True Brit

October 17,1999

Britain…a country synonymous with motor sports, fast cars, James Bond and of course, Aston Martin. Before Austin Powers decided to go retro with his ‘Shaguar’, James Bond was the first to re-introduce the seductive Aston Martin DB4, which he first used in Goldfinger. It’s re-appearance in Goldeneye and Tomorrow Never Dies shows to us how undying a brand Aston Martin is. However, the question remains: after being bought by Ford a few years back, do the cars produced by Aston Martin still retain the correct British characteristics?
With the launch of their first car under Ford, the Aston Martin DB7, most people found themselves dumbfounded a bit: a chassis based on a Jaguar XK8? Running on a super-charged inline-6 engine? Most thought that the car’s virtual twin the XK8 and the DB7 should have exchanged places. Sure the DB7 is more muscular in design and more elegant and luxurious in execution, the sweet V8 symphony seemed to be better suited to the DB7 rather than the XK8. Another thing is the price tag. With seemingly similar body design and configuration, are people willing to shell out an additional US$50,000 for an Aston Martin?

It seems the answer is yes. According to Bob Dover, chairman and chief executive of Aston Martin, the DB7 is the most successful Aston Martin ever. It seems that the Ford formula is working once again (in terms of sales). But what about the motoring enthusiast who is dying to get a bit more from the powerhouse that is Aston Martin? It took Aston Martin to reply, but they did reply with a huge punch in their latest creation: the Aston Martin DB7 Vantage.

The Vantage nameplate has actually been used since 1950 to identify the highest performance model in a particular range. It was the first Aston Martin has used the Vantage name since 1950 to identify the highest performance model in a particular range. It was first introduced for the Aston Martin DB2 and was applied to the 120-horsepower derivatives of this model’s 2.6-liter six-cylinder engine – the regular version developed 105 horsepower. However unlike present day Aston Martin models the only change to the regular specification of the DB2 was the increase in engine power output. Since the DBS model in 1972 a Vantage derivative has included changes to the specification of the brakes, steering and suspension to match the improved performance.

The major difference to the regular DB7 is the engine. This time, Ford has done it right by transplanting the heart of an Aston Martin into its rightful place: the engine. Powered by a huge 6.0-liter V12 engine, this DB7 has a projected power of 420 horsepower and 542 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. Although its output isn’t as impressive as other super cars such the Ferrari 550 Maranello, the DB7 Vantage can still accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 5 seconds. Matted with either a 6-speed close ratio manual gearbox or a ZF 5-speed automatic means that this car has a top speed of 185 mph. The engine is constructed with the use of special lightweight aluminum alloy casting for the cylinder block and head made by Cosworth Technology, the company also responsible for the highly successful turbo-charged Indycar V8 and V10 F1 engines. For the environmentally conscious, this 6.0-liter engine is also certified LEV (low emissions vehicle). Overall, the Vantage has an expected top speed of 186 mph, which includes it in the realm of the ‘super sports cars’. However, acceleration is only where the real fun begins. Aston Martin has given careful consideration to the DB7’s brakes to improve their performance. The result are cross-drilled 4-cylinder Brembo disc brakes all around. Coupled with a standard ABS system, the Vantage has one of the best stopping distances among British cars, even beating off the Jaguar XKR and the Lotus Elise. What’s more is the Vantage has upgraded tires. If you think 17 inches are large, well, the Vantage has standard Bridgestone Potenza S-02 Pole Position 245/40 ZR-18 in the fronts and 265/35 ZR-18 at the back, which translates to far better performance on the track compared with the regular DB7.

The exterior seems still look like the original Aston Martin DB7, but heavy modifications were made to fit the new V12 engine and 6-speed manual transmission. In fact, the Vantage has an all-new front-end structure, enlarged transmission tunnel and increased structural and torsional rigidity. The new front-end of the DB7 Vantage incorporates new and wider radiator ducts to meet the cooling demands of the new V12 engine. There is a new bright chrome grille design as well to differentiate this car with a normal DB7. The new front fog lamps and turn indicator lamps are also reminiscent of Aston Martin’s Project Endurance Racing Cars of the 1960s.

What are missing from the Aston Martin is any kind of visible aerodynamic aids such as airdams and spoilers to keep this 186 mph beast on the ground. The solution that DB7 designer Ian Callum used is a revolutionary system that was popularized by the McLaren F1 and the Ferrari 360 Modena: the use of a vaccum-assisted downforce generator mechanism. This venturi tunnel is actually like having the visible exterior aerodynamic aids, but putting it all in the inside. Thus, the DB7’s muscular and handsomely sculpted exterior isn’t ruined a bit.
Though this US$200,000 car is good on the track, its real handling prowess can be seen in everyday cruising. By its looks, the Aston Martin DB7 Vantage seems to be a large car, however, it actually no bigger than the XKR at 4,200 mm, thus squeezing into tight spaces isn’t much of a problem with this car. The engine seems to complement this feature too, because at a fourth and half throttle, the DB7 Vantage behaves like a normal everyday car, but pressing the pedal to the floor unleashes the silky-smoothness of the 6.0-liter V12 engine upto its 7,500 rpm redline. In fact, in spotlight drag races, 85% of the Vantage is available at 1,500 rpm thanks to the V12’s relatively flat torque curve.

On the inside, the Vantage is a far more luxurious car than the Ferrari 550 Maranello (well, what do you expect from a true GT super car). The seats are now standard racing buckets that are heated and are clothed in Connolly Hide (the same ones used in a typical Rolls Royce). The engine starter is actually button activated, much like other modern super cars, and is located at the center of the center console panel, for an extra exclamation point to the car’s performance. Add to that typical gentlemanly features such as a 6-speaker Kenwood sound system with a trunk mounted 10-disc CD changer, plus traction control, available GPS system, and fitted leather luggage, the DB7 Vantage is as fast as it is luxurious, the definition of what a true British car should be. What’s better at Aston Martin than in Ferrari is that each Aston Martin DB7 Vantage is customized exactly to each owner’s wishes and desires. For instance, the body color and interior color schemes are infinitely variable, and the customer has the opportunity to create his own scheme. Add to this a wide array of choices for alternative materials to fit the cabin (wood, aluminum, carbon fiber, etc.) means that no two DB7 Vantage are alike at all.

Though there will only be 600 Aston Martin DB7 Vantage produced every year, Bob Dover is sure that these 600 will even appeal to a wider range of buyers who are seeking exceptional power and performance, and see that owning an Aston Martin is one hell of an experience. Ford has done a great job in keeping this British tradition alike and kicking. Although most people were a bit horrified when Jaguar and Aston Martin would be sharing components, the results made two distinctive automobiles. Be it as it may, if I had my 200,000 smackers, I’d immediately go to Britain and drive home an Aston Martin DB7 Vantage.

By Tamago | Photos courtesy of Aston Martin

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