Aston Martin Vantage 2011-2019 V8 Roadster

Vantage 2011-2019 V8 Roadster Review

The Vantage is a popular sports car model from the British giant Aston Martin. Among all the variants that the vehicle is offered in, the Aston Martin Vantage V8 Roadster is a convertible model. Equipped with a V8 engine, the car can touch a top speed of 290kmph. Furthermore, it takes a mere 4.9 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100kmph. Turning to a softer aspect, the machine is built for a sporty appeal. It is low and streamlined, based with aerodynamic principles that give it attractive looks and also enhance performance. Coming to the car's interiors, the design of the cabin is built on sound ergonomic discipline. The seats are covered in premium upholstery, while all other elements of the cockpit are elegantly decorated. The company has incorporated numerous features to add entertainment to the cabin. Foremost among them is a highly advanced musical set, which is equipped with all necessary facilities to enhance the ride pleasure of the occupants. In addition to this, there are other functions that add comfort to the ride and keep the passengers well engaged and impressed.

Exteriors:

The front of the vehicle carries an attractive chrome grille, and this comes with a black finish. The headlamps that are incorporated with powerful projector light units and high intensity discharge headlamps for maximum visibility at all times. The carbon fibre front splitter is also eye catching in its design. The bonnet comes in a black as well as a magnum silver option. As for the side profile, the company offers a range of unique options for the wheels. Foremost among them, there are five spoke cast alloy graphite painted wheels. Next comes the option of 10 spoke forged alloy graphite painted wheels. Lastly, there are 10 spoke forged alloy silver painted wheels with silver diamond turned finish. The brake calipers within the wheels come with the color options of black, red, silver and yellow. The rear of the vehicle hosts wide tail light clusters that are equipped with powerful brake lamps. The black textured tailpipes are sporty and add to the overall dynamic look of the machine.

Interiors:

The cabin space houses both stylish design elements and passenger oriented comfort functions. The seats are wrapped in full grain leather upholstery. The piano black fascia trim and the graphite-finished centre console also add quality to the interiors. There are organic electroluminescent displays for the screens, which projects a rich atmosphere for the cabin. The sporty design seats provide maximum comfort for the passengers through the course of the drive. This is further elevated with the presence of headrests for both the seats, which facilitate support for the head and the neck.

Engine and Performance:

Powering the machine is an all alloy model V8 engine. It comprises of 32 valves and has a displacement value of 4735cc. In addition to this, it generates a max torque of 470Nm at 5000rpm, and a peak power of 420hp at 7300rpm. Further assisting the functioning of the engine is a fully catalyzed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves. The engine's power is channeled through a rear mid mounted six speed manual transmission. This is modeled with alloy torque tube with a carbon fiber propeller shaft. Also available as an option is a 'Sportshift II' seven speed automated manual transmission.

Braking and Handling:

The design of the machine ensures that all aspects of build reflect best quality, and this includes the braking and handling systems. The front wheels are armed with ventilated and grooved two-piece floating discs, which are present along with six-piston monobloc calipers. As for the rear brakes, there are ventilated and grooved steel discs that have four-piston monobloc calipers. Turning to the requirements of the suspension system, the front axle is equipped with an independent double wishbone system, incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube dampers. The rear axle is gifted with the same independent double wishbones that have anti-squat and anti-lift geometry. In addition to all of this, the vehicle is incorporated with a dynamic stability control function, which helps in sustaining a smooth handling.

Comfort Features:

The cabin is fitted with a 160W Aston Martin Audio system that comes along with a six CD autocharger. There are USB connectors that are compatible with MP3, WMA and WAF file formats for added accessibility. A 3.5 mm auxiliary input socket allows for charging devices within the cabin. Beside this, there is also an integrated Apple iPod connector for hosting iPod devices within the cabin. The seats are electrically adjustable for the convenience of the passengers. A trip computer is present, offering necessary information relating to the drive. There is an air conditioning system, which is further aided by an automatic temperature control facility. The cabin is also equipped with LED map reading lights for enhanced visibility and ease of functioning.

Safety Features:

There are dual stage front airbags, along with side airbags for the utmost protection for both the passengers. Seatbelts are present for all seats, securing the passengers through the course of the drive. There is a tyre pressure monitoring system, which keeps the driver informed of the condition of the tyre, and prevents the hazards caused by under inflated tyres. There is an alarm and immobilizer to secure the vehicle from theft. In addition to all of this, the vehicle incorporates advanced techno aids like an anti lock braking system that helps maintain control when braking and cornering. It also has an electronic brakeforce distribution system, further adding to the control quality of the drive. An emergency brake assist facility helps provide support during critical situations. A hydraulic brake assist feature also acts as an aid for emergency situations, giving boosted brake pressure during critical scenes. Further securing control is a positive torque control function. Hill start assist offers support on sloping grounds. Lastly, the traction control feature optimizes stability when driving, thereby minimizing scenarios of potential danger.

Pros:

1. Attractive body build and looks.

2. Great performance and engine capacity.

Cons:

1. The safety functions could be enhanced.

2. It can accommodate only two passengers.