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Aston Martin has unveiled a new motorsport-inspired special edition - the V8 Vantage N420 which aims to bring a new dimension of sporting prowess and dynamic ability to the V8 Vantage range.
Successor to the special edition V8 Vantage N400 of 2007, the Vantage N420 is based upon the standard 4.7-litre, 420bhp, 180mph 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 NŸrburgring 24-hour race. In the 2006 running of the annual 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 fourth in its class and 24th overall from a field of more than 200 specialised racing cars.
Since then Aston Martin has returned every year to compete in this gruelling 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 programme run by Aston Martin Racing, but lessons learned in racing at the NŸrburgring 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, while also offering a 27kg weight saving - achieved through the application of carbon fibre - over the standard V8 Vantage.
On the outside, wider sills combine perfectly with a carbon fibre 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 co-ordinated look.
Inside the Vantage N420 offers an Iridium interior package, with graphite instruments, leather or Alcantara steering wheel, special N420 sill plaques and lightweight carbon fibre 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 colours 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.
Aston Martin Lagonda Limited is a British manufacturer of luxury sports cars, based in Gaydon, Warwickshire. The company name is derived from the name of one of the company's founders, Lionel Martin, and from the Aston Hill speed hillclimb near Aston Clinton in Buckinghamshire
From 1994 until 2007 Aston Martin was part of the Ford Motor Company, becoming part of the company's Premier Automotive Group in 2000. On March 12, 2007, it was purchased for £479 million by a joint venture company, headed by David Richards and co-owned by Investment Dar and Adeem Investment of Kuwait and English businessman John Sinders. Ford retained a $77 million stake in Aston Martin, valuing the company at $925 million.
Production of the V8 Vantage N420 is on stream with deliveries commencing in August and prices starting from £96,995 - UK price (around BD55,200) although regional dealership prices may differ.
