Aston Martin Vantage 4.3-litre power boost
December 14, 2008 by George Skentzos
Following the launch of the new 4.7-litre V8 Vantage, Aston Martin has introduced a retrospective-fit power enhancement and Sports Pack option for owners of the original 4.3-litre Vantage.
The power upgrade will see peak power rise by 15kW to 298kW, with a modest torque increase from 410Nm to 420Nm resulting in a higher top speed of 285km/h and an improved zero to 100km/h time.
The package has been developed by the Aston Martin engineering team and includes a revised induction system using technology previously introduced on the DBS.
The new air intake system has a pair of switching airbox-valves that open at 5,500rpm allowing additional air into the engine producing more power.
Engine calibration has also been revised to optimise ignition timing and improve compatibility with higher octane fuels.
The Sports Pack was first introduced on the 4.7-litre V8 Vantage earlier this year, and is now fitted to half of all vehicles produced – leading Aston Martin to provide the popular option to previous owners to enhance the handling characteristics of the car.
The package comprises uprated springs and Bilstein dampers, and lightweight forged aluminium 5-spoke wheels which help reduce unsprung mass, further improving the precision handling of the V8 Vantage.
Both options are currently available through Aston Martin’s global dealer network.
Tags: Aston Martin Vantage
Will anyone care? They’re laying off staff at the factory and there was a 2008 model convertible one of these done just 2600 kilometres advertised here yesterday for less than two thirds of new price.
Doesn’t stop it from being one of the world’s best looking and greatest-sounding cars though.
I second you, Mainwaring. If only it had the performance to match the look, sound and price-tag :P
I usually don’t like people saying this, and its no excuse for it being underpowered from the factory.. but if you can afford a car of that money you can afford a supercharger kit to go with it. I thought the engine would be closely related to the 4.2S in the Jaguar range considering both were FordMoCo companies.
I am amazed, even as something as wonderful as the vantage and some people here still have to be negative.
That shot of the engine is the best thing that I have seen on the internet outside of youporn. A factory ECU mod? sweet! an extra 15KW would really be noticeable. I wouldnt bother too much about the value drop. Not too many people are wanting to throw around $2 – 300K for a second hand car right now, and that one could have been ordered before the financial slaughterhouse post June. Yes, the 4.3 is a worked version of the Jag engine, but it’d cost a bucketload to put a supercharger on and you’d kiss your warranty goodbye.