Aston Martin is bringing back the 'V600' nameplate on the special-edition V12 Vantage. But do you remember the original?
There’s an old term that hangs around in the dark: power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Back in 1992, Aston Martin was in the process of upgrading its Virage: a massive, two-tonne, V8 grand tourer that preferred to conquer European highways rather than attack winding backroads. It was an opulent private jet on wheels, but when it came to open straights, it barely flexed its muscles as hard as the V12-powered Ferrari 456.
Nothing two superchargers can’t fix.
After bolting on two mechanically-driven Eaton superchargers, the 5.3-litre V8 – which first saw the light of day in the late ‘60s – now produced an astonishing 410kW (550hp)/745Nm. But who says Aston had to stop there?
1998 saw the introduction of the Aston Martin Vantage ‘V600 driving package’; an uprated, louder variant that boasted near-nuclear power outputs of 447kW (600hp)/813Nm and tweaked suspension.
Cooling efficiency was streamlined, boost was increased, the suspension and roll-bars were revised, and massive, ventilated discs with six-piston calipers were installed up front to help pull up 2002kg worth of walnut trim and supple leather. It shrugged off 0-100km/h in 4.6-seconds and top speed rose to 320km/h+.
But despite the unstressed ability to cruise at high speeds with ease, thanks to the tall gearing and plentiful amounts of torque in reserve, power delivery was criticised. At a time when turbocharged cars gave you a second or two to deal with the imminent rush of acceleration, the twin-supercharged Aston would deliver it with an instantaneous kick.
Combine this with the major issue of the incoming Euro 3 emissions regulations and the overpowered, ‘gas-guzzling’ Vantage was perceived as a bit of a dinosaur. Production ceased in 2000.
What other cars do you think died too soon? Tell us in the comments.
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