Spy Shots: Aston Martin Vantage Facelift

By Nelson Ireson

Nelson Ireson

Editor BIO

Nelson is an Editor at High Gear Media focusing on reviewing cars and covering the hottest topics in luxury and performance cars, car culture, and... More

LATEST ARTICLE
2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Live Photos: 2012 Chicago Auto Show
With the sporty and stylish Elantra Coupe on the stage, you might be wondering if the more... Read More

• #3LEADERBOARD RANK
• 5110ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
• 187COMMENTS POSTED

Spy Shots: Aston Martin Vantage facelift

Aston Martin is on a roll of late, the latest creation its four-door masterpiece, the Rapide. While that car has its quirks, it's certainly one of the most attractive four-door sports cars in existence. Last year, the company shoe-horned a brawny V-12 engine into the Vantage, taking the car's performance to a new level. Now Aston martin is preparing a facelift of its Vantage grand tourer, captured in these spy shots.

The car spied is something of a mule, wearing the minimally-vented hood and smooth side skirts of the V8 Vantage, but otherwise wearing the aggressive carbon lip spoiler, larger rear spoiler and carbon rear diffuser of the V-12 Vantage.

It's not clear what powerplant is under the hood, though it may be a V-12, as the cold-weather environment where the testing is taking place may help make up for the lack of active hood vents. On the other hand, it may be a V-8-powered Vantage wearing a more aggressive treatment, pointing the way forward for the car's facelift.

Whichever powerplant is under the hood, it's not likely to have received any updates, as the V-8 updates from the 2009 model year--a bump to 4.7-liters and 420 horsepower, up from 4.3-liters and 380 horsepower previously--are expected to suffice until a more complete redesign in several years' time. The 510-horsepower V-12, having just been introduced last year, is likewise staying put.

Other features notable in these spy shots include new 10-spoke 19-inch wheels, Kevlar and carbon fiber seats that save about 35 pounds over the standard units and a 1,000-watt Bang & Olufsen stereo system.