Aston Martin boasts a wealthy historical past that has propelled the model to legendary standing. It’s identified for its consideration to the smallest of particulars and its pursuit of perfection. Since its founding in 1913, Aston Martin has produced iconic fashions and constructed a heritage that has helped form the automotive business.

When speaking about a number of the hottest automobiles by Aston Martin, you is perhaps aware of the Aston Martin DB9, V8 Vantage, DBS, and different nameplates that crossed the silver display via the James Bond film franchise. There’s additionally the Aston Martin DBX that’s dubbed to be the ultimate luxury SUV. Then, you may have the One-77, Vulcan, and Valkyrie, which belong to the listing of the most powerful naturally-aspirated cars on the planet right now.

Another fashionable traditional from this British storage is the Aston Martin Vantage V550. This exceptional mannequin is stable proof of the exceptional craftsmanship, innovation, and legacy of the British model. We put the highlight on this supercar killer and listing a number of the most superb information on what makes the Vantage V550, one of the vital beloved autos amongst specialists, collectors, and fans alike.

To provide the most modern and correct info doable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from varied producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Top Gear, The Sunday Times, and supply Automobile Catalog.

10 2023 Marks The thirtieth Anniversary Of The V8 Vantage V550

The Aston Martin Vantage V550 was unwrapped on the British Motor Show in 1992. A 12 months after the fortunate can-afford few bought behind the wheel of a real supercar of its period. For the unfamiliar, the Vantage nameplate represents some of the most desirable and successful sports cars of Aston Martin. The moniker has been used for over seven many years and has stood for the model’s engineering ambition, exhilarating efficiency, and jaw-dropping aesthetics.

Vantage DNA Of Automotive Superiority

• A real supercar throughout its period
• Unveiled in 1992
• First deliveries in 1993
• Virage-based Vantage
• It shouldn’t be confused with the old-school V8 Vantage from the Seventies

The Vantage V550, produced between 1993 and 1999, is the successor of the Virage. The engineers and the designers of the Vantage V550 took an enormous leap and made in depth modifications to how the automobile appears to be like and the center that roars beneath its hood. The Virage-based grand tourer shouldn’t be confused with its predecessor from the Seventies, the unique Aston Martin V8 Vantage hailed as Britain’s first supercar.

9 Sports A Look That’s Hard To Ignore

The strains of the closely re-bodied Aston Martin Virage was the work of Ken Greely and John Heffernan. At first look, you would possibly mistake it for its predecessor, however the designers really solely took just a few panels and the remainder of the strains had been contemporary. You can not miss the distinct Aston Martin grille. It has a entrance spoiler that helps channel the air to the radiator and out by way of the louvers on the hood and the aspect vents.

Not Just A Reworked Virage

• Elegant, sporty attraction
• Long and vast, simply how sports activities automobiles ought to be
• Distinctive Aston Martin entrance grille
• Only the doorways and roof of the Virage had been carried over to the design
• Aggressive stance with evident refined strains

From the aspect, the plain size of the automobile can’t be ignored. You’ll additionally get that modern silhouette that hints the engineers took the automobile’s aerodynamics to the following degree. The wheel arches had been flared, wider than that of the Virage’s.

From the again, the Aston Martin Vantage V550’s width is obvious. It is usually uncluttered and focuses on the purposeful components, with the rear round lights and the exhaust cleanly built-in into the design. Overall, the hand-made Vantage V550, represents an ideal mix of brute aggression and refined luxurious.

8 Opulent Comfort

It’s icing on the cake when you may have a sports car that not only performs but also possesses the refinement of luxury vehicles. While the outside of the Aston Martin Vantage V550 screams brute drive, its inside is a driver-centric cradle that’s a very good illustration of quintessential British automotive luxurious.

It is dominated by burr walnut veneers, Wilton Carpet, and Connolly leather-based. The seats of the Vantage V550 are well-bolstered to make sure you keep in your seat even when negotiating tight turns at excessive speeds. The roof is lined inside with Alcantara suede.

Vantage V550 Interior Details

• mixture of luxurious and practicality
• Generous use of Connolly leather-based, Wilton carpets, and burr walnut veneer
• Well-bolstered sports activities seats
• Two plus two configuration
• Classic analog dials

The dashboard format is harking back to the Virage, with giant analog dials in entrance of the motive force that let you know about your velocity, the RPM, supercharger stress, water temperature, and oil stress. The heart of the console presents small round fixtures that function a clock, oil temperature gauge, gas gauge, and an ammeter.

