The Aston Martin V8 Vantage N430, the latest special edition model
from the British GT and supercar manufacturer. 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 4.7-litre V8 Vantage S
with a motorsport-inspired aesthetic makeover that adds eye-catching
detailing to the exterior and interior. There’s a choice of paint
schemes – yes, the bright flashes 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.
Specifications
Engine :
V8, 4735cc
Max power:
430bhp @ 7300rpm
Max torque:
361lb ft @ 5000rpm
0-60 :
4.8sec (claimed 0-62)
Top speed :
190 (claimed)
On sale :
Now
| Engine : | V8, 4735cc |
| Max power: | 430bhp @ 7300rpm |
| Max torque: | 361lb ft @ 5000rpm |
| 0-60 : | 4.8sec (claimed 0-62) |
| Top speed : | 190 (claimed) |
| On sale : | Now |
Aston Martin V8 Vantage N430Price: £89,995 (as tested: £96,055)
Power/torque: 430bhp @ 7,300rpm/361lb ft @ 5,000rpm
Acceleration: 0-62mph in 4.8sec
Top speed: 190mph
Fuel economy: 20.5mpg (EU Combined)
CO2 emissions: 321g/km
Telegraph rating: Four out of five stars
'Race'
Alloro Green exterior paint with yellow accents from the ClubSport Graphics Pack option. An instantly recognisable theme inspired by Aston Martin’s legendary Le Mans winning racer – DBR1.Forged in Competition
The ultimate proving ground, the Nürburgring Nordschleife isn’t just where we test our cars - it’s where they compete. With unprecedented success in the gruelling Nürburgring 24-hour race the V8 Vantage GT4 is renowned for speed, endurance and engineering excellence.2013’s win for the V8 Vantage GTE in the FIA World Endurance Championship further underlines the exceptional pedigree of N430 as our race car technology transfers to the road with thrilling conviction.
Dynamic Design – Infectious Character
Inside as out N430 is designed to leave an impression. Both quickening the heart and raising a smile. An interior environment of race-bred materials weaves together luxury and tactility to create a refined and focussed cockpit.No, it wasn’t. Back in 2007, it had an uprated version of the then-4.3-litre V8 with an extra 20bhp, plus bespoke dampers, springs and rear anti-roll bar. This new one takes all its settings from the optional sports suspension-equipped Vantage S. The alterations are chiefly the two-tone paint schemes (there’s a choice of five), various N430 badges, a carbon gear surround, alcantara steering wheel, that sort of thing. The sole possible dynamic advantage comes from the 20kg of weight saved by using lighter forged alloy wheels and carbon-fibre and Kevlar seats.
This is a bit disappointing.
I have to agree that on paper it is. But in reality it isn’t. The Vantage has been on sale, mostly unchanged, since 2005. That’s plenty of time for Aston to have ironed out the faults (of which there were a few on early cars) and perfected the formula.
It’s also plenty of time for it to feel hopelessly out of date.
It is, but somehow, with the N430, that doesn’t feel like too much of a disadvantage. As time passes and Astons (yes, all of them) fail to move on with technology and emissions, they’re becoming ever more distinct from the latest sports cars with their torque vectoring, electric steering and so on. They’re becoming more charming, and this suits them. And while many of these new systems help cars go faster, they don’t make them any more entertaining to drive. The N430 feels like what it is – a culmination of ten years of development. It drives cleanly and well, is firmly damped, but not harsh, steers pleasingly and gets itself down a difficult road in a fast and engaging manner. It’s an analogue sports car, the antithesis of the Nissan GT-R.
One Special Edition – Five Unique Treatments
Each of the five eye-catching exterior paint colours has been designed to incorporate an optional ClubSport pack – adding further colour and personality. Inspired by the CC100 centenary concept car and with a clear link to our motorsport heritage, including the legendary DBR1, each combination represents a bold design statement. Whether it’s the sharp Alloro Green and Yellow ‘Race’ livery or brooding ‘Stealth’ livery of Jet Black and Grey, N430 isn’t just a special edition, it’s your special edition.
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