2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a review
Aston’s smallest, most agile and most popular model gets two new trims for 2011, the S and the special-edition N420. They’re two interesting options for the baby of the bunch, adding more power and some increased track chops to an already formidable competitor.
The V8 Vantage boasts the tautest suspension in the Aston Martin lineup, especially when fitted with the optional Sport Pack, and since it already delivered 420 hp and 346 lb-ft of torque from its 4.7-liter V8, it wasn’t exactly anemic, either. But with a variable-length intake and more aggressive spark, power output is bumped to 430 hp and 361 lb-ft of torque. Those power figures don’t arrive until 7,300 and 5,000 rpm, however, so you’ll have to hang dangerously close to the rev limiter just to enjoy them.
The S trim gets some chassis attention as well, in the form of stiffer springs and shocks, a 15:1 steering rack as opposed to the 17:1 unit in the standard V8 Vantage, rear wheels wider by half an inch, and new Bridgestone tires. No sense making the car go faster without making it stop better, so there are now 15-inch rotors up front with new 6-piston calipers, too, and the stability control has been adjusted as well.
Everything measures up so far, but then Aston made a unique decision: It's fitted the S with a new version of its automated manual, here dubbed the Sportshift II. It’s a 7-speed, single-clutch unit that utilizes air instead of oil cooling. Aston claims a weight savings of 52 pounds over the Sportshift I and 100 pounds over a comparable dual-clutch transmission. On top of that, cog swaps are reported to occur 20 percent faster than with the old 6-speed Sportshift, with the Sport button producing even faster shifts in addition to quickening the throttle response and opening the exhaust bypasses.
Again, this all sounds just dandy, but there’s more going on behind the scenes. First, the traditional 6-speed, 3-pedal manual is not an option here. How “sporty” is that? Second, as good as it is, the single-clutch Sportshift II simply can’t compete with competitor’s dual-clutch units, specifically those coming out of Germany. With the V8 Vantage already slower than comparable competitors, the weight savings of the single-clutch unit just aren’t enough to sell the package as a bonus rather than a hindrance.
Better to go with the N420 trim. For almost $6,500 less than the S, you’ll get the sport suspension and lightweight exhaust, sport seats, carbon fiber throughout the body and unique wheels making it almost as light as the S trim, but with the option of a traditional 6-speed. On top of that, you’ll get clear taillamp lenses, power-folding mirrors, a memory system and front parking sensors to match the standard rears.
Seems like an easy decision to make.
Of course, this is ignoring the base V8 Vantage, which is hardly lacking and gets some of the same visual and technological upgrades as the S for 2011. However, the powertrain will remain the same, with none of the suspension or steering updates the special editions enjoy. This is a good thing, as the V8 Vantage already had a near-perfect combination of performance and comfort, and the tauter suspensions simply make things uncomfortable. But for those who are looking to drive straight from the showroom to the track, the S and N420 offer palatable options if you can pay the per-plate fee.
User reviews for 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Write a reviewWhat users have asked
Top Comparisons
2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.0 · Front brakes: carbon ceramic disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: carbon ceramic disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Parking sensors: front and rear · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.90 · Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: metallic · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Safety
Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: perforated
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Profile: 40 · Speed Rating: Z · Type: performance · Width: 235
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Width: 9.5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: carbon ceramic disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: carbon ceramic disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.90 · Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: metallic · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Safety
Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: carbon fiber
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Profile: 40 · Speed Rating: Z · Type: performance · Width: 235
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10 · Width: 9.5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.0 · Front brakes: carbon ceramic disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: carbon ceramic disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Parking sensors: front and rear · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.90 · Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: metallic · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Roof
Convertible roof: soft top
Safety
Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: carbon fiber
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Profile: 40 · Speed Rating: Z · Type: performance · Width: 235
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Width: 9.5
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 14.8 · Front brakes: carbon ceramic disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: carbon ceramic disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Parking sensors: front and rear · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.18 · Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: metallic · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Safety
Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Diameter: 19 · Speed Rating: Z · Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: carbon ceramic disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: carbon ceramic disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.90 · Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: metallic · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Roof
Convertible roof: soft top
Safety
Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: carbon fiber
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Profile: 40 · Speed Rating: Z · Type: performance · Width: 235
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10 · Width: 9.5
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 14.8 · Front brakes: carbon ceramic disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: carbon ceramic disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Parking sensors: front and rear · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.18 · Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: metallic · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Roof
Convertible roof: power
Safety
Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Diameter: 19 · Speed Rating: Z · Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: polished aluminum
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation