Wednesday 13th June 2007

N24 V8 Vantage for the road

Aston Martin offer motorsport Vantage as a road car

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N24 will cost just over £100K in the UK

A factory-produced, hardcore Aston Martin road car will soon be a reality.

Aston Martin will be offering customers of its N24 V8 Vantage race car the opportunity to gain Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) so the cars are eligible for road use.

The pack will be offered as an after-market option at the time of purchase, and will be completed by Aston Martin Works Service at Newport Pagnell.

In a very British fashion, Aston politely point out that “customers are advised that whilst the Vantage N24 will be road legal after completing the SVA process, the car will not offer the levels of comfort and refinement for which Aston Martin’s have become renowned, and the ride and handling will reflect that of a race car.”

Two of the N24s at the N'ring 24 hours last weekend

The N24 has rapidly caught the imagination of enthusiasts as a customer race car, with appearances in long-distance classics such as the Nurburging 24 hours, a race winning debut in the new FIA GT4 series and some spectacular appearances in the French Rally Championship.

The N24 offers many modifications over the standard V8 Vantage including: racing safety equipment such as a roll cage, cut off switch and fuel bag tank; a lightened and balanced engine with revised cylinder heads that makes 410bhp (up from 380bhp in the standard car) and adjustable suspension with Speedline motorsport wheels.

Thanks to a reduced kerbweight of 1330kg, the N24 enjoys a significantly improved power to weight ratio.

In summary, the SVA process includes:

Inside the N24

Transport of the Vantage N24 from point of sale at Aston Martin’s Gaydon headquarters to Aston Martin Works Service, Newport Pagnell

Supply and fit:

• Full handbrake system
• Number plate lights
• Side repeaters
• Horn
• Standard steering column including lock
• Fixed drivers side window without slide opening
• E’ marked seat belts
• Fuel filler restrictor
• Alternative switches or guard to meet interior projection requirements
• Compliance with noise and emission regulations
• Submission of application to VOSA (including fee payment)
• Transport Vantage N24 to test station for inspection
• Register and tax vehicle, including fee

N24 is prepared for competition use

Aston Martin will charge £7,500 plus local taxes for the SVA option on an N24. Seeing as the list price of an N24 is £78,720, that takes the price of a road legal N24 in the UK to £101,317.90 inc VAT – compared with £94,280 for a Porsche 997 GT3 RS, for example.

It is, however, around £234 cheaper than a fully kitted Prodrive V8 Vantage, although no doubt considerably less comfortable on a day to day basis. The SVA work is expected to take approximately two weeks to complete.

N24 is an internal Aston project

Is this Aston Martin’s first step in creating a genuine rival to Porsche's ultra successful GT3 series? We certainly hope so…

[vetteheadracer]

I wish GM would do something similar with the C6 Z06 Corvette.

I assume Aston Martin will also offer a "now it's passed the SVA we will take all the crap off again" package for another £7,500 + VAT?

[Kieran'07]

vetteheadracer said:

I wish GM would do something similar with the C6 Z06 Corvette.

I assume Aston Martin will also offer a "now it's passed the SVA we will take all the crap off again" package for another £7,500 + VAT?

What 'crap' do you mean? Bits and bobs like side repeaters and a handbrake are quite useful on a road car...

It's cool, but I'd rather a fully equip Aston V8 for the road and an Elise for caning round the track for the same money.

Edited by Kieran'07 on Wednesday 13th June 13:36

[Dr S]

Yeah, baby, yeah...

[Kawasicki]

love it! It's not even massively overpriced!

shane

[mchammer89]

Is it only 1 seat? What's the point of 1 seat in a car like this? Surely most of the fun is scaring the crap out of your passangers

[TimJMS]

When you consider what is deleted from the standard item, I'm struggling to see why it should retail for any premium at all

[Kieran'07]

TimJMS said:

When you consider what is deleted from the standard item, I'm struggling to see why it should retail for any premium at all

I know the interior is stripped but it does have: 'a roll cage, cut off switch, fuel bag tank, lightened and balanced engine with revised cylinder heads, adjustable suspension and Speedline motorsport wheels'.

[morebeanz]

Does the fixed driver's window mean that you have to open the door every time to reach out? Could be an interesting option at parking barriers, etc!

[Valentin]

I'd take one of these, ditch the roll cage, put in a second seat, AC, a simple Radio/CD with just two speakers, Sat Nav and put some leather over the bare metal. this would ad some weight, but you'd gain a lot!!!
In Porker language: more GT3 than GT3 RS

[adam towler]

Kieran'07 said:

TimJMS said:

When you consider what is deleted from the standard item, I'm struggling to see why it should retail for any premium at all

I know the interior is stripped but it does have: 'a roll cage, cut off switch, fuel bag tank, lightened and balanced engine with revised cylinder heads, adjustable suspension and Speedline motorsport wheels'.

Here's what you get with an N24 AMV8:

BODY
• FIA approved full roll-cage in 40 mm x
1.5 mm 15CDV6 high-strength steel
• Preparation for pneumatic jacks
incorporating tapping plates
• Motorsport towing eyes
• Plastic side and rear windows –
with slide opening on driver’s side
• Re-styled side sill with exposed carbon
fibre rib
• Quick-release bonnet/tail safety latching
with hinges retained
• Lightweight aluminium side strakes
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
• Cylinder heads; re-profiled and smoothed
inlet and exhaust ports and optimised
compression ratio
• Crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons and
flywheel lightened and balanced to race
standards
• ITG cylindrical foam air filters
• Reduced cell density primary catalysts
• Revised engine calibration (97 RON fuel)
• EGR and secondary air system removed
• Simplified oil breather system with
catch tank
• Weight-reduced rear muffler without bypass
valves
• Air-conditioning system removed
• FIA-approved ATL bag type fuel tank with
twin fuel pumps – 100-litre (22 gallon)
capacity. Filling point built into the righthand
C-post with facility to accept a quickfill
‘dry break’ arrangement
• Standard six-speed manual transmission –
fitted with breather catch tank Valeo twinplate
cerametallic clutch (215 mm) with
lightweight flywheel
UNDERFRAME
• Single-rate, flat ground, 2.5 in ID Eibach
springs with separate helper springs
• Stiffened front and rear anti-roll bars
• Dynamic Suspensions adjustable ride
height aluminium dampers
• Front subframe modified for extra
camber and castor
WHEELS & TYRES
• Speedline 10 in X 18 in ET45 mm cast
magnesium front wheels
• Speedline 11 in X 18 in ET48 mm cast
magnesium rear wheels
• Yokohama A048-R tyres
• Standard radial-mounted four-piston
monobloc calipers fitted with highperformance
Pagid RS 29 race pads
ELECTRICAL
• Reduced weight and optimised route
wiring harness
• Optima gel battery
• Battery cut-off relay
• New switch panel mounted in centre
console incorporating re-settable circuit
breakers for each fuel pump, extinguisher
button, battery cut-off button, heater
controls, mirror switch and toggle switches
for fog lights, hazard lights, traction control
and heated front screen.
• Panel graphics illuminated by
electroluminescent film
• Original V8 Vantage instrument pack
• All other standard production ancillary
electrical systems removed
INTERIOR
• Recaro Pole Position competition shell
seat embroided with Aston Martin logo
• Schroth six-point safety harness – pushbutton
release
• FIA compliant Lifeline Zero 360 plumbed-in
extinguisher system (gas) – four engine bay
and two interior nozzles
• Raised driver’s footrest
• New simple door casings moulded in
‘Twintex’ for weight saving and
compatibility with roll-cage
• Weight-reduced facia, trimmed in Alcantara
• Shortened one-piece carbon fibre
centre console
• Quick-release, suede-trimmed steering wheel
• All other standard production trim and
airbags removed
OPTIONS
• Passenger seat and safety harness
DIMENSIONS & PERFORMANCE
Length 172.5 in (4380 mm)
Width 73.5 in (1865 mm)
(excluding mirrors)
80 in (2025 mm)
(including mirrors)
Height 47.5 in (1210 mm)
Wheelbase 102.5 in (2600 mm)
Front track 62.2 in (1580 mm)
Rear track 62.6 in (1590 mm)
Maximum power 305 kW (410 bhp)
Maximum torque 425 Nm (313 lb ft)
Kerb weight 1330 kg (excluding fuel)
Fuel tank size 100 litres

AT
Editor

[vetteheadracer]

Kieran'07 said:

vetteheadracer said:

I wish GM would do something similar with the C6 Z06 Corvette.

I assume Aston Martin will also offer a "now it's passed the SVA we will take all the crap off again" package for another £7,500 + VAT?

What 'crap' do you mean? Bits and bobs like side repeaters and a handbrake are quite useful on a road car...

It's cool, but I'd rather a fully equip Aston V8 for the road and an Elise for caning round the track for the same money.

Edited by Kieran'07 on Wednesday 13th June 13:36

Particularly:
Compliance with noise and emission regulations
Standard steering column including lock
Fixed drivers side window without slide opening

[bob1179]

Is it wrong that I find that car pant-wettingly sexy and I'd sell my granny for it?

[vetteheadracer]

bob1179 said:

Is it wrong that I find my granny pant-wettingly sexy and I'd sell that car for her?

Most definitely.

Edited by vetteheadracer on Wednesday 13th June 15:26

[TimJMS]

adam towler said:

Kieran'07 said:

TimJMS said:

When you consider what is deleted from the standard item, I'm struggling to see why it should retail for any premium at all

I know the interior is stripped but it does have: 'a roll cage, cut off switch, fuel bag tank, lightened and balanced engine with revised cylinder heads, adjustable suspension and Speedline motorsport wheels'.

