Aston Martin has just revealed its updated V8 Vantage N420 sports car, the successor to the special edition N400. Inspired by the N24 racer and celebrating Aston’s racing heritage, this is in many ways the British brand’s version of the Porsche GT3.

Weighing roughly 60 lbs less than the standard V8 Vantage, the new N420 model gets Aston’s larger and more powerful 4.7-liter V8 engine (as opposed to the old 400-hp, 4.3-liter unit in the N400).

Other upgrades include some design changes, including a new carbon fiber front splitter, side skirts and a new rear diffuser, as well as black mesh grilles and 10-spoke black and silver wheels. An updated exhaust is included, as is the optional Sports Pack with stiffer springs, new shocks and thicker roll bars.

Inside, the N420 gets other upgrades like the Iridium interior package with graphite gauges, as well as a leather or Alcantara steering wheel and carbon fiber seats with “Race Track” stitching.

And while common folk might not know the difference between the N420 and a standard Vantage, Aston Martin will help buyers make a statement by offering the new sports car in three wild new colors inspired by its racing program: Rose yellow, Kermit green and Elwood blue.

So far no pricing for the U.S. has been announce, but it will retail for £96,995 in the U.K, with delivers set for August.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 Unveiled

Published Jul 6, 2010

Just the Facts:
•Aston Martin took the wraps off the V8 Vantage N420 on Tuesday.
•The special model also gets the Sports Pack suspension, which bundles revised springs, dampers and anti-roll bars.
•Vantage N420 will go on sale in August starting at $147,319 in Europe.


GAYDON, England — Aston Martin unveiled the V8 Vantage N420 on Tuesday, saying the new special edition model "draws inspiration from the company's experiences at the Nurburgring 24-hour race."

The Vantage N420 will go on sale in August with prices starting at the U.S. equivalent of $147,319.

The V8 Vantage N420 is equipped with a standard 420-horsepower 4.7-liter V8 linked to either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional Sportshift transmission. Aston Martin says it offers a 59-pound weight saving over the standard V8 Vantage due to the use of carbon fiber.

Exterior details include wider sills and a carbon fiber splitter, side strakes and diffuser, along with 10-spoke alloy wheels with gloss black finish, black mesh vents and "Graphitic" tailpipe finishers.

The cabin gets an "Iridium" interior package with graphite instruments, leather or Alcantara steering wheel, N420 badging and lightweight carbon fiber seat with "Race Track" stitching.

The special model also gets the Sports Pack suspension, which bundles revised springs, dampers and anti-roll bars.

Aston Martin says the Vantage N420 is available with optional "Race Collection" paint, which includes "Rose" yellow, as well as traditional Aston Martin Racing green.

The special model is the successor to the 2007 V8 Vantage N400.

Inside Line says: Aston Martin tailors this special model for the motorsports-minded enthusiast. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent