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Announced in late May
2008, the 2009MY V8 Vantage was fitted
with an extensively re-worked larger capacity 4.7 litre engine
achieved by both
increased bore and stroke. Externally the MY2009
appeared identical to the pervious model, although the interior centre
console followed closely that in the DBS (and 2009MY) complete with
glass ECU in
place of a key a new hard driver sat-nav system.
Standard cars were fitted with new, unique, 20 spoke 19 inch wheels. Of note is
that the 'bee-sting' rear radio antenna was been deleted from the
4.7 as the radio antenna was incorporated into the windscreen
The V8
Vantage transmissions had also undergone
changes to improve performance and to handle
the increased levels of power and torque.
Both the standard manual and optional Sportshift
benefited 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
also underwent a series of specific changes
to broaden the capabilities of the gearbox.
Changes included a revised control strategy,
allowing the transmission, rather than the
engine, to dictate how best the engine
torque should be deployed to optimise
performance and delivered power smoothly and
consistently. The coupe was also fitted the
stiffer suspension first seen on the
Roadster and also had Bilstein dampers as
standard.
Unexpectedly, the clear rear light
clusters as seen on the N400 models were not carried over to the
standard 4.7 Vantage. |
Above, the new standard 20 spoke 19 inch wheel for the 4.7 litre V8 Vantage. Sports pack cars,
receive the lightweight 5 spoke (I'd call it 10 spoke myself) 19
inch wheels as seen on pervious Sports Pack and N400 models. Below
is a 4.7 with the previous style 19 inch wheels in charcoal finish photographed
in the customer atrium at the Gaydon facility.
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