Aston Martin’s ongoing motorsports participation has once again resulted in a special model of the V8 Vantage. The Gaydon, Warwickshire-based firm’s successes at the 24 hours of Nürburgring have been the direct inspiration behind the new V8 Vantage N420.
A successor of the original motorsports-inspired N400 of 2007, the N420 is believed to offer a “new dimension of sporting prowess and dynamic ability to the V8 Vantage range.”
There’s nothing about the N420’s exterior that would suggest it’s a tad more special than a run of the mill V8 Vantage, save for a few touches of carbon fibre on the front spoiler, front fender vents and rear diffuser. Look closer and you’ll also notice the 10-spoke alloys with gloss black finish, black mesh in the vents all-round and “Graphite” exhaust tailpipe finishes. The most noticeable enhancement is likely the exclusive new paint schemes available, which include “Rose” yellow, “Kermit” green, “Elwood” blue, and “Asia Cup” black and white, as well as the traditional Aston Martin Racing green.
The N420 interior boasts the “Iridium” package, which includes graphite instruments, leather or Alcantara Steering wheel, special N420 sill plaques and lightweight carbon fibre seats. Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and Park Distance Control are also standard. Thanks to the extensive use of carbon-fibre, 27 kg have been saved over the standard V8 Vantage.
There are no tweaks to the 4,7-litre V8 with 313 kW and 470 N.m of torque, but the N420 is fitted with the Sports Pack as standard, with revised springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars for enhanced handling characteristics, as well as a new “sports” exhaust system.
The N420 will be available as a coupé or roadster, with a choice of six-speed manual or Speedshift automatic transmissions.
