The Ultimate Guide to the 2019 Aston Martin V8 Vantage: Review, Price, Specs, Videos, Images, Performance & More

Introduction

One of the most anticipated sports cars of 2017 and the successor to its most successful model ever – the Aston Martin V8 Vantage was unveiled in late 2017 and – in a departure to the traditional launch photos of Astons in the past, where the car has been grey or green or even a burgundy, the Vantage arrived in striking, almost neon lime green.

This in a way signalled a departure for the brand; following on from reports of record profits for the brand in 2017, the confidence Aston Martin had at launch displayed in what it produced with the V8 Vantage: less part-sports part-touring car, more all-out sports car.

The car seems to have inherited some of the spirit of the ear-splitting track-only Vulcan übercar. That startling exterior accentuated the aggressive aerodynamic features in the bodywork, while demanding the attention of onlookers, guaranteeing their second glance.

With its new V8 Vantage, Aston Martin delivered a bold statement of intent.

Design, Styling & Interior

That purposeful intent is displayed on the car’s exterior, with a muscular stance that makes little effort to conceal the vast amount of aerodynamic work that Aston Martin has put into the car.

Aston has emphasised the dynamic direction it took with the new Vantage in its design, with overhangs front and rear kept to a minimum. Up front, the gaping Vulcan-inspired grille delivers air under the car to ensure the diffuser jutting out at the rear receives a continuous feed of clean air, while contributing to a system of fences that aid with engine cooling. This car is all style and substance.

Another example is the pair of gills in the Aston Martin’s flanks – while adding to the drama of the V8 Vantage’s looks, they also act to bleed air out from the front wheel arches. Combined with the front and rear diffusers and the upturned tail at the rear of the car, Aston Martin say the V8 Vantage produces a “significant amount” of downforce.

Inside, Aston Martin says it has continued the V8 Vantage’s focus by using sharp lines around the cockpit. Sitting in the Vantage, the impression is one of aggression, helped by the car’s high ‘waist’ and low roofline – though Aston says headroom is improved over the outgoing model thanks to a lower driving position.

The ‘unconventional’ styling direction Aston has taken with the Vantage has split opinion. We love it and look forward to seeing how it develops for the brand over the Vantage’s lifetime and beyond.

Performance

Power in the new Vantage comes courtesy of a Mercedes-Benz-sourced four-litre twin-turbo V8 mounted up front, which is good for 503bhp and 505 lb-ft of torque from 2000-5000rpm. Aston has finely tweaked the engine’s induction, exhaust and engine management systems in an effort to protect the character that its predecessor was so renowned for.

That power reaches the rear wheels via a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, with this green streak capable of reaching 60mph in just 3.6 seconds. Top speed for the V8 Vantage is 195mph.

For those seeking an even more engaging drive, there is thought to be a seven-speed manual in the pipeline for the V8 Vantage – though the wait for that could be at least a year. Once available, the Vantage will be the only car that pairs the M177 Mercedes-AMG engine with a manual ‘box.

The last-generation Vantage sports car gained a V12 engine later in its life, adding more grunt and character to the car, with the combination of massive engine in a tiny, pretty sports car being a winner for the brand. While not having written off the idea entirely for the new model, Aston Martin is keen not to allow a heavier power plant affect the handling and dynamics of this model.

The aggressive styling and bold choice of launch colours have piqued interest in the V8 Vantage, with both representing a step change for the brand.

That aggression is not merely skin deep, with the V8 Vantage’s performance stats as imposing as its visual impact – not to mention a crackly exhaust note that hints at a barely-contained fury.

With a bonded aluminium chassis harnessing the technology used in the bigger DB11, though with 70% being new for the Vantage and a solidly-mounted rear sub frame to enhance the driver’s connection, handling, rigidity and weight were all key considerations during the design of the V8 Vantage to ensure exquisite handling and balance.

But that doesn’t mean power took a back seat – 505 lb-ft is on tap from 2000-5000 rpm, with horsepower peaking at 503bhp at 6000rpm. When that twin-turbo V8 gets on song it can launch this 1529kg, two seat ballistic lemon from 0-60 in 3.6 seconds and all the way on to 195mph.

