Aston Martin’s continual development
of its V8Vantage over the last decade has led to this – the motorsport-inspired
N430
So this is the V8 Vantage N430. Still looks
good, doesn’t it? And sounds good, too, I might add. But then Aston’s baby has
never exactly struggled in the aesthetic or acoustic departments. Still,
there’s no denying the game has moved on considerably since the Vantage first
seduced us in 2005.
The
N430 handles terrifically, with accurate, well-weighted steering
Back then, this entry-level Aston was aimed
squarely at the 997-generation Porsche 911. Fast-forward to 2014 and the sports
car landscape is rather different, thanks to a seismic economic shudder in 2008
and 2009 that knocked the stuffing out of the premium and luxury sector, and
more recently to Porsche’s subtle shift in positioning for the new
991-generation 911. Factor in the arrival of Jaguar’s attention-grabbing F-type
and it’s clear the Vantage finds itself in more hostile territory than ever
before.
Like most models entering their twilight
years, the art of offering more kit for less money becomes increasingly
important. Porsche was a master at it with the 997, and Lamborghini wrote the
book with the Gallardo. Fortunately Aston Martin is proving rather adept at it,
too. In a nutshell, the N430 is an up-contented special edition (not limited
edition) 4.7-litre V8 Vantage S with a motorsport-inspired aesthetic makeover
that adds eye-catching detailing to the exterior and interior.
The
N430 features new forged alloy wheels which help to save weight
Judged purely at face value, the N430 is a
success, though perhaps more in-yer-face than Astons of old. There’s a choice
of paint schemes – yes, the bright ashes of contrasting colour are painted, not
cheap vinyl – which take classic Aston Martin racers as their inspiration.
Brake calipers are also colour-coded to each livery, while the lightweight
forged alloy wheels look fabulous and fill the arches a treat.
Inside, the N430 boasts an equally
appealing cockpit, complete with weight-saving carbon-Kevlar sports seats
upholstered in leather and embroidered with logos and designs unique to the
model. It remains one of the more memorable driving environments, and one that
continues to set the Vantage apart from its rivals. It’s accommodating, too,
thanks to the generous boot and stowage space that swallows more than enough
luggage for a touring holiday or sizeable shopping trip. As ever, this is a car
you could genuinely live with on a daily basis.
Available
in coupe and roadster body styles, the N430’s 4.7-litre V8 matches the output
of the V8 Vantage S, producing 321kW of power at 7,300rpm and 490Nm of torque
at 5,000rpm
As its name suggests, the N430 follows the
previous N400 and N420 Nürburgring-themed editions. With a choice of a
six-speed manual or seven-speed single-clutch paddleshift transmission, mated
to the 430bhp, 361lb ft V8 (up 10bhp on the Vantage S, with torque unchanged),
this is a potent machine. The 190mph top speed suggests junior supercar
performance, but the claimed 4.8sec 0-62mph time is perhaps a more accurate
barometer of the N430’s brisk, but not ballistic performance potential. Such is
the elevated level of power and pace in 2014…
