Aston Martin has made a habit of competing in the 24-hour race at Germany’s famed Nürburgring, and of peddling special-edition street cars commemorating its doing so. The company’s big news pertaining to the race this year was the participation of a Rapide sedan, which finished second in its class and 38th overall. The special edition to come out of this year’s race is not based on the Rapide, however, but the V-8 Vantage.
Available either as a coupe or a convertible, with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automated-manual transmission, the N420 is powered by an untouched version of the Vantage’s 4.7-liter V-8. It still makes 420 horsepower, but should sound even more stirring doing so, thanks to a modified exhaust system. (Check out our weekly “Name That Exhaust Note” blog feature to hear the standard V-8 Vantage in action.) The only other mechanical upgrade this Vantage has over standard-issue examples is that it will include the otherwise optional Sport package, comprised of revised springs, shocks, and anti-roll bars.
Visually, the N420 likewise will remain close to other Vantages. Wider rockers are complemented by a front splitter, rear diffuser, and fender vents rendered in carbon fiber, and the fenders are filled with unique 10-spoke wheels with black-painted highlights. Greater differentiation comes courtesy of optional Race Collection paint schemes, which offer contrasting colors on the roof rails and—lipstick-style, as on Aston racing cars—around the grille.
The N420 will make its U.S. debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August. Orders may be placed starting this month, with deliveries to begin in the fourth quarter of 2010. Pricing has yet to be announced, but if it’s much more than a $20,000 premium on top of the Vantage’s roughly $124,000 base price, just spring for the $181,345 V-12 Vantage and get something a lot more special.
Thanks to: Car and Driver