Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Aston Martin unveiled the production version of it's eagerly awaited V8 Vantage at the Geneva motor show this morning.

First shown as a concept car at the 2003 North Americam international motor show in Detroit, the V8 Vantage immediately caused a worldwide sensation as it allows Aston Martin to enter a new section of the premium sports car market with a genuine alternative to other cars that are currently on offer.

Deliveries of the V8 Vantage are expected to begin in europe in late summer and in North America and the rest of the world by the rest of the year.

The exterior of the new Vantage is beautiful and perfectly proportioned with a low, purposeful stance. Each carefully detailed feature is graphic evidence of the craftsmanship and quality, which is synonimous to the Aston Martin marque.

The advanced quad-cam 32 valve engine is hand built by skilled Aston Martin technicians and is unique to Aston Martin. The engine also enhances handling by offering a dry sump system - Often used in racing cars, which allows the car to sit low in the body, lowering the centre of gravity to improve roadholding and stability. The system also helps engine durability by maintaining lubrication during extreme cornering and braking.

The engine will initially be coupled with a manual 6 speed gearbox, though alternatives will be announced in the future. According to Jeremy Main, the Product Development Director of Aston Martin; "It is one of the best manual gear changes in the world. Driving enjoyment is a very important quality of the V8 Vantage and part of this is a superb gear change action."

The V8 Vantage is a true Aston Martin, which has been built with the same passion and high integrity as all of their cars. It is the most affordable Aston to date and it's design and agility shold help attract younger customers to the marque, yet it still has all of the hand built bespoke elegance for which Aston Martin is renowned