Model Year changes (online) anything available?

[Gizmo68]

So far all my searching has come to nothing, so is there an on-line list of the MY changes for the Vantage? simply to narrow down what was included as std?

Grant’s book looks to be the bible for owners and potential owners so is certainly on my list, but for the meantime any online changes would be great.

P.S. Is it possible to get notification of replies by default, or do you need to tick the subscribe box for each new thread you post in?

[V8 Animal]

Gizmo68 said:

So far all my searching has come to nothing, so is there an on-line list of the MY changes for the Vantage? simply to narrow down what was included as std?

Grant’s book looks to be the bible for owners and potential owners so is certainly on my list, but for the meantime any online changes would be great.

P.S. Is it possible to get notification of replies by default, or do you need to tick the subscribe box for each new thread you post in?

You need to tick the subscribe box on this forum.

Biggest change was in 2007 easy to say the goodies were extra.

[Gizmo68]

Thanks,

I notice there is no box to tick when you reply to a thread though.

What did the MY07 bring to the table that the earlier car did not have as std?

[Bravo73]

MY07 didn't get that much really. New seats and LEDs in the door handles, from memory.

It was MY09 (I think) that saw the most changes: 4.7l engine and new interior being the most significant.

[Jon39]

Gizmo68

I will paste below one of my earlier posts, about the Vantage Model Year 2009 changes. Hope this is of help to you.

.....................................................

Friday 23rd November 2012
DIB17 said:

Hi. Can anyone tell me what model year of V8 Vantage Coupe had a number of upgrades applied? Also, what were these upgrades?

Hope this helps you Dave. It is copied from one of my previous posts.


The first 4·7s were Model Year 2009. I think the first cars were delivered to customers in September 2008. The recession had started then, so some new 4·3 cars were still unsold and were registered in 2009.

Externally (not very much difference) - Radio aerial removed from roof (now in windsceen). Road wheels changed to 20 spoke (or 5 spoke on Sportpack cars) from model year 2009 to 2011.

Internally - A DBS type centre console was fitted, the SatNav changed to a hard disk drive type. Key fob unit (Emotion Control Unit don't you know) replaced a conventional steering column key.

People who have driven both, say the increased engine torque is noticable and provides more flexibility in higher gears.

My 4·7 car is on ordinary suspension, which I find quite hard enough, especially on poor road surfaces.

I have not driven the automated manual (Sportshift), but have heard some people say 'buy the manual'. I think the criticisms are mostly about parking and moving in stop start traffic.

One really good option to look out for, is the 700 watt Premium Audio. Absolutely brilliant.

......................

MANUFACTURER'S TEXT OF THEIR 4·7 MODEL ANNOUNCEMENT.

23 May 2008.

Now with 4.7 litre V8 and output of 420bhp with peak torque of 470Nm, making it more flexible. 0-60mph 4.7 seconds and top speed of 180mph (288km/h). Combined European fuel economy and CO2 emissions are also improved by 13% with Sportshift™. New centre console and revised switchgear and the introduction of an ECU replacing the previous V8 Vantage key. Externally, the acclaimed V8 Vantage design appearance is enhanced with a range of new standard and optional 19’’ alloy wheels. Increase in cylinder bore facilitated by a move to cylinder liners that are pressed into the pre-machined aluminium alloy block, allowing a thinner liner than was possible with the cast-in design of the 4.3 litre engine. New forged steel crankshaft provides the 91mm stroke and incorporates new holes in the counter weights for reduced rotating mass and improved inter-bay breathing. New forged steel con-rods and cast aluminium pistons complete the capacity-related changes. Standard manual stick-shift gearbox and the optional Sportshift™ transmission benefit from a modified clutch and flywheel, reducing clutch pedal efforts and delivering a 0.5kg weight saving, reducing the rotating masses within the powertrain, and hence increasing engine responsiveness. Sportshift™ now also has the capability to take inputs from the steering wheel enabling the current gear to be held when the car is negotiating a corner and hill descent detection, allowing a low gear to be held, maximising the effects of engine braking. V8 Vantage also now benefits from Bilstein dampers as standard; these low-friction dampers provide improved levels of dynamic capabilities and further improve ride quality.

..............................

After these MY2009 changes, the Vantage was almost unaltered in MY2010 and MY2011, but Aston Martin have made further changes more recently, and they refer to these as Model Year 12.25.

Edited by Jon39 on Sunday 18th August 22:32

[Gizmo68]

Thanks Jon thats exactly what I was looking for.

Unfortunately you how now proved that instead of looking for a post MY07 car, it now really ’needs’ to be a MY09 4.7 one! lol

[Jon39]

Gizmo68 said:

it now really ’needs’ to be a MY09 4.7 one!

I arrived at the same decision, and have no regrets.
All Vantages are wonderful cars, but some have said, the 4.7 is what the original car should have been.

My tips would be, try to find one with the Premium Audio, and think carefully about which gearbox and suspension you want. Many say Sports Pack is a must, but with the poor road surfaces today, the standard suspension is certainly very firm.

Enjoy your search.

Jon.

[Laser Sag]

I think suspension depends on what you have been used to, coming from TVR's I would say that the sports pack suspension is actually very compliant but i am sure those used to more mainstream cars would think it is quite hard.
Premium audio is great but hardly ever used in mine.
As with most cars drive a few see what you like and go from there.
If you like the earlier dash then an early car with some choice Bamford Rose upgrades would be a good option to put against the newer version.