Ride & Handling

With the V8 Vantage going up against the likes of the Porsche 911 GTS, engaging handling is a must. Thankfully, Aston Martin has prioritised this in the development of the V8 Vantage.

Power is managed by an electronic rear differential, which works with the car’s electronic stability control to send power to the wheel with the most grip.

The E-Diff also allows for adjustments at higher speeds, aiding stability and composition in a straight line or through the bends. Systems like Dynamic Torque Vectoring and Dynamic Stability Control also play a part in the V8 Vantage’s handling character, though by no means has Aston relied totally on electronics to “manufacture” a feel for the car.

The V8 Vantage boasts perfect 50:50 weight distribution and a low centre of gravity, thanks to its engine being mounted as far back and low down in the car’s body as can be allowed. The chassis uses the bonded aluminium structure techniques first seen on the DB11, though with the majority of components being completely new for the Vantage.

Pirelli P Zeros handle the sticky end of things, designed specifically for this car, while an Adaptive Damping System offers adjustability to three switchable modes: Sport, Sport Plus and Track.

Prices & Specs

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage will appear in US dealers in the second quarter of 2018 with prices starting around $149,995. The first deliveries will start around then – though at the end of 2017 (indeed, barely a week after it unveiled the car) Aston Martin revealed that order books for 2018 had already been filled, with waiting lists for 2019 already growing.

2018 Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTE

Revealed by Aston Martin the same day as the Vantage road car, with the pair launched simultaneously at an event in London, the GTE takes the Vantage’s already prodigious track talents and turns everything up to eleven.

The addition of that massive rear wing, racing decals and enlarged carbon fibre front and rear splitters, plus broader side skirts and wider track, turn the Vantage from cool-but-compliant pet python into an angry venomous spitting cobra.

Bulges and gouges in the bonnet make the muscular underpinnings look like they’re bursting to get out of a thin yellow veneer of yellow bodywork.

Aston Martin’s engineers have lifted the road car’s dynamics to another level with the racer, while meeting FIA GTE class regulations. Power is raised to around 540hp, while a full-length flat floor and those splitters and wings add even more downforce, helping the Vantage GTE snake its way around endurance circuits across the world.

Aston Martin released a video shortly after the announcement of the GTE. Detailing some of the hardware beneath the skin of the racecar, including Ohlins suspension components and Alcon brakes designed specifically for the Vantage GTE, the video allows a behind the scenes look into the development abd testing of the road-going Vantage’s body building cousin.

 

[button style='accent' url='https://www.supercars.net/blog/2018-aston-martin-v8-vantage/2/' fullwidth='true']Aston Martin V8 Vantage Galleries & Videos >[/button] [button style='accent' url='https://www.supercars.net/blog/2018-aston-martin-v8-vantage/' fullwidth='true']< Back To The Beginning[/button]

 

Image Galleries & Videos

Photos & Wallpapers

Whereas the previous Aston Martin Vantage stayed well within the confines of an established (and well-liked) Aston Martin design language, the new model takes a leap in its own direction.

Defined by its aerodynamic underpinnings, but still recognizably Aston Martin, the V8 Vantage’s exterior is altogether more aggressive, more animalistic than that which went before it.

The gaping front air intake and rear splitter are not just for show – they actually generate downforce, combining with the rear boot lip spoiler and slashes in the front wings to help stick the car to the road.

With the Marek Reichman-designed Vantage having been revealed to the world in a striking lime green colour, the Vantage’s looks suggest a confidence with Aston Martin to pull its cars into the future; in more restrained, darker tones, with the loud colours used to highlight the aerodynamic touches, the Vantage’s presence becomes all the more imposing.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Videos

With many journalists itching to get their hands on the Aston Martin Vantage, most videos so far see the car taken out on a Portuguese race track where Aston Martin held the launch event.

We look to the likes of Mike Spinelli, Matt Prior, Henry Catchpole and Ben Barry for their trusted opinions of the car – collated below for your viewing pleasure.

There are several videos below; you’ll want to watch them all – partly to build up a full picture of what the Vantage is like, but mostly because the look of the thing and the noise it makes are so gorgeous. Enjoy.