Here's what you get with an N24 AMV8:

BODY
• FIA approved full roll-cage in 40 mm x
1.5 mm 15CDV6 high-strength steel
• Preparation for pneumatic jacks
incorporating tapping plates
• Motorsport towing eyes
• Plastic side and rear windows –
with slide opening on driver’s side
• Re-styled side sill with exposed carbon
fibre rib
• Quick-release bonnet/tail safety latching
with hinges retained
• Lightweight aluminium side strakes
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
• Cylinder heads; re-profiled and smoothed
inlet and exhaust ports and optimised
compression ratio
• Crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons and
flywheel lightened and balanced to race
standards
• ITG cylindrical foam air filters
• Reduced cell density primary catalysts
• Revised engine calibration (97 RON fuel)
• EGR and secondary air system removed
• Simplified oil breather system with
catch tank
• Weight-reduced rear muffler without bypass
valves
• Air-conditioning system removed
• FIA-approved ATL bag type fuel tank with
twin fuel pumps – 100-litre (22 gallon)
capacity. Filling point built into the righthand
C-post with facility to accept a quickfill
‘dry break’ arrangement
• Standard six-speed manual transmission –
fitted with breather catch tank Valeo twinplate
cerametallic clutch (215 mm) with
lightweight flywheel
UNDERFRAME
• Single-rate, flat ground, 2.5 in ID Eibach
springs with separate helper springs
• Stiffened front and rear anti-roll bars
• Dynamic Suspensions adjustable ride
height aluminium dampers
• Front subframe modified for extra
camber and castor
WHEELS & TYRES
• Speedline 10 in X 18 in ET45 mm cast
magnesium front wheels
• Speedline 11 in X 18 in ET48 mm cast
magnesium rear wheels
• Yokohama A048-R tyres
• Standard radial-mounted four-piston
monobloc calipers fitted with highperformance
Pagid RS 29 race pads
ELECTRICAL
• Reduced weight and optimised route
wiring harness
• Optima gel battery
• Battery cut-off relay
• New switch panel mounted in centre
console incorporating re-settable circuit
breakers for each fuel pump, extinguisher
button, battery cut-off button, heater
controls, mirror switch and toggle switches
for fog lights, hazard lights, traction control
and heated front screen.
• Panel graphics illuminated by
electroluminescent film
• Original V8 Vantage instrument pack
• All other standard production ancillary
electrical systems removed
INTERIOR
• Recaro Pole Position competition shell
seat embroided with Aston Martin logo
• Schroth six-point safety harness – pushbutton
release
• FIA compliant Lifeline Zero 360 plumbed-in
extinguisher system (gas) – four engine bay
and two interior nozzles
• Raised driver’s footrest
• New simple door casings moulded in
‘Twintex’ for weight saving and
compatibility with roll-cage
• Weight-reduced facia, trimmed in Alcantara
• Shortened one-piece carbon fibre
centre console
• Quick-release, suede-trimmed steering wheel
• All other standard production trim and
airbags removed
OPTIONS
• Passenger seat and safety harness
DIMENSIONS & PERFORMANCE
Length 172.5 in (4380 mm)
Width 73.5 in (1865 mm)
(excluding mirrors)
80 in (2025 mm)
(including mirrors)
Height 47.5 in (1210 mm)
Wheelbase 102.5 in (2600 mm)
Front track 62.2 in (1580 mm)
Rear track 62.6 in (1590 mm)
Maximum power 305 kW (410 bhp)
Maximum torque 425 Nm (313 lb ft)
Kerb weight 1330 kg (excluding fuel)
Fuel tank size 100 litres

AT
Editor

Well, when you put it like that - how have they managed to do it for such an inconsequential additional cost?

[haggle]

drools this has just found its way into my fantsay garage as its far cooler than a GT3 RS

[gentelman]

morebeanz said:

Does the fixed driver's window mean that you have to open the door every time to reach out? Could be an interesting option at parking barriers, etc!

It's just to insure that one will never be seen at a McDonald's drive-up window.

[Pugsey]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm. No, I really mustn't!

Edited by Pugsey on Wednesday 13th June 17:05

[flattotheboards]

Kieran'07 said:

It's cool, but I'd rather a fully equip Aston V8 for the road and an Elise for caning round the track for the same money.

i agree id rather have cars for one purpose then have a car that is a cross as you usually lose out ie ride comfort

[GTRene]

wow, 1330kg and 410hp now we are talking, and boy that looks cool sexy interior
GTRene

[Kieran'07]

flattotheboards said:

Kieran'07 said:

It's cool, but I'd rather a fully equip Aston V8 for the road and an Elise for caning round the track for the same money.

i agree id rather have cars for one purpose then have a car that is a cross as you usually lose out ie ride comfort

Yeah. I guess it's aimed at the rich who can afford a £100k track car, as well as having other more practical motors in the garage.