Geneva show: Aston Martin V8 Vantage N430
Aston revs up the V8 Vantage
IF CAR companies did happy hours, the new V8 Vantage N430 would be Aston Martin’s guarantee of a good time.
The British sports car maker says the N430 has been developed for the driving purist, with extensive testing carried out at the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife circuit in Germany. The aim is to create a version of the V8 Vantage that “brings excitement to the road in an accessible, emotionally engaging and authentically analogue way”. We think that means it will be a lot of fun.
Under the bonnet is the same 4.7-litre, 430bhp V8 engine from the V8 Vantage S. The N430 is claimed to achieve 190mph, and accelerate to 60mph in 4.6 seconds. It is available with a six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed Sportshift automated manual transmission, and comes with a sports suspension pack as standard.
The party starts in September, when the first of the £89,995 N430 models will be delivered to customers. What will they get? Sadly, not two for the price of one like most happy hours, but there is distinctive war paint – called a Club Sports Graphics Pack – which is a no-cost option that sees the bodywork enveloping the distinctive Aston Martin winged grille, as well as the wing mirrors, roof pillar and rear valance, all painted in a contrasting colour to the rest of the body. The result is a car that would look more at home on the RAC Rally than parked outside the RAC Club.
Inside, it’s a similar story. Aston’s days of wood veneer and shagpile carpet are long gone; the N430 is awash with carbon fibre, magnesium and Alcantara trim. Our favourite feature has to be the colour-coded plates for the tweeters of the optional 1000W Bang & Olufsen beoSound audio system, as they match the exterior club sport graphics.
Both Coupé and Roadster models will be sold, and should breathe precious life into a car that is getting on for ten-years old. Check out Aston Martin’s rather over-dramatic video…
