Thoughts on a 1996 twin supercharged Vantage?
#15
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As with many other Astons, a high-performance Vantage model of the Virage would later appear. First shown in 1992, the Vantage was produced from 1993 through 1999 and, like so many other Aston Vantages, soon became the only variant available. Indeed, the Virage name lasted just a few years, with its final descendants inheriting the simple and familiar V8 name.
The design was freshened, leaving only the roof and doors of the car intact. The Vantage was wider, appeared lower, and used four round "grapefruit" tail lights (rumoured to have been those used on a Bova coach for the prototype). Like the 6.3, the Vantage used record-sized 362 mm (14 in) brake discs.
The most radical change to the Vantage, however, was inside the engine compartment. The 5.3 L engine now sported twin superchargers. Power output topped the industry at 550 hp (410 kW), and torque was equally impressive at 555 ft·lbf (746 N·m). Top speed was 200 mph (320 km/h), with a dash to 60 mph (97 km/h) taking just 4.2 seconds. Considering that the kerb weight of the car was almost two tons, this was no mean feat. The engine was later uprated to 600 hp (447 kW) for the 1998 V600.
Just before the new European emission and safety regulations came in force, Aston Martin decided to put a memorable end to the V8-Vantage breed, with a special model called "V8 Vantage Le Mans". This car was presented in Geneva in 1999, the 40th anniversary of Aston Martin's victory at that race. It was decided that only a limited series of 40 Vantage Le Mans would be built, one for each year since the Le Mans victory. These cars were the only Aston Martin ever sold with the Le Mans name, and are different and better than any of the previous Aston Martin V8.
The engine delivers 612 PS (450 kW; 604 hp) and 820 N·m (600 lb·ft) of torque, whilst the suspension was also reinforced with special Koni shock-absorbers and stiffer anti-roll bars. The bodywork featured a blanked-out front grille and modified side vents - replicating the side vents of the Le Mans winning DBR-1 - as well as bigger front spoiler and rear skirt. The interior was reworked with a gigantic rev-meter, a special Titanium finish on some parts, and all possible options such as heated windshield, parking radars, traction control, heated electric seats, and full Connolly leather upholstery with matching Wilton pure wool carpets. Performance was a top speed of 200 mph (or 320 km/h) and a "zero to 100 km/h" in 3.9 seconds. The keyholder was in sterling silver and a map from Newport-Pagnell to the legendary Le Mans track was provided in the delivery documents, for owners who would like to do the pilgrimage. Each "Le Mans" was made upon special commission and fitted with a number plate indicating also the name of the first owner.
The price of a V8 Vantage Le mans with all options was a little above 500.000 €uros in 2000.
As with many other Astons, a high-performance Vantage model of the Virage would later appear. First shown in 1992, the Vantage was produced from 1993 through 1999 and, like so many other Aston Vantages, soon became the only variant available. Indeed, the Virage name lasted just a few years, with its final descendants inheriting the simple and familiar V8 name.
The design was freshened, leaving only the roof and doors of the car intact. The Vantage was wider, appeared lower, and used four round "grapefruit" tail lights (rumoured to have been those used on a Bova coach for the prototype). Like the 6.3, the Vantage used record-sized 362 mm (14 in) brake discs.
The most radical change to the Vantage, however, was inside the engine compartment. The 5.3 L engine now sported twin superchargers. Power output topped the industry at 550 hp (410 kW), and torque was equally impressive at 555 ft·lbf (746 N·m). Top speed was 200 mph (320 km/h), with a dash to 60 mph (97 km/h) taking just 4.2 seconds. Considering that the kerb weight of the car was almost two tons, this was no mean feat. The engine was later uprated to 600 hp (447 kW) for the 1998 V600.
Just before the new European emission and safety regulations came in force, Aston Martin decided to put a memorable end to the V8-Vantage breed, with a special model called "V8 Vantage Le Mans". This car was presented in Geneva in 1999, the 40th anniversary of Aston Martin's victory at that race. It was decided that only a limited series of 40 Vantage Le Mans would be built, one for each year since the Le Mans victory. These cars were the only Aston Martin ever sold with the Le Mans name, and are different and better than any of the previous Aston Martin V8.
The engine delivers 612 PS (450 kW; 604 hp) and 820 N·m (600 lb·ft) of torque, whilst the suspension was also reinforced with special Koni shock-absorbers and stiffer anti-roll bars. The bodywork featured a blanked-out front grille and modified side vents - replicating the side vents of the Le Mans winning DBR-1 - as well as bigger front spoiler and rear skirt. The interior was reworked with a gigantic rev-meter, a special Titanium finish on some parts, and all possible options such as heated windshield, parking radars, traction control, heated electric seats, and full Connolly leather upholstery with matching Wilton pure wool carpets. Performance was a top speed of 200 mph (or 320 km/h) and a "zero to 100 km/h" in 3.9 seconds. The keyholder was in sterling silver and a map from Newport-Pagnell to the legendary Le Mans track was provided in the delivery documents, for owners who would like to do the pilgrimage. Each "Le Mans" was made upon special commission and fitted with a number plate indicating also the name of the first owner.
The price of a V8 Vantage Le mans with all options was a little above 500.000 €uros in 2000.
#16
Wow, by the sounds of it. These are quite special cars. I never even realised that.
The older Astons sound so more appealing in terms on attention to detail. I'll go see in what shape this car is in tomorrow.
The older Astons sound so more appealing in terms on attention to detail. I'll go see in what shape this car is in tomorrow.
#18
mmmmh, if you can get your hands on a clean V600 for 100k, there is no question about it, you should jump on it.
A normal Virage Vantage goes for 150-200k euros, last time I checked.
The V600 has bespoke 5 spoke wheels, and the AM badge center mounted on the grill.
Unless it's a Le Mans, 600hp as well, 40 made to commemorate the 1959 Le Mans win, easily recognized by the nostrils and hood vents.
Either way, a ridiculously impressive car. Saw one in Cannes ages ago, and I still remember the sight of the monster on the road. Doesn't mean it's necessarily very good to drive though.
A normal Virage Vantage goes for 150-200k euros, last time I checked.
The V600 has bespoke 5 spoke wheels, and the AM badge center mounted on the grill.
Unless it's a Le Mans, 600hp as well, 40 made to commemorate the 1959 Le Mans win, easily recognized by the nostrils and hood vents.
Either way, a ridiculously impressive car. Saw one in Cannes ages ago, and I still remember the sight of the monster on the road. Doesn't mean it's necessarily very good to drive though.
Last edited by Zorro; 07-22-2010 at 12:38 PM.
#19
i personally thought the interior was crap and linkage was loose, heavy car too. i would pass, plenty in that price range that are more appealing. does look good in the flesh though.
get the evo "top 100 drivers cars of all time" issue and go down the list
get the evo "top 100 drivers cars of all time" issue and go down the list
#20
Checked on Pistonheads. There are a couple for sale for around 70k-130k pounds.
McGurk.com : ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE V600
BRAMLEY GARAGE - THE BEST EXPERIENCE : Vantage V600 Supercharged
There is even a Le Mans for 300k pounds!
allastonmartin.com : Aston Martin Vantage Supercharged "Le Mans"
McGurk.com : ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE V600
BRAMLEY GARAGE - THE BEST EXPERIENCE : Vantage V600 Supercharged
There is even a Le Mans for 300k pounds!
allastonmartin.com : Aston Martin Vantage Supercharged "Le Mans"