Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Give it up for the British, who have mastered the art of taking the genteel and turning it into the savage. Aston Martin’s Vantage V8 is no exception. And while it might be slimmer and less powerful than the V12-powered Aston Martin DB9, the Vantage is revered by auto enthusiasts, who hail its design and performance. Even highly-opinionated Jeremy Clarkson (host of BBC’s Top Gear) respects the V8 Vantage, calling it the coolest car of the year. And what’s not to love about a 380-horsepower 4.3-liter V8, 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 175 mph? How about riding in the lap of luxury? Let’s not forget that, out of the factory, the V8 Vantage is an absolute stunner. To improve upon all this is no easy task, yet Loder1899, Masonry and Prodrive have found a way.

PRODRIVE
www.prodrive.com

Before anything, Prodrive engineers consulted V8 Vantage owners and leading motoring journalists for their opinions regarding the vehicle. After inspecting the car themselves, the engineers set out to make the V8 Vantage even better, beginning with an engine performance pack that includes a recalibrated ECU and a free-flow exhaust and catalytic converter, raising engine output to 425 horsepower. To fully appreciate the sound of the car, engineers created a switch with the option to leave the bypass valve permanently open. Engineers then worked with Bilstein to create unique driver-adjustable electronic dampers and Eibach to develop uprated springs based on the DBR9’s racing design. For increased road performance, 19-inch forged aluminum wheels were fitted with Pirelli Pzero Corsa tires, and to increase downforce at higher speeds, Prodrive included two discreet carbon fiber aerodynamic spoilers, on the front lip and rear.

MANSORY
www.mansory.com | (310) 967-7160

Mansory’s aim is to take an already amazing vehicle and turn it into a superlative purebred sports car. Beginning with interior styling, Mansory offers a variety of materials, carbon fiber trim, and aluminum pedals and e-brake handle. Exterior styling includes a front spoiler with a four-line grille (similar to the six-line OEM grille), side skirts, rear apron with carbon fiber diffuser, carbon fiber tail lamp covers and a more pronounced rear spoiler, all of which give the Vantage a deeper expression. Integrated, rounded double exhaust tips add more sheen to the rear of the car, while a suspension lowering kit with sport performance springs drop the Vantage 20mm. Mansory then adds 20-inch, forged aluminum performance wheels with high-performance tires and a specially-developed Brembo brake package for maximum stopping power.

LODER1899
www.loder1899.de

Loder1899 has developed its own carbon fiber parts, which discreetly add to the powerful elegance of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. These include a modified front lip, engine cover, subtle rear diffuser and rear spoiler, all which actually reduce the overall weight of the vehicle. Beneath the Vantage roll a 20-inch set of Loder1899’s own Vertigo Viginti wheels, wrapped in high-performance tires. The Vantage V8 normally comes with a non-adjustable suspension, but Loder1899 now offers a 4-way adjustable sport suspension system. They also added a sport exhaust system that includes a stainless steel sport catalytic converter. At 4,000 rpm the flap control opens, allowing the engine to breathe out more effectively. This optimized exhaust system provides a more resonant exhaust note while increasing power up to 425 horsepower.