We've been teased with the V8 Vantage in concept form since as long ago as the 2003 Detroit Auto Show, but at the Geneva Motor Show it became a reality, and glorious it is too. You would be forgiven for not understanding the difference between the new sports car and Aston's relatively new DB9, as photographs do not convey the compact dimensions of the Vantage. Where the DB9 has been designed to cross continents in style and at great speed, the V8 Vantage is tasked with entertaining the driver along the way, as well as being wieldy enough for your average British B-road or even the odd track day.

Aston Martin openly admits that it used the Porsche 911 as its benchmark car while the V8 was under development, but claims that the Vantage appeals to a very different customer. After all, even at full capacity, Aston Martin will only ever make a fraction of the number of 911s Porsche produces. Saying that, the V8's specification compares favourably with the Carrera S: the 0-60mph sprint takes an identical 4.8 seconds, and the 175mph top speed isn't far off the Porsche's 182. The results are produced in very different ways; Porsche uses a rear-mounted flat-six engine where as the Vantage houses its 4.3-litre V8 in the front, though situated well back in the chassis for better balance. The Aston Martin's engine puts out 380bhp at 7000rpm, and features dry sump lubrication, indicating that it should easily cope with keen driving.

After a hard day at the track, the driver can sit back into the sumptuous leather seats and be soothed by the typically gorgeous Aston Martin interior. Though the V8 does have a chassis aimed at the keen driver, it will not be harsh to drive in town or in traffic. Sounds like the best of both worlds. Although UK prices have not yet been announced, we expect it to cost in the region of £70,000. Exciting news indeed.

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