Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420

What‘s it? It is a special edition from the Aston's V8 Vantage coupe (or roadster ) ; loosely inspired by Aston's GT4 racing cars. A follow-up towards the N400 of 2007, weight from the N420 is cut by 27kg during the standard V8 Vantage, which does not sound like loads because, well, it is not really. It‘s mostly derive from the applying of carbonfibre set up of other trim ; for example lighter seats. There will be carbonfibre details on the exterior too and a brand new design of alloy wheel. The engine remains a similar 4. 7-litre, 420bhp V8 as standard, as a manual or robotised-manual gearbox is offered. Most significantly could be that the optional Sport Pack is fitted – that gives revised springs and dampers and thicker anti-roll bars. There is a sports exhaust, too. Oh, and optional Race Collection paintwork – different-coloured paint to the pillars / rails and grille surround, as on Aston's race cars. What is it like? More extreme compared to the regular V8 Vantage, certainly. The carbonfibre-backed seats are exceptionally supportive and, even at idle, there is a hint of greater potency coming from the exhaust. The low-speed ride won't perhaps you have writing home, either. Chuck inside the Alcantara finish upon the steering wheel and it is a quite an engaging experience. Changes do not run so deep as they simply do on, say, a Porsche 911 GT3 though. This remains a V8 Vantage, only one that is better associated with an open road. So it steers with pleasing accuracy and feel, and wants to become revved with surprising vigour for an enormous V8. Achieve this and it also gets along nicely, using the sports exhaust making a very belting noise once the engine's wound towards the upper echelons from the rev-range. The stiffer springing brings its rewards if you are pressing on. Turn-in is sharpened noticeably, grip is strong and also the N420 improves the conventional V8 Vantage's chassis feel close to the limit. The car feels more planted, with less body unwanted movement like the front tyres (on the steady throttle ) as well as rear tyres (with trail-braking or perhaps a dose of gas ) commence to reach their limits. Because it is unchanged, the V8 engine retains its odd, slightly springy response towards the pedal – as though the 2 are attached using a section of elastic. It is far less noticeable upon the optional Sportshift transmission fitted to our test N420. This can be a single-clutch automated manual rather when compared to a twin-clutch unit or perhaps a full auto. I quite adore it, but I'd try some fine manual when the engine did not have its slightly peculiar response, and when it did not hang such a lot whenever you come from the throttle. The Sportshift disguises those traits well. Should I buy one? It is worth considering, certainly. If you had been to spec the N420's options separately you'd finish up having a bill that will make this model's £97k list price seem like good value. However the N420 is not a full-blown Porsche 911 GT3 rival – the alterations towards the Porsche run deeper and truer to its motorsport roots. It feels more authentic and fewer superficial. While I believe the very best Porsches will be the lightest, most stripped bare ones, conversely I believe the very best Astons are its more cosseting models. Just what the Aston N420 is, though, is really a worthily more focused and much more entertaining car compared to the regular V8 Vantage, at an acceptable premium. Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420