
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.
Use the form below to send us a tip, give us feedback, or just say hello.
Have an opinion?Join the conversation!
By bepsf Posted: 2/8/2010 3:22pm PST
...I want the orange Volvo 245 next to it!
By r4 ds games Posted: 2/8/2010 7:36pm PST
By Edward Posted: 2/9/2010 10:40am PST
Have an opinion?Join the conversation!