I love this car: Aston Martin V8 Vantage

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is the smallest of the new range of Astons, being a 2 seater with an 8 cylinder engine, whereas the bigger stable mate DB9 is a 2+2 seater with a 12 cylinder engine. The V8 Vantage’s attractive price just in between the Porsche 911 Carrera and 911 Turbo positions itself ideally for an every-day-use sports car. The V8 Vantage has a powerful 4.3 litre 380 bhp engine, which is unique to Aston Martin. Developed for flexibility as well as outright performance, the front mid-mounted V8 also delivers an outstanding aural experience, with a potential maximum speed of 280 km/h (175 mph). Extraordinary engine power is not the only reason for the superb performance of the V8 Vantage. Just as important is its lightweight, all-alloy structure, which offers class-leading strength and rigidity. The front mid-engined layout – the dry sump lubrication system allows the engine to sit low – and rear-mid transmission help provide optimum front to rear weight distribution as well as a low centre of gravity. The result is exceptional agility and inspired balance and handling.

The design brief for the V8 Vantage dictated a style that could not be anything else but Aston Martin. Elegant, yet with a controlled aggression. Perfectly proportioned, with a low purposeful stance. Modern, yet incorporating classic Aston Martin design cues. Like all Aston Martin sports cars, it is simple, understated and beautiful. Outside, the V8 Vantage displays beautiful sports car lines, while maintaining a unique identity. Inside, its traditional craftsmanship is matched to striking 21st century style. Hand-trimmed in the finest quality materials, the cabin is that of an authentic sports car. Driver and passenger sit low, close to the car's centre of gravity, where they can feel the car reacting to the input of the driver – it's a special sensation, usually only experienced in racing cars.

This new V8 has been specifically designed and developed for the V8 Vantage. Hand-assembled at Aston Martin's new, purpose-built engine facility in Cologne, Germany, it is a light, compact, all-alloy unit – high-performance, yet responsive even at the lower end of the rev range. Its maximum torque is an impressive 410 Nm (302 lb ft) @ 5000 rpm, 75 per cent of which is delivered at just 1500 rpm – barely more than idle – making the V8 Vantage extremely tractable and great fun to drive. Push harder, and the V8 engine revs freely, delivering refined, exhilarating pace. The V8 Vantage is a pure two-seater, a car dedicated to providing the most exhilarating driving experience possible, but that doesn't mean it is not practical. As well as a generous rear shelf, ideal for soft bags and holdalls, there's another, surprisingly large, luggage area. It is large enough for two golf bags or luggage for a holiday in style.

Engine: V8 Vantage: 4.3L V8
Horsepower: 380 bhp / PS
Top Speed: 175 mph (280 km/h)
Peak torque: 410 Nm (302 lb-ft)
Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 4.8 sec (0-100 km/h in 5 sec)