In our first video, Mike Spinelli gets to grips with the Aston Martin Vantage in the Algarve on a soaking wet circuit. He delves into the technology of the car before taking it out on the slippery track surface – with the car’s lime green paint slicing through the grey overtones of the backdrop this day.

Matt Prior of Autocar enjoys two different examples of the V8 Vantage – one on track, and another on the road. In his typically meticulous style, Matt pores over the car’s various set ups and driver enhancement technology – including the technology employed to modulate the level of furious roar from that AMG V8 – before giving a full under-the-skin overview of the car’s chassis and internals with the help of a bare chassis cutaway.

On the road, he enjoys a model with a few more creature comforts, exploring how the car manages its split personalities between track devouring machine and a more laid-back V8-rumbling enjoyable sports car on the road.

Henry Catchpole also gets behind the wheel of a new Vantage on the road for Carfection. In an almost restrained looking white example he takes on some winding ribbon-like roads laced around a series of Portuguese mountains, creating endless switchbacks and hairpins connected by glorious straights.

His enthusiasm for the little details shines through – picking up the serrated headlamp edges and the Bond-spec ‘red button’ behind the dash in his test car.

Finally, we have evo magazine’s Richard Meaden put the brand new Porsche Cayman GT4 through its paces.

Say what you want about the Vantage’s new screaming bright paint scheme – you can’t miss it in the snow. Ben Barry of CAR magazine was lucky enough to drive one of the Aston Martin test cars – still wearing body camo but fairly close to production-spec – on snow and ice in northern Finland during the latter stages of the car’s winter weather testing.

With 503bhp going straight to the rear wheels, expect slides – a lot of slides. With a neat bit of split-screen viewing, Ben demonstrates just how compliant the Vantage’s chassis is, even in what could be described as less-than ideal conditions for a twin-turbo V8 sports car.

[button style='accent' url='https://www.supercars.net/blog/2018-aston-martin-v8-vantage/3/' fullwidth='true']Aston Martin V8 Vantage Press Release[/button] [button style='accent' url='https://www.supercars.net/blog/2018-aston-martin-v8-vantage/' fullwidth='true']< Back To The Beginning[/button]

 

Original Press Release

Introducing the new Vantage: the successor to a true sporting dynasty

21 November 2017, Gaydon: Vantage. An evocative name for a magnificent bloodline of thoroughbred sports cars. For seven decades the heartbeat of Aston Martin’s purest models, successive generations have built an enviable reputation for thrilling performance and enduring popularity. Today this formidable sporting dynasty is poised to hit new heights with the introduction of the new Vantage.

A spectacular new Aston Martin sports car demands a bold and distinctive design language. Pure, sculptural forms create an athletic, predatory stance, while the minimal front and rear overhangs, muscular flanks and broad haunches express the agility and dynamism inherent within the car. New head and tail lights form dramatic new signatures giving the Vantage unmistakable road presence and contribute to a strong and individual identity within the growing Aston Martin model range.

Aerodynamic performance is central to the Vantage concept: the front splitter directs airflow underneath the car, where a system of fences channels cooling air where it is needed, and also ensures the rear diffuser is fed with clean airflow. The design of the diffuser creates an area of low pressure air, while simultaneously preventing turbulence generated by the rear wheels from disrupting the flow of air exiting centrally from beneath the rear of the car.

Together with the new side gills, which have been integrated into the body surface and bleed air pressure out from the front wheel arches, and the pronounced upswept rear deck lid, the Vantage generates a significant level of downforce – a rarity on any production car and a first for a core production Aston Martin model.

The exciting design story continues inside the Vantage, with a dynamic and focused sports car cockpit that rejects long, fluid curves in favour of sharp, focused lines denoting the more aggressive nature of the car. A high waist interior theme and lower driving position creates a more immersive driving experience, and contributes to significant gains in occupant space and significant improvement in headroom compared with the outgoing Vantage. A combination of rotary and toggle style controls have been used for their unmatched tactile and intuitive functionality. Likewise the PRND transmission buttons have been moved into a triangular formation so as to cluster major controls into clearly defined zones. The interior also offers generous stowage space, with useable room behind the seats and generous double-tier storage areas.

