(continued from above)
Successor to the special edition V8 Vantage N400 of 2007, the Vantage N420 is
based upon the standard 4.7-liter, 420 hp, 180 mph V8 Vantage and is available as
a Coupe or Roadster, and with a six-speed manual or optional Sportshift
automated manual transmission.
The Vantage N420 draws inspiration from
the company's experiences at the Nürburgring 24-hour race. In the 2006 running
of the annual Nürburgring endurance classic amongst a field of mostly motorsport
homologated cars, Aston Martin entered a near-standard, road-registered V8
Vantage. Driven by a team of employees, including Aston Martin's CEO, Dr Ulrich
Bez, the V8 Vantage - named 'Rose' by the team - finished 4th in class and 24th
overall from a field of more than 200 specialized racing cars.
Since then
Aston Martin has returned every year to compete in this grueling endurance race,
scoring a string of class victories and podiums with road-registered V8 and V12
Vantages and most recently the new four-door Rapide. Not only has this racing
success spawned a burgeoning V8 Vantage GT4 customer program run by Aston Martin
Racing, but lessons learned in racing at the Nürburgring has led to aerodynamic
and other performance developments being fed back into Aston Martin's road cars.
A generous standard specification and some unique options ensure the special
edition Vantage N420 is both exclusive and distinctive.
On the outside,
wider sills combine perfectly with a carbon fiber splitter, side strakes and
diffuser, while bold 10-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels complete with gloss
black finish, black mesh vents and 'Graphitic' tailpipe finishers complete the
coordinated look.
Inside the Vantage N420 offers an Iridium interior
package, with graphite instruments, leather or Alcantara steering wheel, special
N420 sill plaques and adjustable sports seats, complete with 'Race Track'
stitching as in the V12 Vantage. Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and Park
Distance Control are also standard.
Cementing the Vantage N420's credentials as a special edition V8 Vantage
tailored for the most discerning and enthusiastic drivers, it is fitted with the
normally optional Sports Pack. This package combines revised springs, dampers
and anti-roll bars for even more responsive and dynamic handling, while
retaining the V8 Vantage's renowned poise, balance and long distance ability.
Finally, a new sports exhaust system delivers a suitably rousing soundtrack.
A further distinctive feature is the availability of a new range of optional
Aston Martin 'Race Collection' paint schemes. Pairing bold body colors with
contrasting hues for the cant rails and radiator grille surround, they celebrate
the marque's racing heritage. All of the company's successful N24 Vantage racers
are celebrated, with 'Rose' yellow, 'Kermit' green and 'Elwood' blue all
featuring in the collection along with traditional Aston Martin Racing green.
The white and black car shown in the accompanying images wears the equally
striking 'Asia Cup' livery.
Deliveries of the V8 Vantage N420 in the U.S.
begins in quarter four 2010.