ASTON MARTIN V8 VANTAGE ROADSTER

The new contender in performance roadsters
Capturing the essence of what supercars should be about, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage is excellent in engineering, calculating in comfort, and efficient in execution.  Ideal for a self-drive hire, it unifies superlative sports car performance with the ultimate in refined luxury. A true high-performance sports car, the engine is willing, the handling effortlessly predictable, the visibility so good and the controls so easy to use that it is as comfortable in town or city as it is on winding country roads or even a demanding race circuit.

Performance
From the moment the Emotion Control Unit (ECU) is pressed into the starter button, the performance emitted by the V8 Vantage is superbly demonstrated to all inside and outside the car.
The Roadster was developed alongside the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coupe and the good breeding shows in some excellent statistics.  Lightweight, compact, and all-alloy, the quad overhead cam shaft 4.7 litre V8 engine delivers maximum power of 313 kW at 7300 rpm.  At 5000 rpm, the maximum torque of 470Nm is available.  However, 77% of torque is available at just 1500 rpm.  This 420 bhp engine accelerates 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds.  With a maximum speed of 180 mph (290 kmh), this car leaves one with some creative options on where to take your self-drive hire excursion.

Engineers paid special attention to the aspiration and ventilation of this magnificent power unit.  Just as heart and lungs function fluidly together, the inlet valves and exhaust systems of the V8 Vantage Coupe work synchronously.   Whilst free-flowing, the fully-catalysed exhaust system emits muted tones at low revs, but at high speed, special bypass valves open not only to improves the output of the engine through a reduction in internal pressure, but provides the sensational sound one would expect from an Aston Martin.   

The engine is positioned as far back and low down as possible to provide the lowest potential centre of gravity.  Completely behind the midline of the front chassis it yields impressive balance and handling as a result.  Further lithe aspects are provided by the rear mid-mounted, six-speed manual transmission gearbox.  Entirely forward of the rear axle line, the gearbox is connected via a carbon fibre propshaft, cased in a rigid alloy torque tube. Further confidence is gained from the Aston Martin V8 Roadster limited slip differential, and an edgy final drive ratio of 3.909:1 is available. Enjoy the performance features during your self drive hire.

Exterior
Superb suspension is found in the front double wishbones inclusive of anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube dampers.  An extruded bonded aluminium body, completed by Aston Martin’s hallmark VH (Vertical Horizontal architecture) structure carries this together with the engine and transmission blocks.  Coupled with rear suspension adding anti-squat and anti-lift geometry, a sublime feeling of gripping technology underfoot meets both driver and passenger.

Sculpted style shows throughout the aluminium, magnesium alloy, composite and steel body.  The agility of the thoroughbred racing machine within is showcased in a beautiful yet muscular exterior.

The presenting facade of the Aston Martin Vantage V8 Roadster exudes strength and forethought, with a sweeping bonnet.  The front grille, with its succinct horizontal and vertical bars, hints that it cages the beast within.   Halogen projector headlamps for main beam, and High Intensity Discharge headlamps for dipped beam, complement the story of race-bred perfection.

Yet breadth in the rear of the car tells the tale of performance ready to pounce. LED rear lamps produce a visual aspect that is every inch an Aston martin classic. The two-seater, two-door soft-cover convertible top body style is the perfect partner for a weekend self-drive.  Lowering, or raising, the fabric hood, at the touch of a button is effortless.  Taking just 18 seconds, at a speed of up to 30 mph, this stows in an aluminium tonneau to ensconce snugly and leave the lines of the Roadster unencumbered by such a convenience. 

Extruded aluminium door side-impact beams, side airbags, and dual-stage front airbags are carefully concealed, should they ever be required.  Front and rear crumple zones are also carefully crafted into the body.  Deployed automatically in a threatening situation, two roll-hoops are couched in the framework of the Aston Martin Roadster.   Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Emergency Brake Assist, Traction Control and Dynamic Stability Control make the likelihood of such situations minimal however.   Grooved and vented cast iron brake discs ensure that performance is inherent in stopping as well as going.

19” 20-spoke alloy silver wheels echoes the intrinsic engineering.  The Quantum silver silhouette radiates desire yet competence, allowing the driver every confidence that the right hire car decision has been made.