The heart of the Vantage is Aston Martin’s potent new alloy, 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. Set low and as far back in the chassis as possible for optimal centre-of-gravity and perfect 50:50 weight distribution, this high performance, high efficiency engine returns a CO2 figure of *245g/km yet develops 503bhp at 6000rpm and 505lb.ft from 2000-5000rpm. With a dry weight of 3373lb this gives the Vantage formidable power-to-weight and torque-to-weight ratios – something vividly demonstrated whenever the throttle is squeezed. Detailed tuning of the induction, exhaust and engine management systems has given the Vantage a truly intoxicating character and soundtrack.

The Vantage deploys its impressive power and torque to the rear wheels via a rear-mounted ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. Capable of accelerating from 0 to 60mph in 3.6 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 195mph, it employs a sophisticated suite of integrated electronic systems to offer maximum control and driver enjoyment. These include Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Torque Vectoring. The speed-dependent electric power steering has 2.4 turns lock-to-lock for a perfect combination of quick-wits and precise, intuitive control.

For the first time on an Aston Martin the new Vantage also features an Electronic Rear Differential (E-Diff). This differential is linked to the car’s electronic stability control system, so it can understand the car’s behavior, and react accordingly to direct the engine’s power to the relevant wheel. Unlike a conventional LSD, it can go from fully open to 100% locked in a matter of milliseconds. At higher speeds, the Electronic Differential’s speed and sensitivity of response enables the system to take very fine control of the car’s dynamic behaviour. It makes the car feel much more composed both in terms of its straight-line stability and its cornering performance, providing the driver with increased levels of confidence to explore and enjoy the car’s capabilities to the full.

The chassis is an evolution of the latest generation bonded aluminium structure first seen on the DB11, though some 70 per cent of the structure’s components are new for Vantage. Balance, strength, rigidity and weight efficiency were all priorities in the new Vantage design, as was handling purity and consistency. Highlights of the chassis include a solidly mounted rear subframe for an enhanced feeling of direct connection for the driver, new Pirelli P Zero tyres developed specifically for new Vantage and the latest generation Adaptive Damping System which incorporates Skyhook technology and offers the choice of Sport, Sport Plus and Track modes.

Thanks to full integration of engine, transmission, E-Diff, Dynamic Torque Vectoring, Dynamic Stability Control, Adaptive Damping and the electric power steering systems, each mode optimises every area of the car as one. With each step the Vantage gains in agility and responsiveness, its character becoming progressively sharper, more vocal and more exciting. This is the essence of the Vantage driving experience – a car that’s never less than connected and engaging with the breadth of capability to revel in challenging roads and bare its teeth on track.

The Vantage features a high level of standard equipment, including keyless start/stop, tyre pressure monitoring system and Parking Distance Display, Park Assist and front and rear parking sensors. The In-Car Entertainment system – controlled and viewed via a centrally mounted 8” LCD screen – comprises of the Aston Martin Audio System, Bluetooth® audio and phone streaming, iPod®, iPhone® and USB playback. There is also an integrated satellite navigation system and wi-fi hub.

Being an Aston Martin, the new Vantage also features a high level of craftsmanship, evidenced by flawless paintwork, luxurious Alcantara® and leather upholstery and a fabulous level of finish using tactile natural materials of the highest quality. There is also extensive scope for personalisation via a generous choice of options. These include forged alloy wheels in a variety of finishes, Sports Plus Collection (comprising Sports Plus seats and Sports steering wheel), carbon fibre interior and exterior detailing and a Premium Audio System.

Aston Martin President Chief Executive Officer, Dr Andy Palmer said: “It speaks volumes for the outgoing Vantage that it is the single most successful model in Aston Martin’s history. Creating a worthy successor has been a challenge to relish and a huge source of motivation. I’m enormously excited by what we’ve created: a new Vantage that’s more explicit in looks and intent, wrapping heart-pounding performance and dazzling dynamics into an everyday usable package. A true sports car with a sharper look and a keener dynamic edge, the new Vantage is the Aston Martin pure driving machine enthusiasts have been waiting for.”

The new Vantage is on sale now with a recommended retail price from $149,995 in the USA. Deliveries are scheduled to begin during the second quarter of 2018.

[button style='accent' url='https://www.supercars.net/blog/2018-aston-martin-v8-vantage/4/' fullwidth='true']2018 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Verdict >[/button] [button style='accent' url='https://www.supercars.net/blog/2018-aston-martin-v8-vantage/' fullwidth='true']< Back To The Beginning[/button]

 

The Verdict Is In

What The Experts Said…

The world is full of armchair commentators when it comes to cars. At Supercars.net we have a number of journalists and automotive publications we rely on when we want to get unbiased opinions from people we admire.

Below, we’ve outlined some of the things these experts had to say about the new Aston Martin V8 Vantage. We have included snippets only so definitely dive deeper into their content for find out the details behind their assessments. Please support these awesome publications because they invest a lot in the details, amazing product photographs and great writers.

While most reviews highlight that this is an incredibly important car for Aston Martin, the general consensus seems to feel that the bold move away from GT car and towards sporting prowess, with all the modern touches that go along with it, has been a step in the right direction for Aston Martin.

Evo – “It’s a car that you quickly feel at home in”

Evo’s Henry Catchpole gives his thoughts on the Aston Martin V8 Vantage in this review from the car’s launch.

Worth clicking through for the pictures of the evil-looking black-with-yellow-accents car in the pictures alone, in it Henry waves off concerns over the use of a Mercedes-sourced engine, claiming
I think it might be even better in the British car. It has fantastically linear delivery and the throttle response in particular is stunningly good – so good in fact that it’s pretty much impossible to tell that it is turbocharged.”

In fact just about the only fault Henry finds with the Vantage is a slight loss of steering feel compared with the old car – with the new Vantage, Aston Martin has employed an electric power-assistance steering system – though he describes the experience as a ”hugely enjoyable and extremely fast car and anyone stepping from an old Vantage, even a GT8 or V12, will be shocked at the leap on in performance that the new Vantage has made.”

[row]

[column size='1/2']

The Good

[/column]

[column size='1/2']

The Bad

[/column]

[/row]

More: Read the Full Review
__

Car and Driver: “[it] just wants to play, like a four-wheeled Labrador puppy”

Jared Gall drove the Vantage for Car and Driver in Portugal at the Portimao circuit, in slithery wet conditions with little visibility. Despite the meteorogical challenges, he still managed to enjoy himself.

On the handling, he described the Vantage as “a rear-driver that reacts faithfully to driver inputs and rotates readily yet predictably,”, while praising the car’s carbon ceramic brakes on track for turning the front straight’s 150-plus mph into 40-mph hairpins without a hint of fade.”

The electric differential impresses Jared, too, and he notes the confidence this bestows upon the driver: “The standard electronically controlled limited-slip differential invites us to prod the throttle earlier and earlier on corner exit.”

[row]

[column size='1/2']

The Good

[/column]

[column size='1/2']

The Bad

[/column]

[/row]

More: Read the Full Review

 

__

Top Gear – “it sounds epic and looks fabulous”

Acknowledging ex-Lotus handling guru Matt Becker’s input on the Vantage’s handling, Top Gear is staggered by the car’s small feel on the road, in juxtaposition to other reviews which cite the Vantage as feeling incredibly wide. It’s shorter than a 911 Carrera and feels narrower – despite those gorgeous hip-like rear haunches actually having a wider footprint than the Porsche – and that immediately removes a layer of intimidation from those crucial early miles. You have space to play with.”

Of that AMG-sourced V8, Top Gear gushes of its “uncanny throttle response, mea appetite for revs and on-demand potency,” before noting that the British brand’s influence bestows “a more serrated, angrier edge to the soundtrack that’s part Bullitt Mustang soundtrack, part Liam Gallagher soundcheck.”

