Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420

Aston Martin have just taken the wraps of their latest special edition V8 Vantage. It’s called the N420; that’s N for Nürburgring and 420 for the number of horses under the bonnet.

The Vantage has a proud record of racing at the Nürburgring 24 hour race. An Aston Martin Vantage has raced at the Ring every year since making its debut in 2006. Perhaps the most famous of these cars is the one called “Rose” which was the first Vantage to pop its Ring cherry. That car has completed thousands of racing miles over a number of years. A great advertisement for Aston, supported ably up by the appearance of CEO Ulrich Bez in the race seat as well.

So, this N420 thing, what’s it all about? In addition to the 420hp on offer from the 4.7 litre V8 there is the choice of 6-speed transmissions in traditional manual or Sportshift auto configuration. Weight has been reduced by 27kg, too, which is a nice touch. But that won’t really stand out at the Country Club, so Aston have obliged by throwing bits of carbon fibre trim on the outside. Optional “Race Collection” paint schemes will also give you bragging rights at the 19th hole. Other minor styling updates have also been introduced.

Perhaps one of the better introductions is the addition of a revised sports exhaust system. Aston say this “delivers a suitably rousing soundtrack”. The V8 Vantage already sounded sublime and if they have found a way to improve on that exhaust note then they’ve done a cracking job.

More after the break.

Aston Martin UK press release:

ASTON MARTIN INTRODUCES V8 VANTAGE N420

• New Special Edition, motorsport-inspired V8 Vantage
  
• Standard equipment includes Sports Pack suspension and new sports exhaust system
• 27kg weight saving over standard car
• New distinctive Aston Martin ‘Race Collection’ paint schemes available as an option

6 July 2010, Gaydon, Warwickshire: Aston Martin has unveiled a new motorsport-inspired special edition; the V8 Vantage N420 which brings 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 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 specialised racing cars.

Since then Aston Martin has returned every year to compete in this gruelling 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 programme 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, 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.

Production of the V8 Vantage N420 begins this month, with deliveries commencing in August and prices starting from £96,995.