Aston Martin V8 Vantage N400 and DB9 LM

[blue8]

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Light-weight Baby Aston

When these photos first hit the web a few days ago, a conclusion was jumped to that this might be the US spec V8 Vantage (otherwise known as the baby Aston Martin). But Autogespot.nl has done some digging around and realised that this might just be the Aston Martin V8 Vantage RS. It turns out that the RS was announced in December 2005 for late 2007 but it seems that it has drifted slowly from our minds, especially now with the release of the DBS at Pebble Beach.

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage RS is a light-weight (1270kg) version of the V8 Vantage but with more power. The RS weighs 150kg less than the standard Vantage while putting out an additional 40hp (totalling at 420hp). Aston Martin seems to be keen to compete more vigorously with the Porsche GT3 and Audi R8.

[ae86_16v]

You know what, I love the exterior styling of Astons, but I think the interior has too much bling. I think if you drop the chrome and the "bling" probably save another 100kg. :D

Competition is always good though. :)

[blue8]

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Aston Martin’s Frankfurt Motor Show plans don’t end with the DBS. Auto Express has learned that the firm also looks set to reveal two race-inspired specials alongside the famed Bond car.

The newcomers are tipped to be roadgoing versions of the DB9 and the smaller V8-engined Vantage. Taking cues from the DB9RS and Vantage N24 respectively, both are aimed at the likes of the Porsche 911 GT3 and recently revealed Ferrari F430 Scuderia.

[blue8]

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Aston Martin previously announced that it would unveil two new special edition models in addition to its all-new DBS at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. We now have official details on the two new models, one based on the V8 Vantage and the other is another DB9 variant. First up is the new V8 Vantage N400, a car that commemorates Aston’s achievements at the Nϋrburgring and can lap the famous track in less than eight minutes.

The Vantage N400 includes a number of technical improvements as well as enhancements to its standard range of color and trim specifications. These include a power upgrade to the 4.3L V8 engine, lifting peak power to 400hp and peak torque to 420Nm. It also comes with a sports pack consisting of lightweight graphite-finished aluminum wheels, up-rated springs and dampers and a new rear anti-roll bar. There also a revised side sill design, new bonnet and side strake meshes, clear rear lamp lenses and a bright finish grille. Inside, the car picks up satnav, Bluetooth and heated seats.

The DB9 LM, meanwhile, was created to celebrate Aston’s GT1 class victory in the Le Mans 24-hour endurance in the DBR9 race car. Available only in the coupe, the new car comes with a Touchtronic transmission, a unique silver paint job, meshes and rear crossbar finished in silver and red brake calipers. The car also features a sports pack as standard and upgraded leather trim inside.

Press Release

Aston Martin is not only showing the DBS for the first time in Europe at the Frankfurt motor show next week but will also showcase two new special editions - the Aston Martin DB9 LM and the V8 Vantage N400. Both special editions draw inspiration from the company's recent achievements at Le Mans and the N?rburgring 24-hour races.

The V8 Vantage N400 commemorates Aston Martin’s achievements at the N?rburgring where the company enjoyed success in the gruelling ADAC 24-hour race with the V8 Vantage N24 production race car. Aston Martin develops and tests all of its road cars extensively on the N?rburgring Nordschleife circuit and the Vantage N400 recently broke the eight minute benchmark around the legendary 14-mile circuit.

The Vantage N400 includes a number of technical improvements as well as enhancements to the car’s standard range of renowned colour and trim specifications. These include a power upgrade to Aston Martin’s 4.3 litre V8 engine, lifting peak power to 400bhp and peak torque to 420Nm. The car also comes equipped with a new Sports Pack which offers subtly different driving dynamics tailored to enthusiasts who seek even more responsive handling. The Sports Pack comprises a unique lightweight graphite-finished aluminium wheel with diamond turning, up-rated springs and dampers and a new rear anti-roll bar (for the Coupe). The Vantage N400 also includes a number of exterior design changes, including a revised side sill design, Magnum Silver bonnet and side strake meshes, clear rear lamp lenses and a bright finish grille.

Interior enhancements include perforated black leather seats, micro-spin alloy facia trim and a unique numbered sill plaque. The Vantage N400 will be available in three new exterior colours; Bergwerk Black, Lightning Silver or Karussell Orange, with either Sportshift automated manual or conventional manual transmission and in either Coupe or Roadster forms. Additionally, the Vantage N400 comes equipped with a range of normally optional equipment, including Satellite Navigation, 700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System, Bluetooth telephone preparation, HID headlamps, cruise control and memory/heated seats.

The DB9 LM celebrates Aston Martin’s GT1 class victory in the Le Mans 24-hour endurance classic in June with the DBR9 – a race car derived from the DB9.

This special edition car, available in Coupe form only with Touchtronic transmission, includes a unique Sarthe Silver exterior paint finish, meshes and rear crossbar finished in Magnum Silver and red brake calipers. Inside, the DB9 LM is fitted with handcrafted black leather finish, perforated leather inserts, unique ‘Tertre Rouge’ facia trim and numbered sill plaque. The car is also equipped with the normally optional DB9 Sports Pack as standard, with colour keyed and diamond turned alloy wheels.

Pricing details for both cars will be confirmed at the Frankfurt motor show.

[blue8]

FRANKFURT AUTO SHOW:
DB9 LM:
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It's obvious that Aston Martin's new owners are proud of the marque's racing heritage, particularly its recent outings in both the Nürburgring and LeMans 24-hour enduros. Like the N400, the DB9 LM is a tribute to Aston's victories, but this time, it's for an outright class win in the Le Mans race this past June. More a showpiece rather than an outright racer, the LM gets a revised exterior that includes a Sarthe Silver paint job, new mesh treatments in the front grille, and red calipers. On the inside, the Tertre Rough trim may be a bit much to discerning eyes, but we're sure it'll find favor with the nouveau riche. However, the individually numbered sill plaques and LeMans-track badging bring things back to class and let all who enter understand that they're sitting in something special.

V8 Vantage N400
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Our lottery ticket fantasy garage just got a bit bigger. Aston Martin unveiled the N400 version of its V8 Vantage, a road-going tribute to its time around the 'Ring in 2006. Like every other Aston product, it will be built by hand in Gaydon, but this particular Vantage comes packing a modified 4.3-liter V8 producing 400 HP at 7,500 RPM, an addition 20 HP over the base model. Those extra ponies are freed up by the extensive use of lightened materials within the engine, including the crankshaft, conrods and pistons, along with a free flowing exhaust system and air filters.

[regele]

I don't like the rims and that orange doesn't suit the vantage at all imo.

[Fleischmann]

I'm struggling to work out why the hell Aston even bothered. I mean there aready is an AMV8 redone by prodrive so this N400 seems like a daft idea. As for the DB9 LM...again pointless. Just another limited run with no differences between it and a standard DB9 sports pack, save the DBS-style rear lights and some new rims. I'd rather the company spent the money on the future Aston Martin supercar then building/promoting these, as far as I can see, collectables.