- 1,112
- Rivera
- Tsukishima-TDUDT
Unveiled in January 1998 at the Detroit Motor Show, the Project Vantage put Aston Martin back into the world supercar spotlight. Initially built as a one off Derwent Green prototype, with 'no plans for production', the car, like many other previous Aston Martin prototypes, was a fully engineered vehicle, quite capable of being run on the road or racetrack. Reaction from the press and potential customers was fantastic - Aston Martin just had to build the car to become it's 'hero' model and replace the aging 'V' car range.
The Project Vantage draws heavily on advanced research being conducted by Ford Advanced Vehicle Technology (AVT) and its wealth of experience gained from participation in Formula One Grand Prix racing and other areas of international motor sport. The Project resulted from close and continuing cooperation among engineers and designers at Aston Martin, AVT, Borg Warner, Magnetti Marelli, AP Racing, ITT, TRW and other Aston Martin suppliers.
Project Vantage featured a new 6.0 litre V12 engine with a claimed output of 450 bhp, initially proposed for installation into the 1993 Lagonda Vignale and Ford Indigo prototypes. In addition, the gear box was an F1 derived paddle system – what would become another Aston Martin first.
Performance estimates were perhaps a little optimistic with a projected 322 km/h top speed and 100 km/h coming up in 4 seconds, performance only seen eventually in the V12 Vanquish S of 2003. Penned by the Scot, Ian Callum, the car is strongly influenced by the DB7 (also the work of Callum) and also the DB4GT Zagato.
The only British public appearance of Project Vantage was during 1998 of the car was at the AMOC race meeting at Donnington Park in October. The car was enclosed within a tight rope cordon, so photography was difficult, fortunately the car was displayed in the AM Works Service Reception in Autumn 2003 in the company of a V12 Vanquish which allows for direct comparison. Remarkably, the Project Vantage was a true glimpse into the future as the V12 Vanquish remained faithful to this concept. It remains the property of the factory but is rarely seen, the exception being the 2014 UK Vanquish day at AM Works, Newport Pagnell.
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