Interior
Keynotes of aviation greet you inside the vehicle to give the impression of first-class travel.  A Gunmetal alloy facia trim and Graphite-finished central console couches chronometer-style dials to provide intelligent feedback to the hire driver.  Organic Electroluminescent (OEL) displays complement the clarity of precise thought invested in the Roadster.  The full grain leather interior harks back to an era of calculating craftsmanship, initiated by the leather sports steering wheel, and underpinned by power-assisted steering.  Immaculate finishing in contrasting fine hand-stitched thread delivers sheer luxury.  Electrically adjustable sports seats offer the ultimate in comfort.

Utter opulence can be found in detail such as the power-fold exterior heated mirrors, heated rear screen, and automatic temperature control. Impressive quality is espoused in the in-car entertainment available.  The 160-watt Aston Martin audio system with six-CD changer, integrated Apple iPod connector, and USB connector with WAF, WMA, and MP3 audio format compatibility is testament to the pleasure you can derive from a hire of the Aston Martin Vantage V8 Roadster. 

With boot capacity of a surprising 144 litres, or 5 cubic feet, you will be able hire the Roadster for an amazing variety of occasions, be it a superlative weekend away in the country, or a spectacular day at the races, complete with picnic basket. Broken down into its components, the Aston Martin V8 is compelling, together it is a masterpiece.
Top tip: Insert the stainless steel and glass Emotion Control Unit (ECD) into its unique docking station crystallised in the authentic clear glass starter button.  Press it in fully to ignite the engine.  Press once again to switch the engine off.  This sleek control adds character for self drive hire.
 

Design
The V8 Vantage epitomises Aston Martin’s approach to design: a commitment to engineering excellence without aesthetic compromise. Each model shares the same beautiful form, undeniably modern yet with a direct lineage to some of the great Aston Martin models of the past, such as the DB2, DB2/4 and DB4. As either a closed coupe with rakishly sleek lines, or a convertible of unmatched elegance, the V8 Vantage combines beauty with power and practicality. The V8 Vantage is one of the world’s most beautiful cars: elegant, yet with a controlled aggression; perfectly proportioned, with a low, purposeful stance; modern, yet incorporating classic Aston Martin design cues. A stunning example of design purity, the V8 Vantage is, above all, instantly recognisable as an Aston Martin.

 
The long, low bonnet line and two-seater cabin provide the perfect balance between beauty and sporting intent. The V8 Vantage sits low and close to the road, while the front and rear overhangs have been purposely minimised. The side profile forms a simple sweep, a curved line like a bow under tension, while the rear haunches are wide and muscular, like the flanks of a powerful animal.

 
From the outset, Aston Martin’s engineers and designers focused on reducing size and weight, as well as optimising weight distribution, to maximise agility. At just 4380 mm (172.5 inches) long, not only is the V8 Vantage the smallest model in the Aston Martin range, but it also benefits from the inherent agility that accompanies compact design and excellent weight distribution.

 
Engineering
The V8 Vantage is inherently taut and agile. Its all-alloy structure creates an immensely strong passenger cell, and further protection is provided by deformable front and rear crumple zones designed to absorb crash energy. Excellent side impact protection is also inbuilt, thanks to the large sills, strong roof pillars, door impact beams and the substantial dashboard and footwell structures. Both driver and passenger benefit from dual-stage airbags (deployed in one of two stages, depending on the severity of the accident) and side airbags. The mid-mounted aluminium-encased fuel cell is not only safe but also improves balance and handling.

Craftmanship
Starting an Aston Martin is a moment to savour. Sit behind the three-spoke steering wheel and set the multi-position, electrically adjustable seats. Feel the quality of the hand-stitched leather rim and sense the intuitive layout of the primary controls. The driver’s first interaction with the powerful V8 engine is a blend of tradition and high technology, with a touch of theatre. The ignition is controlled by a stainless steel and glass ECU (Emotion Control Unit), designed to be as tactile and refined as a fine timepiece. The ECU is inserted into a special docking station set within the traditional clear glass starter button. Pressing the ECU fully into the starter button fires the engine. After pressing once again to stop the engine, the ECU rises slowly out of its slot within the button so that it can be removed.