[row]

[column size='1/2']

The Good

[/column]

[column size='1/2']

The Bad

[/column]

[/row]

More: Read the Full Review

Rivals

[row] [column size='1/2']

Porsche 911

One does not simply build a sports car without considering the 911. With Aston Martin’s engineers reportedly citing the 718 Cayman as their benchmark for handling in the development of the Vantage, it’s clear they pay heed to the masters in this field.

On power, the Aston has the German car licked; 503hp to the current 991-generation Carrera’s 370hp. Both have history, with nameplates stretching back to 1963 for the Porsche and 1977 for the Vantage.

Put these two toe-to-toe on track and it’s sure to be an interesting fight.

Learn More

[/column] [column size='1/2']

Jaguar F-Type SVR

A fellow Brit to the Aston Martin Vantage, the F-Type SVR similarly features a V8 up front as its power plant. However, power is up on the Vantage; the SVR produces a mighty 575 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to all four wheels with a special e-differential that allows for torque to be scooped around between the front and rear to keep it glued to the surface.

A bit more track-focused than the Vantage, nevertheless its price is right – the F-Type SVR will set you back $126,945 – around a $25k cheaper than the new Aston. The F-Type is based on slightly older tech than the Vantage – the model has been in production since 2013, though the SVR variant arrived in 2016 – but for those with the cash to spend on a car like this it may come down to a question of character – the big, brawny old-school V8 Jag or the lithe, new rear-wheel drive Vantage.

Learn More

[/column]
[/row]
___
[row]

[column size='1/2']

Mercedes-AMG GT S

Featuring the same 4-litre twin-turbo V8 heart as the Aston Martin Vantage, the Mercedes-AMG GT S sits pretty at 515 hp and 494 lb-ft of torque. While no drop-top variant of the Vantage is available yet, the GT S comes with the addition of millions of miles of sky, if you’re into that sort of thing.

0-60 in 3.7 seconds in the Mercedes-AMG is bested by Aston Martin’s claim of 3.6 seconds for the dash in the Vantage, while both come with electronic differentials, rear-wheel drive and in a range of vibrant colours.

Learn More

[/column] [column size='1/2']

er… the Aston Martin Vantage?

This is a bit of a sneaky one – Aston Martin announced recently that a limited run of cars – dubbed the V600 – would be built based on the old Vantage platform.

Featuring the charismatic 6-litre V12 mounted up front (of course), this blast from the past produces 600bhp so should prove significantly nuttier on the road than the 2018 Vantage V8.

Details on pricing are sketchy at the moment, though with just fourteen models being built it’s likely to be much, much pricier than the new Vantage.

Learn More

[/column]

[/row]

[row]

[column size='1/2']

Nissan GT-R

The Japanese supercar slayer would likely give the new Vantage a run for its money on a lap of the Nordschliefe, but the twin-turbo V6 while potent would not be a match for the Vantage’s characterful V8.

If all-out performance is your thing though, look no further. That V6’s 565hp is transferred to the road via a class-leading all-wheel drive system, while Bilstein dampers and adjustable suspension keep those four wheels planted, making the GT-R feel at times like it is on tracks.

Learn more

[/column]

[column size='1/2']

McLaren 570S

If you’ve got a bit more than the $149k or so required for entry into the Aston Martin Vantage, and are seeking something with a little more dynamic ability, then the McLaren 570S may be just what you’re looking for.

At $184,900 it’s more than a little bit more expensive than the Aston, but with the lightest weight in its class and the highest power to weight ratio, you’d be hard pushed to get anything quicker on track this side of $200k.

Learn More

[/column]

[/row]

Other Rivals: Tesla Model S P100D, BMW M6, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Lexus LC500

---

Our Final Verdict

The Aston Martin Vantage enters the market at a time when competition is plentiful at its level. It writes a lot of cheques with its athletic stance but thankfully those are cashed – and then sum – by the performance from the moment that 4-litre V8 rumbles in to life.

Concerns that putting a German heart in the British bruiser would lessen its appeal have been smashed to smithereens; this car still has heart, and a crackling exhaust note to boot. It’ll put a smile on your face, especially if you spec it in one of the more ridiculous colour options that Aston Martin is offering.

With the new Vantage, Aston Martin has pushed its boundaries. We’re very glad they did, and excited to see where it leads for the brand.