2003 Aston Martin AMV8 Vantage Concept
Chassis and Body Structure
The AMV8 Vantage is the first model to
use Aston Martin's unique VH Platform Strategy (Vertical/Horizontal),
which will form the basis for all future Aston Martin models.
“Much of the technology that has been developed from the Aston Martin
Vanquish will be adopted for the production AMV8 Vantage,“ said Jeremy
Main, Director of Product Development for Aston Martin. “It has a unique
body and chassis constructed from aluminium and composites, AMV8 Vantage
is a very advanced sports car offering high degrees of engineering
efficiencies, structural integrity and torsional rigidity.”
Styling
Visually stunning, the look of AMV8
Vantage is very much of a modern Aston Martin. However, like all Aston
Martin models there are subtle lines and embellishments that help create
a powerful-looking sports car. In fact the design brief was to make the
car look like a muscular athlete wearing a tailor-made suit.
From the exterior, AMV8 Vantage is striking and perfectly proportioned
from every angle. Each carefully detailed feature provides graphic
evidence of the painstaking craftsmanship and quality, which are
synonymous with the Aston Martin marque. Adamant that AMV8 Vantage
should not be a pastiche of retrospect design, Henrik Fisker created a
pure, elegant and classic body that reflects the heritage and tradition
of the Aston Martin brand.
The long bonnet (hood) and two-seater cabin create an instantly
recognisable stance, while minimal front and rear overhangs, combined
with a wide track, appear to push the rear wheels out and enhance the
extremities of the bodywork.
“AMV8 Vantage features many of the design cues that have become the
basic DNA for all Aston Martin models,” said Henrik Fisker. “It was
important to ensure that the car's design was pure, clean and modern,
while at the same time you should be able to put your hand over the
front nose badge and still recognise the car as an Aston Martin.”
Interior
One area that has received
considerable development is the AMV8 Vantage's cabin design. Great
effort has been made to ensure that everything the driver and passenger
touch is bespoke and Aston Martin unique. This is something also that
will be carried over into the production car.
The AMV8 Vantage features a host of switch gears, which perhaps owe more
to the styling cues of premium watch design and prestigious home
entertainment systems than from car instrumentation. Finished in an
imaginative combination of different leathers and anodised aluminium,
customers will be offered an infinite choice of body colours and
upholstery schemes as well as the option of being able to request
different materials.
“From the outset, the look, feel and functionality of the interior was a
key priority,” said Henrik Fisker. “Aston Martin is taking a new
direction in its approach to design. We wanted to ensure the AMV8
Vantage reflected the new direction that Aston Martin is now taking –
modern, advanced technology but above all Aston Martin design.”
Powertrain
The all new engine is a 4.3 litre, low
emissions all alloy V8 which is unique to Aston Martin. This new V8 will
use the latest technology to deliver outstanding performance in all
environments.
The layout of the powertrain adopts a transaxle configuration, whereby
the front mid-mounted engine is connected to the transmission - at the
rear of the car - via a torque tube. This configuration provides the car
with near perfect 50:50 weight distribution, outstanding handling
characteristics and excellent all round capabilities.
Conclusion
While the production aspirations for the
AMV8 Vantage is higher than any of the previous Aston Martin models, the
car will still retain a high degree of exclusivity – an important
characteristic of the British marque.
“The Aston Martin AMV8 Vantage will enable us to appeal to a larger
market. Aston Martin will never ever become a volume car manufacturer,
but this model will allow just a few more people to enjoy the Aston
Martin experience,“ said Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin. “The AMV8
Vantage is a really significant model for us as it will allow Aston
Martin to become a true player in the global sports car market.”
AMV8 Vantage Dimensions