The stars have aligned, and I'm ready to get a vantage. I have to have the sportshift, coming from an SMG M3 that I dearly love, I can't go back to manual. Do the 08's have any significant changes to the clutch to make it last longer? What are the big differences between 07 and 08? My wife has a CLS55, doesn't have to physically use the key (forgot what they call it) Do the 08's have this feature?

 

ston Martin V8 Vantage coupe and roadster gain a few standard features for 2008 such as steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, an auxiliary audio jack, cupholders and a windshield-embedded radio antenna (versus body-mounted). new technological updates for the Vantage, which included changes to the engine, transmission, suspension and appearance. New cylinder liners that are now pressed into the aluminium block instead of the original cast-in variants allow a thinner liner, which in turn allows a larger capacity of 4.7 L. The cylinder bore and stroke has been increased from 89 mm (3.5 in) to 91 mm (3.6 in) and 86 mm (3.4 in) to 91 mm (3.6 in) respectively, giving a total displacement of 4735 cc. The dry sump lubrication system was also modified.
The "Sportshift" semi-automatic transmission benefited from a software update, while a lightened flywheel was introduced for both the manual and the Sportshift. Aston Martin also stiffened the suspension and now uses Bilstein dampers. An optional Sports Pack is being offered with stiffer springs, tighter handling, and all-new 5-spoke alloy wheels. Sportshift-equipped models also receive a new dual throttle-mapping update which allows the driver to choose from the default Sport mode, or Comfort mode, which gives more comfortable shifts and throttle input for drivability. The update provides the Vantage with 420 bhp (an 11% increase) and delivers peak torque of 470 N·m (350 lb·ft) (a 15% increase), providing the car with additional reserves of mid-range performance and an even higher top speed. So there is quite the difference go for a 08 if your wallet can afford it. You can get them for a steal, hell AM of NE was selling 09s for 80K (brand new cars) so hunt around, if you need help PM me

 

The 4.7 liter engine along with the transmission changes occurred for 09, not 08. The 08 model changes was mostly small things like the iPod integration.

As far as keyless operation goes, no, none of the Astons have this, even the 2010 models. This is the one thing I really miss that I had on my Vette. Starting with 09, the Vantage uses the ECU instead of a regular key, but the ECU still has to be put into the dash to start the car.

 

Sorry jay your right, lol it was announced in 08 for 09 production... i fail abit there... and the ECU they called what the emotional control unit >.<! but anyway if you can find a 09 for good money thats the one i would go for. you can find 09s for around 100-110K and then talk em down to around 95 from there most likely once again i looked into one about a year ago and a 130 MSRP he was going to give to me for around 85. duno why or how but deals can be had and sorry for the inaccuracy of the info and thanks for jay for correcting me

 

Don't think an 09 is gonna happen, wanna keep it under $80K.

 

i've been looking for an 09 in the 90-100K range. Who were you talking to that offered you that deal?

 

that was when i poked my nose into AM of New England bout a year back

 

Do you think they are as hard up as they were a year ago? The economy is showing signs of a pulse...

I look at autotrader, cars.com, ebay.... the price variance is very annoying. I'll see an 08 and 07 with similar stats for the same price. There are buy it now 07's for 69K. But a similar car on autotrader is asking $84K... Crazy...

 

Honestly if you want I can poke around AM NE and see what prices they are throwing at me. Once again negotiation is on your side. If you want to PM me and ill see if I can help

 

Thanks, if you see any 08 coupes with sportshift, let me know. any of the gray shades ;-)