Successor to the special edition V8 Vantage N400 of 2007, the Vantage N420 is based upon the standard 4.7-litre, 420bhp, 180mph V8 Vantage and is available as a Coupe or Roadster, and with a six-speed manual or optional Sportshift automated manual transmission.
The Vantage N420 draws inspiration from the company�s experiences at the N�rburgring 24-hour race. In the 2006 running of the annual N�rburgring endurance classic amongst a field of mostly motorsport homologated cars, Aston Martin entered a near-standard, road-registered V8 Vantage. Driven by a team of employees, including Aston Martin�s CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez, the V8 Vantage � named �Rose� by the team � finished 4th in class and 24th overall from a field of more than 200 specialised racing cars.
Since then Aston Martin has returned every year to compete in this gruelling endurance race, scoring a string of class victories and podiums with road-registered V8 and V12 Vantages and most recently the new four-door Rapide. Not only has this racing success spawned a burgeoning V8 Vantage GT4 customer programme run by Aston Martin Racing, but lessons learned in racing at the N�rburgring has led to aerodynamic and other performance developments being fed back into Aston Martin�s road cars.
A generous standard specification and some unique options ensure the special edition Vantage N420 is both exclusive and distinctive, while also offering a 27kg weight saving � achieved through the application of carbon fibre � over the standard V8 Vantage.
On the outside, wider sills combine perfectly with a carbon fibre splitter, side strakes and diffuser, while bold 10-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels complete with gloss black finish, black mesh vents and �Graphitic� tailpipe finishers complete the co-ordinated look.
Inside the Vantage N420 offers an Iridium interior package, with graphite instruments, leather or Alcantara� steering wheel, special N420 sill plaques and lightweight carbon fibre seats, complete with �Race Track� stitching as in the V12 Vantage. Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and Park Distance Control are also standard.
Cementing the Vantage N420�s credentials as a special edition V8 Vantage tailored for the most discerning and enthusiastic drivers, it is fitted with the normally optional Sports Pack. This package combines revised springs, dampers and anti-roll bars for even more responsive and dynamic handling, while retaining the V8 Vantage�s renowned poise, balance and long distance ability. Finally, a new sports exhaust system delivers a suitably rousing soundtrack.
A further distinctive feature is the availability of a new range of optional Aston Martin �Race Collection� paint schemes. Pairing bold body colours with contrasting hues for the cant rails and radiator grille surround, they celebrate the marque�s racing heritage. All of the company�s successful N24 Vantage racers are celebrated, with �Rose� yellow, �Kermit� green and �Elwood� blue all featuring in the collection along with traditional Aston Martin Racing green. The white and black car shown in the accompanying images wears the equally striking �Asia Cup� livery.
Production of the V8 Vantage N420 begins this month, with deliveries commencing in August and prices starting from �96,995.