The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is one of the most beautiful cars on sale, but it's not quite as quick as we'd like.



Thankfully Banbury-based rally specialist Prodrive – which runs the Aston DBRS9 GT cars – has now turned its attentions to the Vantage.

The 4.3 litre V8 has been tweaked to get an extra 45bhp (up from 380bhp to 425bhp, plus more torque (up from 302lb ft to 325 lb ft).</B> That should help shave 0.3sec of the car's 0-62mph time, and increase the top speed by 8mph to 182mph. Prodrive also claims that new throttle mapping makes the V8 more responsive throughout the rev range.

You'll also be able to hear the engine better – there's a new exhaust that allows you to manually control the exhaust valve to get more of the V8's great engine note.

Alongside the engine mods, there is new adjustable Bilstein and Eibach suspension. A switch in the cockpit allows the driver to choose between normal and sports mode.

Naturally if you've got the Prodrive-tuned V8 you'll want people to know, so there are some special 14-spoke 19-inch alloys, and very discreet front and rear carbonfibre spoilers to reduce lift by a claimed 45 per cent.

All the parts go on sale in 2007.

 

Three points for Prodrive!

It's about time someone decided to help the Vantage out. It seems like every major review said it's lacking on power.

 

Very true, I tried the AMV8 this summer in Cannes, It felt slower than the BMW MZ4 I tried, With these upgrades, I think it will satisfy future potential AM customers.

 

Some more info and great big wallpaper pictures
http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/12/...age/#more-4481
Prodrive tunes Aston Martin Vantage



"Prodrive has launched a range of parts for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, which improves the car’s performance and enhances its driving experience. The range includes: a performance pack for the engine; new driver-adjustable suspension; unique forged wheels; and a discreet aero package.

Prodrive has tuned the 4.3 litre V8 engine to raise peak power from 380 hp to 425 hp, as well as increasing peak torque from 302 lb/ft to 325 lb/ft. This reduces the car's 0-62 mph time from 5.0 secs to 4.7 secs (est).

Prodrive has worked with suspension specialists, Bilstein and Eibach, to develop new driver-adjustable suspension. A switch in the cockpit allows the driver to choose between normal and sports mode. The normal mode has been designed to enhance the V8 Vantage’s existing ride and handling characteristics, while the firmer sports mode delivers an even more focussed driving experience on the road or for track use.

The engine performance pack has a modified exhaust system with a low back pressure sports catalyst and a driver-controlled switch to manually override the V8 Vantage’s exhaust valve. This gives the option of a quiet mode, where the valve is permanently closed; auto, where the valve operates as it does on the standard car; and sport mode, where the valve is permanently open (where conditions allow). Gallery after the jump…"

 

thanks dimnslow for more info and bigger pics

 

Those rims are hot... the small carbon fiber spoiler is a nice touch as well.

 

I like the CF rear lip spoiler

 

I just got their price list for the V8 vantage, they have 5 packages as of today and they dont sell products individualy.

Engine Upgrade costs 6,239 Sterling Pounds
Suspension 5,581 pounds
Wheels/Tires, 3,995 Pounds
AeroKit Package CF front lip and rear Spoiler costs 2,937

Also found out that QuickSilver has 3 Exhaust System models which include Cats and Mufflers

costs 1,680 Pounds for the SuperSport with Rear Section; Ie Mufflers.

 

$12,000 for 45bhp.

 

Yes, Not worth it.

Get the Ecu updated from any tuner and the Vantage will gain 10-12hp easily and the Top speed will increase from 280-310kmh from what I have heard.

I was looking at the QuickSilver exhaust website and contacted them, told me its 1,680pounds; that my sound reasonable for an Aston. I drove a V8 Vantage a year ago when they first came out, all it needs is a Louder Exhaust(Not that the Stock Muffler isnt loud) and a Ecu upgrade for a few Horses

 

Love the Vantage,its got the best parts of Vanquish and DB9. Only thing its lacks is the Power, AM could have easy given the Vantage 500bhp if they wanted,then its would really have its foot in the performance category is the BMW M6. 500bhp Vantage sounds hot, i would buy it. I guess we have to see which Tuner steps up to the plate, i know Mansory were doing some on the Aston Martin line,anyone have info on them?

 

Agree, Its size is perfect

 

Local guy hear just got one and it sure looks great. I was wondering, what would this car run the 1/4 in. I know it is no drag car but I know the 0-62 of 4.9 ish but my guess is it falls off a tad when the gears change. I'm guessing aroung 13.2-13.5. Anyone know if this is close?

 

13.1 at 107.9


http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/d...data_panel.pdf

 

Awesome lip spolier!