Those who can afford this trip can specify the colours of the outside and inside they like. You may additionally select the floor supplies across the cabin, the sound system, and the massive outdated cellphone you wished to put in. At the rear, you may have two small seats so as to add a dose of practicality to it.

7 The Aston Martin Vantage V550 Is Big, Bold, And Beautiful

The British Automaker gave the coupe a extra is extra therapy. The supercar ideas the size at roughly 4,387 kilos, or about 441 kilos heavier than the Virage. In entrance, you don’t have the standard two headlights.

Instead, you’ll be greeted by six sq. headlights behind heated glass covers. Peek behind the 18-inch alloy wheels, and also you’ll see brakes which can be up for stopping the trip earlier than you hit something. The Vantage V550 was equipped with the largest brake discs in production again within the day.

How Massive Is The Aston Martin Vantage V550?

When fueling up, be prepared for the 26.9-gallon gas tank of the Vantage V550, which is barely greater than its predecessor. If you examine that to the 2023 Aston Martin DB11 coupe fuel tank, it solely has a gas capability of 20.5 gallons.

6 Each Vantage V550 Took 1,200 Hours To Build, And Only 239 Units Were Produced

If you’re planning to pay money for an Aston Martin Vantage V550, be able to be affected person and be able to spend– loads. Only 239 examples of the Vantage V550 had been crafted throughout its brief manufacturing run. It is taken into account one of many final actually handcrafted autos on the British marque’s Newport Pagnell manufacturing unit. Each unit took 1,200 hours to construct. This is akin to a Rolls-Royce that takes round 800 hours unfold throughout just a few months to construct.

The Highly Exclusive Vantage V550

• 239: the variety of Vantage V550 items produced
• 1,200: the variety of hours it took to construct one Vantage V550
• 177,000: the worth of the automobile in GBP when it was launched
• 440,000 or 658,000: the equal value of the automobile right now

During the slowest manufacturing tempo, Aston Martin may solely end half a automobile every week. At their finest price, the workers assembled two autos per week. This is a testament to the craftsmanship and attention to detail the crew poured into making each automobile. For such work, a hefty price ticket is justified.

The value of Vantage V550 throughout its launch again within the early ’90s was pegged at GBP 177,000 or roughly 440,000 GBP. That’s nearly $658,000 primarily based on right now’s worth of cash. To today, specimens just like Elton John’s Aston Martin V8 Vantage V550 that crossed the block in 2018 command costs solely the top-of-the-food chain spenders can snag.

5 Powerful V-8 Engine That Produces 550 Horsepower

Under the hood of the Aston Martin Vantage V550 lies a twin-supercharged 5.3-liter V-8 that pumps out 550 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque. The powerplant makes use of the EEC IV Management System by Ford. It is the first E.C.U. liable for the engine’s operation.

All the facility from the longitudinally aligned engine are despatched to the rear wheels by way of a six velocity guide gearbox with a twin-plate clutch and a limited-slip differential. With such setup, the hefty automobile can blast to a prime velocity of 186 mph and full the quarter-mile sprint in 12.2 seconds.

Vantage V550 Performance Specs

(Specs sourced from Aston Martin and Automobile Catalog)

And in case you’re questioning why the American carmaker was concerned within the Vantage, Ford was really the proprietor of the British Brand from the late Eighties to the early 2000s. This paved the best way for the monetary stability and introduction of applied sciences Aston Martin was capable of capitalize on.

4 Equipped With A Pair Of Eaton M90 Superchargers

For fast comparability, the output of the Virage was round 200 horses much less in comparison with the Vantage. The main purpose for such efficiency distinction are the 2 Eaton M90 superchargers. Each of the superchargers got here with their very own cylinder financial institution. The M90 is a roots-type supercharger identified for its reliability. They’re additionally present in some GM and Ford automobiles, such because the Chevrolet Monte Carlos and Thunderbird Super Coupes.

