Used 2014 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

The Vantage lineup is offered in V12 Vantage and V8 Vantage versions, as well as either a Coupe or Roadster.

V8 Vantage versions include a 4.7L V8, making 420 horsepower. It comes with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or 7-speed auto-shift manual. V8 Vantage S models get the latter, plus a 430-hp version of the engine. V12 Vantage S versions come with a 6.0L V12 engine that makes 565 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque and mated to a 7-speed single clutch system that can be shifted via steering wheel paddles.

On the outside, V12 models can be spotted mostly through their additional hood venting; there are few other changes on the outside. Roadsters come with a power soft-top arrangement, as well as a different rear damper and spring setup. V8 Vantage S models offer a sports suspension upgrade that includes some of the V12 Vantage changes, with a revised rear anti-roll bar, different shocks and uprated springs. Both models ride on Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, and stopping power is provided by Brembo 4-wheel disc brakes.

There are two user-selectable driving modes in the Vantage S. The Normal mode softens throttle response and switches to a somewhat quieter, more refined exhaust note. Switch over to the Sport mode, and response gets sharper, plus an exhaust bypass that opens at a certain level of accelerator travel to create a sportier, more 'raw' exhaust note.

Compared to the Coupe, Vantage Roadster models get a redesigned trunklid--including more of a 'flip' up at the back, for aerodynamics, as well as a different lower front air intake. The Roadster's soft top fits under a metal tonneau.

The Vantage is nearly 173 inches long, or about the same length as a compact sedan. The Vantage is a 2-seater, with plenty of space even for taller adults to sprawl out--although there isn't a lot of headroom to spare.

In Coupe and Roadster models, the carbon-fiber front splitter and diffuser are hand-made. Inside, there are real glass switches in the center stack, while interior trim pieces are made of carbon fiber.

Equipment on all Vantage models includes automatic climate control, full power accessories, a trip computer, reverse parking sensors, power seats with lumbar support, variable intermittent wipers and headlight washers.

Carbon fiber lightweight seats are an option, bringing 6-way adjustable seats with fixed backrests, trimmed with full leather and an exposed carbon-fiber frame. Standout options include front parking sensors, cruise control, satellite radio and a 13-speaker, 1,000-watt Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system, with Alcantara trim, polished alloy treadplates, an umbrella with built-in holder and all sorts of custom color combinations for the carpet, upholstery and headliner. Those who like the look of carbon-fiber trim might also want to consider either the Exterior Carbon Pack (rear light housing, side strakes and mirror caps) or the Interior Carbon Pack (dash, shifter and door pulls).

Mighty Powertrains With Strong Acceleration

Great Seats

Opportunities To Customize

A Shape That Looks Great In Coupe Or Roadster Form

The biggest change for 2014, is the addition of the V12 Vantage S to the Vantage lineup. The V12 Vantage S replaces the V12 Vantage. The V12 Vantage S makes significantly more horsepower than the non-S variant and also comes exclusively with a single clutch, automated 7-speed manual transmission. This 7-speed automated unit also replaces the automatic transmission on V8 models for 2014.

The Vantage is the lowest-priced point of entry in the Aston Martin lineup with a starting base price of around $120,000.

The Vantage is the most affordable car from Aston Martin, and is neither a light-and-lean roadster nor a performance-oriented grand touring coupe. Rather than taking on other exclusive high-performance cars, it's positioned against other sport-touring models like the BMW M6, Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG and Jaguar XKR-S.

A simplified, more 'honest' driving experience is one argument for the Vantage, in this age of seemingly endless custom settings in some models for driving characteristics. EPA fuel economy ratings for the V8 Vantage, at 13 mpg city, 19 highway, aren't bad, considering this car's performance focus and traditional V8 engine.