriously had $150,000 to blow on a GT-R I’d probably be looking at the Aston.
The beauty of the thing, plus the horny sound track, has surely got to be worth the extra coin if you’ve got that much to spend on a car in the first place.
Despite the fact that the R35 GT-R is undoubtedly an awesome technologically advanced piece of automotive engineeering… there isn’t a 4-5 year waiting list for the Nissan which gives you an idea which one is more popular.
Yeah, I’m a massive fan of the GTR, but there is no way I’d choose it over the Vantage.
Insanely beautiful car, makes Ferraris and Lambo look bulky and ugly.
would put my order in now if I could, but that ain’t happening unless I win lotto, then this would be parked right next to a Gallardo.
We sell them , i love them, it’s my dream car mine would be yellow … oh well, of to the newsagent to buy another ticket.
Can someone pass the tissues :-)
Always been one of (if not) the nicest cars in the world.
And humbly might I suggest that if you were to honestly choose the Nissan over the Aston, then you honestly don’t understand the Aston. They are not a race car tuned for the road they are the “Creme de la Creme” of road cars.
OMG, if Angelina Jolie had wheels, she would look like that
vantage is pure class
I have wood, just looking at the pics. ASTON MARTIN, I just want one.
love this car! and give me the proper 6sp manual box please.. Im sick of you guys going on about clutchless manuals!! NO THANKS give me the proper manual anydAY, THE auto versions are for lazy fat cats who buy these cars for looks not for driving…
I have to say the R35 GTR is an amazing car enspecialy for that price. But come on for a car that looks that good, sounds that breath taking and goes fast enough. And with a badge like Aston Martin, my heart tells me to spend to spend an extra $100,000 which is slower. Though common sense doesn’t.
The problem with the GTR is that they come from the same company that makes bluebirds. And its not that good looking either. Its been designed with the wind tunnel in mind where as the Aston is designed by the heart and James Bond drives an Aston. You choose boys
The Vantage and GTR are in different leagues. The GTR may be fantastic to drive but dont forget this – GTRs will be EVERYWHERE! Theyre not expensive. Youll still only see a few vantages around. Id buy the AM and seriously may even try to.
Absolutely gorgeous. A second or so slower to 100kph wont worry you in one of these – you’ve got nothing to prove so you’re not going to hit the track or race from lights. I’d take the XKR over it, being a family man and all – similar shape (front not as nice), but the rear seat would get it past the missus. Inferior car, maybe, but at least no-ones going to think you are a James Bond wannabee. I’ll have to leave the Aston to you single guys (sob!).
Wow Vfacts says 82 of these were sold so far this year compared to 312 Porsche 911’s.
Some people must be really brave and think with their heart instead of their head. Well done i respect that.
Stupid, but i respect it…
Well done Aston for burning all those people who paid for the 4.3 and lost a huge amount with the 4.7 brought out.
Those that dont upgrade, wont be back..
“Well done Aston for burning all those people who paid for the 4.3 and lost a huge amount with the 4.7 brought out.
Those that dont upgrade, wont be back..”
So DanMan, car manufacturers shouldn’t upgrade and improve their car because people already bought it? It’s like buying any other car. It will eventually be upgraded or replaced with a better one…
sigh.
Not when you only change the engine no. Not after only three years no.not when a car is 240k on the road, no.
Not after the confusion after the ford sale, no.
Millionaires dont like to be stuffed around IMO.
Beautiful car. It’s an automotive sculpture. This beast isn’t about performance numbers, it’s about HOW it produces them. It’s class, pure masculinity and attitude on wheels.
Putting Nissan in the same sentence is sacrilege! :)
Precisely Gift-Ed.
Why are these nobs comparing a nissan with this. Fools.
Buy this for street cred and absolute pleaseure of owning one of the most credible makes of car available, buy the Datsun if you want to go fast round a track.
I hope you blew a set of tyres in that thing
Shaken not stirred or what, just look at the lines. Let me say even better looking in real. As for the Nissan, called Godzilla becacause it looks like Godzilla.
Nothing compares to this, this is the epitome of what a car should be. This car makes me cry that i don’t have a bigger pay packet.
R35, good car, but, different league. You’ll be able to pick one up in 10 years for 30k. Not so the Aston.
When is the full video test being posted?
Does look the business does/nt it?
It’s only 911 money, don’t be a sheep and buy this instead!
Cheers,
F-0