The current generation Aston Martin V8 Vantage is a quantum leap over its predecessor in just about every area; the entry-level supercar scene is more competitive than ever before, so it has to be. Aside from those rakish lines the biggest changes have taken place under the hood, where an AMG-sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 now lurks. In this application it makes 503hp and 505lb ft of torque. However, this same engine in some of Mercedes’ more potent models produces up to 577hp, so clearly it is capable of more. German tuner Wheelsandmore thought so too and is now offering an upgrade for customers that takes the V8 Vantage’s figures up to a Ferrari 488 GTB-beating 680hp and 604lb ft.
While the company also offers a simpler plug-and-play upgrade that hikes power output to a measly 626hp, this Stage 2 mod involves the installation of larger turbos, sports catalysts and a new exhaust system in addition to the new ECU software. Lowered suspension, upgraded brakes and bodykit finish off the transformation. The final result is a DBS Superleggera-beating 0-62mph time of 3.3-seconds and a top speed of 205mph. That is 0.3-seconds and 9mph faster than the standard Vantage V8 but that 715hp 5.2-liter V12 Superleggera still manages to eke out a 6mph top speed advantage. We suspect that this won’t be a deal-breaker for most customers.
Pricing, on the other hand, might be. A set of 21 or 22 -inch forged wheels as you see in the images here start at a not inconsiderable $12,000. Wheelsandmore has not released any numbers for the body kit, suspension or mechanical upgrades but we can only assume that the modified V8 Vantage will be making the gap between the standard Vantage’s $150,000 price tag and the DBS Superleggera’s $300,000 figure significantly smaller.
Images courtesy of Wheelsandmore
