2016 Aston Martin Vantage
The 2016 Aston Martin Vantage is a two-seater sports car available in hatchback coupe and two-seat convertible body styles. Available in V8 Vantage GT, V8 Vantage, V8 Vantage S and V12 Vantage, Vantage S, and Vantage GT12 models. The V8 Vantage GT comes standard with 19-inch wheels, a limited-slip differential, automatic xenon headlights, automatic wipers, power-folding mirrors, rearview camera, rear parking sensors, automatic climate control, power front seats, full leather interior, a simulated suede headliner, a tilting and telescopic steering wheel, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a navigation system, Bluetooth phone, audio connectivity, six-CD changers, USB connectivity, and a 160-watt sound system. An optional Technology package adds cruise control and satellite radio.
 2016 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster |
 2016 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Convertible |
The V8 Vantage S has the same performance upgrades as the GT but adds a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser as well as upgraded interior trim. Along with its larger engine, the V12 Vantage includes three-mode adaptive suspension, carbon ceramic brakes, custom carbon fiber body panels, and a standard automated single-clutch manual transmission.
2016 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTS Roadster
Options include 19-inch forged alloy wheels, front parking sensors, leather rear cabin trim, simulated suede sports steering wheel, convertible wind deflector, heated seats, driver and passenger memory settings, 700-watt premium audio, and 1,000-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system. Aston Martin also offers a wide variety of paint and leather combinations as well as other customization options through its Q by Aston Martin program.
2016 Aston Martin Vantage : Interior
The interior of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage makes passengers feel special. Wide strips of supple leather accented with contrasting stitching adorn most surfaces. The Vantage has the same center console design as the more expensive Vanquish. It has a more modern look, with sleek touch buttons and a revised infotainment system. But these touch-sensitive buttons don’t work well and their screens get sun-washed. Also, the infotainment system is still old and annoying to use, and while the Garmin-sourced navigation system gets the job done, it just seems incompatible in such an expensive car. Overall, the Vantage’s cabin is just behind the times.
In terms of space, the Vantage bodes well for a high-priced sports car. Even taller drivers should find adequate leg and headroom in the driver’s seat, although only the four-way passenger seat limits comfort. The coupe’s hatchback trunk is also pleasantly useful, measuring 10.6 cubic feet, but the roadster’s trunk falls short at 5 cubic feet. It takes approximately 18 seconds to dock or position the convertible with a soft top.
2016 Aston Martin Vantage : Engine
The 2016 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is powered by a 4.7-liter V8 engine that is good for 420 hp and 347 pound-feet of torque. The GT and V8 Vantage S have a good version of this engine for 430 hp and 361 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission come standard, and a seven-speed automated single-clutch manual transmission is optional. During testing, a manually equipped V8 Vantage GT accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, which is fast but ultimately not remarkable given the price tag. The fuel economy estimated by the EPA is 15 mpg (13 city/19 highway) with conventional manual and 16 mpg (14/21) with Speedshift. The V12 Vantage has a 5.9-liter V12 (marketed by Aston as a 6.0-liter V12), which is good for 565 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. Aston Martin estimates a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds for the coupe; the Convertible adds 0.2 seconds. The fuel economy estimated by the EPA is 14 mpg (12/18) in total.
2016 Aston Martin Vantage : Safety
Standard safety features on the Vantage include anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, traction, and stability control, hill start assists, rear parking sensors, and side airbags that provide head and torso protection. Roadster adds pop-up roll bars. During testing, a V8 Vantage stalled at 100 km/h at 112 feet, a poor performance for a high-performance sports car. For example, multiple Porsche 911 test cars stopped about 10 feet shorter on average.