PRODRIVE DISPLAY ‘ENHANCED’ V8 VANTAGE AT AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL
David Richards, Chairman of Prodrive, will be at Autosport International, NEC, Birmingham on January 11-14, where his company will display to the public for the first time a stunning range of products for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Banbury-based Prodrive, which for more than 20 years has been running race and rally programmes for some of the biggest names in motorsport, will have a huge presence at the four-day motorsport extravaganza with emphasis on carrying through its motorsport technology onto road car projects.
The V8 Vantage package, announced on November 30, will improve the car’s performance and enhance its driving dynamics and includes a performance pack for the engine; new driver-adjustable suspension; unique forged wheels; and a discreet aero package. The 4.3 litre V8 engine has been tuned to raise peak power to 425bhp, which reduces the car’s 0-100 km/h time from 5.0 seconds to 4.7 seconds (est.) and increases the top speed by 13 km/h to 293 km/h (est.).
A new throttle map, combined with the increase in torque, also make the engine more responsive throughout the rev range. Prodrive has worked with suspension specialists, Bilstein and Eibach, to develop new driver-adjustable suspension. A switch in the cockpit allows the driver to choose between normal and sports mode. The normal mode has been designed to enhance the V8 Vantage’s existing ride and handling characteristics; while the firmer sports mode delivers an even more focused driving experience on the road or for track use.
In addition to the V8 Vantage, Prodrive will also display a truly magnificent array of Aston Martins including the DBR9, DBRS9 and the Aston Martin Rally GT, which is the very latest competition car from Prodrive and will arrive fresh from its appearance at the Race of Champions at Stade de France.
Prodrive also runs the Aston Martin Racing Team which will play a major role in the ground-shaking, jaw-dropping Live Action Arena performances which take place on all four days. If you're into live racing action, then this is the place to see it. Situated within the largest hall of the NEC, the indoor racing track with around 5500 seats allows you to see an array of motor racing action.
Aston Martin Racing Team driver Darren Turner will drive a DBR9 Le Mans Car and Prodrive’s SWRT test driver Terry Kaby will be driving a Subaru World Rally Car in the performances as well as making guest appearances throughout the four days of the show.