Performance Boost From A Pair Of Superchargers

• The Vantage V550 makes use of a pair of M90 Superchargers
• Each M90 supercharger pumps 90 cubic inches of air per shaft revolution
• The setup produces an additional 220 horsepower
• Uses constructive displacement charger leading to predictable HP enhance
• No lag in superchargers in comparison with turbochargers

Driving a supercharged vehicle come with several benefits. Aside from elevated energy, you’ll be capable of faucet many of the torque at a a lot decrease RPM. In the Vantage V550, you may hit the 549 pound-feet of torque at simply 4,000 RPM. With superchargers, there’s virtually no lag identical to in turbochargers. The enhance in horsepower might be felt via the RPM vary, which performs an enormous function when you’re speaking in regards to the acceleration the Aston Martin Vantage V550 can ship.

3 Performance Of A Supercar Killer

The Aston Martin Vantage V550 is taken into account by many as a forgotten ‘90s supercar killer. Its spectacular efficiency numbers assist it sustain if not depart some standard nameplates behind. This is primarily because of the good stability of energy, velocity, and luxurious it delivers. Side by aspect with the 1996 Porsche 911 GT2, the Vantage 550 is rather more highly effective as a result of the German supercar solely boasts 424 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque.

Vantage V550 Vs. Other Supercars Of The ‘90s

• Marvelous engine uncooked energy
• Aston Vantage V550 (0-60 mph: 4.3 seconds | Top Speed: 186 mph)
• The Vantage can sustain with its contemporaries when it comes to straight-line velocity
• 1996 Porsche 911 GT2 (0-60 mph: 4.2 seconds | Top Speed: 183 mph)
• 1993 Lamborghini Diablo (0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds | Top Speed: 202 mph)
• 1996 Ferrari 550 Maranello (0-60 mph: 4.3 seconds | Top Speed: 191 mph)

Another good comparability is with the 1993 Lamborghini Diablo. Its 0-60 mph time shouldn’t be far behind the V-12-powered and far lighter supercar. The Italian bull weighing 3,582 kilos can full the feat in 3.9 seconds and hit a prime velocity of 202 mph.

It additionally doesn’t lag far behind the 1996 Ferrari 550 Maranello, which may hit 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and hit a prime velocity of 191 mph. In the actual world, it may be a matter of driver expertise and driving situations. Also, the roar of the Vantage V550’s engine harmonizes nicely with these supercar symphonies.

2 A Rolls Royce With Attitude

When the Aston Martin Vantage V550 was unveiled, the automotive world was enamored. It didn’t take lengthy earlier than the press threw evaluations praising the groundbreaking sportscar. This contains Jeremy Clarkson’s praises for its wonderful design and efficiency. The veteran automotive journalist was in awe of its imposing presence. Besides the automobile’s brute drive, Clarkson pointed out its impressive speed and stability on the open road.

What Experts Say About The Vantage V550

• Imposing presence
• Superior design
• Impressive stability of velocity and stability
• Serious however enjoyable
• Better than any equal Porsche

Clarkson describes the Vantage V550 as a supercar of the old-fashioned. The automotive journalist likened it to a Rolls-Royce with angle. This highlights the refinement of the Aston Martin creation and its skill to ship an exhilarating supercar efficiency.

Clarkson nonetheless pointed some drawbacks similar to its weight, squirmy dealing with in tight corners, and dim headlights. He additionally identified that the Vantage V550 is perhaps too achieved. He aspect it’s better than any equivalent Porsche or maybe different Aston Martin choices, such because the DB11 and DBS Superleggera.

1 Vantage Le Mans Special Edition As Last Hurrah Before The V-12 Era

Before the Aston Martin V-12 period, Aston Martin launched an non-compulsory Vantage V600 improve to make the V550 much more highly effective. This was accomplished in celebration of the fortieth anniversary of their victory in Le Mans in 1959. As the nomenclature implies, you’ll get 600 horsepower as an alternative of the usual 550 horses. The equipment was developed as a particular undertaking of Aston’s Works Service. The improve entails stripping a model new V550 to combine the GBP 43,000 improve.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Automobile Catalog)

The V8 Vantage V600 Le Mans contains AP Racing brakes and most items got here with five-speed shut ratio guide gearbox. It additionally options redesigned vents that had been made to appear like the Le Mans-winning DBR1, five-spoke magnesium alloy rims, blanked radiator, and cooling ducts on the hood. The V600 improve Of the virtually 300 Vantage V550 that rolled out of the Aston Martin manufacturing unit, about 90 units ended up with the V600 kit upgrade.