Aston Martin just announced the V8VGT, a lower-priced version of the V8V.

Main takeaways that I've seen:
It's ~$20k cheaper than a base V8V.
It's got the power of the V8VS.
It has suspension tuned similar to that of the V8VS.
It comes with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed ASM II.

I'm trying to figure out what they've cut from the V8V to bring the price down. So far I'm guessing its coming from the interior.

Some links:

http://gt.astonmartin.com/

http://www.caranddriver.com/news/201...Car+and+Driver)

http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_sh...ork-auto-show/

 

Great move. You can now spec a V8 from $99,900 right up to a fully loaded, fully carbon-ed $160,000.

$99,900 is Carrera S Money!

 

Yeah, looks like this should be popular. I'm playing around with the online configurator, and the most obvious difference is that options are extremely limited compared to AM's other cars - only a few choices for paint/leather/etc. That should cut down build costs a lot since there's so much less time needed for customization. They're still going to be hand-built, but production will be a bit more streamlined.

 

Additional Air Intake valves opening up at 3500 allows it to obtain 430 bhp according to the article.

Will be interesting how they design it and whether it can be lifted and installed on current cars.

 

It's the exact same thing as the "Aston Martin Power Pack" - I have it on my 4.3L, and I think it's standard on the V8VS (which is why the V8VGT has the same output as the V8VS).

The airboxes have flaps in the sides and actuators that open them. The intake manifold has an extra port on it with a rubber tube running along the intake duct, splitting into a "Y" at the same point as the intake duct. The tubes connect to the actuators.

 

Cruise control, bluetooth, satellite radio.

 

Each is pictured in the gt.astonmartin.com photos, so I don't know if they're extra-cost options. But they were extra-cost options on my '07, and that base price was still ~$20k more than the V8VGT, so that shouldn't affect the price comparison between the two.

 

Wow a phenomenal value. What's the catch???

 

yeah i don't get what the catch is.. only in those colors?

 

Boom. I just figured it out.

SomethingsomethingV8VGTisthebasemodelanddtheAMGpow eredmodelwillbecomethequotenormalunquotemodel.

 

This is not good news... kills all the residuals even more

 

Unless this is drastically de-contented this is going to do a number to the used market on Vantages. Nothing like pissing off all the people who just bought Vantages, on faith in a older chassis, in the last couple years who would be moving up the chain to say a DBS.

 

Gaydon AM's have always had crap resale, but look at it from the company's point of view. They'll roll an existing *great* drivetrain into an entry-level position with a lower price point to get more customers. AM owners are generally very loyal to the brand, but getting new customers is the hard part. for the money, Astons lag in performance, so many buyers in the low-$100k range go for Porsche (sporty yet full of tech) or Mercedes (comfy, refined, and loaded with tech). AM is a passionate decision - the numbers and tech simply aren't there.

So repositioning the V8VS as the entry car at 911 pricing will bring in more buyers that are likely to remain loyal. No further development is needed for the V8VGT, since everything in it is already in use.

Using an AMG twin-turbo V8 slotted above the V8VGT gives AM a fighting chance in the numbers game. Purist or not, we all know AMG engines are beasts. Plus that means AM will finally get a dual-clutch transmission. That will bring in Ferrari/McLaren/Lambo customers since an AM will finally keep up. and it will give current V8V owners something to move up into - yet another sale for AM.

This approach isn't anything new. Look at the current DB9 - it's a DBS under Virage skin. I'm not a die-hard purist. I do hope the AMG influence doesn't dilute the brand I love. But I am a realist. This new positioning could really save AM.

 

I feel for those of you that purchased, but as somebody who lusts for an Aston and has yet to get into one, this is welcome news. Even if it drops V8V used prices, that means I can get into one sooner (plan is for 09+).

Still curious what $20k difference comes from.

I'd also said the V8V was always touted as a 911 rival. Problem was it only rivaled GT models in price at base 911 performance.

 

I do agree, just hope the future Astons that are AMG powered are all motor... naturally aspirated cars...none of this turbocharging and supercharging nonsense. If you have noticed in the Porsche market, the 911 turbo has become much more of a yappy GT then a race-bred track car. The purists and enthusiasts migrate to the GT3 and 911S