DB7V Coupe - Cars - http://maxpages.com/pcars/DB7V

Aston Martin cars have always been amongst the fastest and most exclusive. But the name Vantage means even more. It is synonymous only with the most powerful and uncompromising models in the Aston Martin range.

Inspired by the "ad-vantage" that works performance tuning brought initially to the 2.6 litre straight six DB2 in 1953, the Vantage name signalled exceptional performance for those with serious driving intent. Developed around a standard production engine, Vantage models gave Aston Martin engineers the opportunity to produce a series of outstanding performance cars either by boosting engine displacement or, as in the case of DB2, by fitting larger carburettors.

The legendary DB4, DB5 and DB6s all had Vantage derivatives that set performance benchmarks for their day. Such was the rarity of these Vantage models even James Bond had to be content with a "standard" Aston Martin!

By 1987 the V8 Vantage became a much more comprehensive package featuring aerodynamic bodywork and firmer springs and dampers to fully utilise its 370 bhp. The limited production Zagato bodied Coupe and Volante combined with an increase in power to 400 bhp ensured the Vantage models were some of the most spectacular performance cars of the 1980s.

By 1992, the Virage Vantage further pushed the boundaries of performance with the addition of twin superchargers to its 5.3 litre V8 engine, which boosted power to 550 bhp and torque to 550 lb.ft. The car delivered a maximum speed of 186 mph (300 km/h) and 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.6 seconds.

The very latest edition is the mighty V8 Vantage Le Mans which delivers another significant increase in performance, taking power and torque to an amazing 600 bhp and 600 lb.ft with 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4 seconds and a potential top speed of 200 mph (322 km/h).

And finally, the DB7 Vantage is no exception to the tradition and is truly a worthy recipient of the Vantage name.

Power

At the heart of every Aston Martin Vantage is an engine developed with ultimate performance in mind and DB7 Vantage is no exception.

Unlike previous Vantages with tuned versions of standard production engines, DB7 Vantage is powered by an all new engine which, for the first time in Aston Martins history, has twelve cylinders.

Developing 420 bhp (309 kW) at 6000 rpm, the new engine powers DB7 Vantage to a top speed in excess of 180 mph (290 km/h)*. 0-30 mph (48 km/h) takes only 2.1 seconds, with 62 mph (100 km/h) coming up in just 5.0 seconds. The benchmark 0-100 mph (160 km/h) sprint can be achieved in a stunning 11.4 seconds.

In addition to producing supreme levels of outright power, the new 6.0 litre V12's flat torque curve ensures truly impressive "real world" performance where 85% of maximum torque is delivered at only 1500 rpm.

This exciting new engine is the direct result of advanced computer aided design and engineering techniques coupled with the extensive use of high grade aluminium alloys to optimise strength, rigidity, durability and refinement within an extremely lightweight, compact and efficient design.

Race derived engine features such as oil jet cooled pistons and tubular equal length stainless steel exhaust manifolds combine with advanced emission technologies such as ionisation misfire detection, advanced metallic substrate catalysts and a specially developed dual processor EEC V electronic engine management system.

Designed for all markets, DB7 Vantage exceeds all worldwide emission standards.

DB7 Vantage Specification

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Body

Two door 2+2 coupe, steel underframe, body panels and bonnet. Composite front wings, sills, boot lid and front and rear bumper/aprons. Side impact protection in doors.

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Interior

Driver and front passenger airbags. Remote alarm system and immobiliser. Full Connolly leather interior with burr walnut wood sets. CFC free automatic climate control system.

Electronic radio cassette six speaker audio system with multi-disc CD autochanger.

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Engine

All alloy quad cam 48 valve 60 degree V12 engine 5935cc.

Compression ratio 10.3:1.

EEC V engine management system.

Fully catalysed exhaust system.

Front engine rear wheel drive.

Power: 309 kW (420 bhp) @ 6000 rpm.

Torque: 542 Nm (400 lb.ft) @ 5000 rpm.

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Performance (Manual)

Acceleration: 0-62 mph (100 km/h) 5.0 seconds.

Maximum speed : 184 mph (296 km/h).

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Performance (Automatic/Touchtronic)

Acceleration: 0-62 mph (100 km/h) 5.1 seconds.

Maximum speed : 165 mph (265 km/h) limited.

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Transmission

6 speed manual, switchable 5 speed automatic with electronic Sport mode or optional "Touchtronic" gearshift system.

Limited slip differential

ratio 3.77:1 (manual), 3.06:1 (automatic/Touchtronic).

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Suspension

Front: Independent double wishbone, coil springs, mono-tube dampers with anti-roll bar. Anti-dive geometry.

Rear : Independent double wishbone with longitudinal control arms, coil springs, mono-tube dampers with anti-roll bar.

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Steering

Rack & pinion, power assisted.

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Brakes

Front: Ventilated steel discs 355 mm diameter with four piston aluminium calipers.

Rear: Ventilated steel discs 330 mm diameter with four piston aluminium calipers. Anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Electronic traction control - switchable.

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Wheels and Tyres

Lightweight aluminium alloy 8J x 18 front, 9J x 18 rear with Bridgestone S02 tyres 245/40 ZR18 front, 265/35 ZR 18 rear.

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Dimensions

Height: 1243 mm.

Width: 1830 mm. **

Length: 4692 mm.

Wheelbase: 2591 mm.

Kerb weight: Manual 1775 kg.

Kerb weight: Automatic 1825 kg.

Boot capacity: 0.17 cu/m.

Fuel Tank Capacity (unleaded)

89 litres. (24.4 US Gallons)

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Page Updated Wed Aug 9, 2000 4:02pm EDT