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Speculation of a
bigger engine for the V8 Vantage was extensive before the surprise
announcement in late May 2008. The MY09 V8 Vantage was announced
with an extensively re-worked 4.7 litre engine featuring both
increased bore and stroke. Not sure if this engine will be seen in
the N24 but I would expect so.
Externally the MY09
is identical to the pervious models. The interior centre console now
matches that of the DBS (and MY09 DB9) complete with crystal ECU in
place of a key and also receives a hard driver sat-nav system.
Standard cars get new, unique 20 spoke 19 inch wheels. Of note is
that the 'bee-sting' rear radio antenna has been deleted from the
4.7
The V8
Vantage transmissions have also undergone
changes to improve performance and to handle
the increased levels of power and torque.
Both the standard manual optional Sportshift
benefit 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
has undergone a series of specific changes
to broaden the capabilities of the gearbox.
Changes include 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 deliver power smoothly and
consistently. The coupe now has fitted the
stiffer suspension first seen on the
Roadster and also has Bilstein dampers as
standard.
I have seen this
model described as N420 (since it has 420bhp) but I'm unsure that
this is a factory designation. Unexpectedly, the clear rear light
clusters as seen on the N400 models has not been carried over to the
4.7 and, apparently, it isn't easy to have them retro-fitted either. |

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. |