Aston Martin Vantage

Aston Martin Vantage key specifications

Where the name comes from

Aston Martin first used "Vantage" in the 1950s for more powerful engine options, and later for whole models. The 1972 Vantage was a six-cylinder car of which only 71 were built. The V8 Vantage of 1977 was a 283 kW (380 bhp) supercar, and the Newport Pagnell Vantage of 1993 had a supercharged V8.

The car on this page began as the AMV8 Vantage concept at the 2003 North American International Auto Show. The production V8 Vantage made its debut at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. It was the smallest and most affordable Aston Martin, and it shared its bonded aluminium VH structure with the Aston Martin DB9.

First generation, 2005–2018: V8 and V12

The original 4.3-litre V8 produced 283 kW (385 PS) and 410 Nm. A 4.7-litre engine replaced it for the 2009 model year, giving 313 kW (426 PS) and 470 Nm. The V8 Vantage S of 2011 reached 321 kW (436 PS). A 6-speed Graziano manual was standard, with an automated Sportshift gearbox as an option.

The V12 Vantage put the big engine from the DBS into the short body. The V12 Vantage S added a 7-speed Sportshift III gearbox, and from 2016 a 7-speed dog-leg manual was offered too. Aston Martin built 351 of those manual cars.

Many special editions followed. The N400 of 2007 had 298 kW (406 PS) and was limited to 480 cars. The GT8 of 2016 weighed 1,510 kg and was limited to 150 cars. The GT12 was first announced as the Vantage GT3, and the old 1cars text noted that it was 100 kg lighter than the V12 Vantage S. Only 100 were built.

Production totals at the end of 2017 were 15,417 V8 coupés, 6,231 V8 roadsters, 2,551 V12 coupés and 465 V12 roadsters. By our count, that makes 24,664 cars, and V8 coupés account for 63 % of them.

Second generation from 2018: the AMG-powered car

Aston Martin revealed the second generation on 21 November 2017, and deliveries began in June 2018. It uses a bonded aluminium structure related to the Aston Martin DB11, but about 70 % of its parts are unique. The Mercedes-AMG M177 V8 gave 375 kW (510 PS) and 685 Nm, with a ZF 8-speed automatic. It was also the first Aston Martin with an electronic rear differential.

The 2024 update was more than a styling change. Power rose by 155 PS, or 30 %, and a new 10.25-inch touchscreen arrived in the cabin. A larger grille increased airflow to the radiators by 50 %. The new Vantage Roadster, revealed in January 2025, is 60 kg heavier than the coupé and has a Z-fold roof.

Prices then and now

In the United States, the 2018 car listed at 149,995 US dollars, or roughly €133,000. By our calculation, the 2018 coupé cost about €365 per kW in the UK and the 2025 car about €400 per kW. The UK price rose by about 36 %, while power rose by 30 %. To estimate yearly running costs, try the 1cars cost of ownership calculator.

GT racing versions

The car has raced in almost every GT class. A V8 Vantage N24 finished fourth in class at the 2006 Nürburgring 24 Hours. The GT2 car raced from 2008, the GT4 version from late 2008, and the Vantage GTE entered the World Endurance Championship in 2012. The V12 Vantage GT3 followed in 2011.

The second generation spawned a GTE racer in November 2017, plus GT3 and GT4 versions. A 2025-based GT3 car appeared on 12 February 2024. Racing versions share the road car's basic aluminium structure.

Rivals and how it compares

The Porsche 911 is the benchmark for daily usability and resale values. The Aston answers with a more traditional front-engine layout and a louder V8. Put any two of them side by side with the 1cars comparison tool.