Difference V8 vantage 4.7 US versus EU/UK

[sybrandb]

Hi All,
I have the opportunity to buy a V8 vantage 4.7 US version (2015) in Europe which is recently reimported from the US. Does anyone know the technical differences between US en European versions besides the rearbumpers and licenceplates adjustments.

Thanks in advance for the reactions

Best regards

Sybrand

[LTP]

Hi. Not checked so I could be a million miles off, but US spec cars (not necessarily Astons) used to have red indicators at the rear that were actually the brake lights flashing, which I believe is a big no-no in the EU. You may find an etched warning on any convex side mirror glass that "Objects may be closer than they appear".

I'm sure our trans-Atlantic cousins will chip in with the real differences.

[bogie]

multimedia/radio/nav is likely different

[Manners79]

Key (or emotional control unit...) operating frequency is different

[telum01]

There will be front and rear corner markers on the US-spec car.
The headlights will probably be different.
Obviously the steering wheel on the other side lol.
The door mirrors will be different, but correct for the LHD seating.

You mentioned it in your original post, but further detail in case you're not aware:
The front bumper fascia doesn't have holes to accommodate the UK-spec front license plate plinth, so you may need to cut holes in it for that if using a front plate plinth.
There are bumperettes on either side of the rear license plate. The space between these will be too narrow for a wide license plate. Removing them (without damage) requires removing the rear bumper cover, but you'll be left with the two large holes that the bumperettes cover. The holes are there to give space to extra extrusions on the rear bumper beam, which US cars have for low-speed impact regulations.

I don't know if the aim of the headlights can be adjusted enough for the roads (they need to aim slightly away from oncoming traffic), so you may need to replace the headlights.
You can replace the front and rear bumper covers with the UK-spec versions. The corner markers can be tied off and left inside the bumper cover. The rear bumper beam will need the extrusions cut off to allow the UK-spec rear bumper cover. (I've got European bumper covers on my US-spec V8V. No issues whatsoever doing what I've explained.)

[sybrandb]

Thanks all for the reply and help. I really appreciate sharing your knowlegde and experience.
I will take this in account in my decision for buying this Vantage

Best regards,

Sybrand

[Handyman2009]

I believe that the headlights have to be replace as they can't be adjusted for driving on the other side. Got that from someone that bought the wrong headlight to replace a broken one and couldn't adjust it

[Jon39]

sybrandb said:

Thanks all for the reply and help. I really appreciate sharing your knowlegde and experience.
I will take this in account in my decision for buying this Vantage

Best regards,

Sybrand

When negotiating, make sure you already know the Aston Martin headlight prices.
I suppose you might be able to sell the existing ones to someone in the USA.

[bullet7]

Looks like OP is based in Europe, so I'm sure he will want to keep the headlights.

[TR-Spider]

Handyman2009 said:

I believe that the headlights have to be replace as they can't be adjusted for driving on the other side. Got that from someone that bought the wrong headlight to replace a broken one and couldn't adjust it

Strictly speaking one would only need to replace the shade/orifice on the low beams - but
a) you need to get/make the LHD/RHD ones
b) you need to replace them inside the headlights, which is mayor surgery...

[LTP]

AFAIK the headlamps on a European Vantage can be switched from LHD to RHD by moving a lever.
Details in the first post of this thread
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=12...

It says:
How to set the headlamps on a Aston Martin V8 Vantage for continental driving
The headlamps on the Aston Martin V8 Vantage can be altered from the UK spec to comply with driving on the continent;
1. it will require the front wheels to be removed, if using a trolley jack please use axle stands to correctly and safely support the vehicle
2. remove the plastic access panel in the wheel arch liner,
3. undo the two screw securing the black cover from the rear of the headlamp and remove
4. you will now see the rear of the lighting unit, do not touch, interfere or remove the square silver box shown on the right of the headlamp as serious injury or damage can be caused,
5. To the right of the silver box there is a lever silver in colour and about 2 inches long, this will be in the down position for the uk and requires pushing up to convert to continental driving,
6. refit all panels and wheels and repeat for the passenger side, the passenger side lever is a little bit more difficult to see, and will be on the left of the lamp,
7. on returning to the uk this procedure will have to be reversed

Not sure if the USA spec lamps are the same as I think the USA did not allow certain types of gas discharge or HID lamps,

[Jon39]

bullet7 said:

Looks like OP is based in Europe, so I'm sure he will want to keep the headlights.

Sorry, yes did not realise OP drives on the wrong side of the road. Headlights therefore may be OK.

Do you find when walking past an oncoming Roman soldier, that your swords bang together ?
That is why we travel on the left, so that everyone's' sword is then stowed on the outside (maybe not those who are left handed).

[EVR]

Incidentally, I have a pair of Euro headlights for sale if needed.

(is it allowed to advertise stuff like that?)