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| Aston
Martin Vantage |
Broadcast
dates : 22nd January 2006
28th January 2006 |
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Stirred
but not shaken. That’s a variation on the classic James
Bond line referring to the way he likes his Martinis mixed.
But it could equally apply to James’ relationship with
Aston Martin, after the British Sports car’s famous
co-starring role in the film Goldfinger back in the
1960s.
Aston Martin only became officially represented here a few
months ago. But since November 2005 more than forty Aston
Martins have already been sold since the launch. Prior to
that only a handful of Astons have appeared in South Africa
over the past fifty years.
So what else has she got? A 4,3 litre V8 engine with some
Ford and Jaguar DNA in there, but specifically built for
Aston Martin in Germany. How else can you take on the likes
of Porsche in a game the Germans know so well?
To pitch for a top-spot in the sports-car market, the
interior has to live up to the stunning exterior. It’s
pretty good, with just a few false notes such as the over-emphasised
white stitching on the upholstery A subtle approach here
would have been much more effective.
But in the dynamic areas, the show and tell department, the
Aston needs to shape up. And the good news is, it does.
A British Cobra. That’s the special appeal of the Aston
Martin Vantage, the so-called entry-level model with a
"mere" 283 kilowatts on tap.
There’s an immediacy about the car that takes hold and won’t
let go, involving the driver at all times in a way that few
cars, with the exception of, yes, Porsche, manage.
The financial muscle that Ford Motor Company has brought to
Aston Martin has resulted in a new level of engineering to
back up the undoubted classic appeal. It’s got a fine
chassis balance, good panel fit, an overall quality to the
interior. In short, Aston Martin has entered the big time.
What better time to enter the South African market, than
with cars that finally offer a real alternative to the likes
of Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini?
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Aston Martin Vantage
- Engine: V8 4280cc
- Power: 283 Kw @
7000 rpm
- Torque: 410 Nm @
5000 rpm
- Transmission:
Six-Speed manual rear-wheel drive
- 0 – 100 km/h:
05.0 secs (Claimed)
- Top Speed: 280 km/h
(Claimed)
- Fuel Consumption:
17.8 lt/100km (Estimated)
- Price: R1 450
000.00
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