Aston Martin V8
1970 - 1989

The Aston Martin V8 existed in numerous guises over its long time in production. The V8 models began initially as the Aston Martin DBS V8 in 1970, but subsequent models were called the Aston Martin V8 from 1972. The range was later broadened to include the convertible V8 Volante model, and the highly tuned V8 Vantage, and V8 Vantage Volante models.

| V8 | V8 Volante | V8 Vantage | V8 Vantage Volante |

Aston Martin DBS V8 (1970-1972)
retrospectively labelled Series 1

Styled by William towns, the Aston Martin DBS was originally released in 1967, using the straight six-cylinder engine originally from the DB5. It wasn't until 1970, that the engine, originall intended for the DBS was used; the Tadek Marek V8. Differences from the six-cylinder include; larger front air dam, and alloy wheels replacing the wire wheels.

Engine: 5340cc V8, Bosch fuel injection
Max. Speed: 257 km/h
0-96km/h: 5.9 sec
Power: approx. 310-320 bhp

Aston Martin V8 (1972-1973)
Series 2

Replaced the DBS V8. New look primarily to the front of the car, with two 7-inch quartz iodine headlamps and black mesh grille. The air intake on the bonnet is open and lower in height than later models which had carburettors.

Engine: 5340cc V8, Bosch fuel injection
Power: approx. 310-320 bhp
Torque: 360 lb/ft

Aston Martin V8 (1973-1978)
Series 3

To comply with US emission control regulations, Aston Martin converted the V8 engine to run with Weber carburettors, rather than the troublesome Bosch fuel injection. The Series 3 had a larger air intake and bilge extending to the back of the bonnet, to accomodate the carburettors. Amongst other changes, the car gained a small lip just above the boot lid.

Engine: 5340cc V8, Weber carburettor (four twin choke 42mm)
Power: 310 bhp. Output fell to 280 bhp after more emission regulations. In 1977, the output went up to 304 bhp (V8 'S') under the 'Stage I' modify tune.
Max. Speed: 146 mph (auto), 155 mph (manual)
0-96 km/h: 6.2 sec (auto), 5.7 sec (manual)
Wheels: GKN alloy wheels

Production interrupted 12/1974 - 4/1976 due to financial difficulties

Aston Martin V8 (1978-1986)
Series 4 - 'Oscar India' V540 and V580

Differences from the Series 3 include the bonnet scoop being closed leaving an attractive power bulge. Many cars fitted with twin Cibie driving lamps in the radiator intake, and fog lights under the front bumper. The rear was changed, with an integrated spoiler. In 1980, the V580 engine was introduced which was quieter with better economy and mid-range torque.

Engine: 5340cc V8, Weber carburettor (four twin choke 42mm)
Power: 305 bhp
Max. Speed: 146 mph (auto)
0-96km/h: 6.6 sec (auto)
Wheels: GKN alloy wheels, BBS cross spoke 8-inch rims from 1983

Aston Martin V8 (1986-1989)
Series 5 - V585

The main difference from the Series 4 is that the car has a totally flat bonnet with no intake, fue to carburettors being replaced by Weber/Marelli fuel injection. Last model of the Aston Martin V8's before being replaced by the much more modern Virage.

Engine: 5340cc V8, Weber/Marelli fuel injection
Max. Speed: 146 mph (auto)
Wheels: BBS cross spoke 8-inch rims

Aston Martin V8 Volante (1978-1986)
Series 1 - V540 and V580

In 1975, the new owners of Aston Martin couldn't afford to replace the V8, but could afford to broaden the range. The converible V8 Volante was released in 1978. It weighed 70 kg heavier than the coupe, and had the standard automatic gearbox. Similar as the Series 4 V8.

Engine: 5340cc V8, Weber carburettor (four twin choke 42mm)
Max. Speed: 140 mph
0-96 km/h: 7.7 sec

Aston Martin V8 Volante (1986-1989)
Series 2 - V585

Like the Series 5 'saloon', the major change was the introduction of the electronically controlled fuel injection, and the flat bonnet..

Engine: 5340cc V8, Weber/Marelli fuel injection
Wheels: BBS cross spoke 8-inch rims

Aston Martin V8 Vantage(1977-1978)
Series 1 - V540

Two projects were being done to increase the power output of the V8. 'Stage 1' tune as mentioned previuosly, sometimes call V8 'S' was used for the standard model. 'Stage 2' produced the V8 Vantage. At the time it was the fastest production road car. Vantage featured twin Cibie drving lights within a blanked off grille, a deep front air dam, a boot lid spoiler at the back, and a large, sealed bonnet bulge. Mechanically, it had larger valves, revised camshafts and a higher compression ratio..

Engine: 5340cc V8, Weber carburettor (four twin choke 42mm)
Power: 375 - 380 bhp
Max. Speed: 170 mph
Wheels: 15-inch GKN wheels 7-inch rims

Aston Martin V8 Vantage (1978-1986)
Series 2 - V540 OI (Oscar India), V580, V580 BBS

Moved to Oscar India spec. The rear spoiler had become much neater and integrated, along with a smoother, closed bonnet bulge. The only difference between the standard model, was the front air dam and blanked off grille. The V540 OI model was more luxurious than the Series 1 cars. For the V580 model, changes were only mechanical. This was to standardise engine parts. Results were a quieter, smoother engine, resulting in better economy and torque. The V580 BBS had wider wheel arches.

Engine: 5340cc V8, Weber carburettor (four twin choke 42mm)
0-96km/h: 5.2 sec (V580)
Wheels: GKN wheels were used initially, replaced by BBS cross spoke 8-inch wheels with 275 section Pirelli P7 tyres.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage (1986-1989)
Series 3 - V580X

The Series 3 cars had larger 16-inch wheels and the V8 engine taken from the Zagato model. The first Vantage where an automatic gearbox was available. Engine changes; four 50mm Weber carburettors, Cosworth pistons, larger inlet ports and higher lift camshafts.

Engine: 5340cc V8, Weber carburettor (four twin choke 50mm)
Power: 410-420 bhp; 430 bhp ('big bore' conversion)
Wheels: 16-inch Compomotives wheels with 255/50 Goodyear Eagle tyres. Switched to OZ Ceres or MSW wheels . Finally switched to Ronal wheels.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante (1986-1989)

It had the more powerful V580X engine, that was distinguished by a huge airdam, wide wheel arches, flared sills and a fliptail. The car is similar in most aspects to the Series 3 Vantage.

Engine: 5340cc V8, Weber carburettor (four twin choke 50mm)
Power: 410-420 bhp
Max. Speed: 160 mph

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante 'POW' (1986-1989)

Some people werent keen on the new additions, and extravagances on the Vantage Volante, and 27 cars were made with a much more subtle look, similar to a Series 1 Volante. The wheel arches stayed flared and the 16-inch wheels were ftted. Quite an attractive and appealing car, it can be distinguished by the Vantage bonnet, flat boot without a lip, and subtle front air dam.

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Click on the thumbnail to enlarge.

V8

Aston Martin DBS V8

Aston Martin DBS V8

Aston Martin V8 Series 2

Aston Martin V8 Series 3 Interior

Aston Martin V8 Series 3

Aston Martin V8 Series 3

Aston Martin V8 Series 4		Aston Martin V8 Series 4
Aston Martin V8 Series 4		Aston Martin V8 Series 4 Interior

Aston Martin V8 Series 5

Aston Martin V8 Series 5 Engine

V8 Volante

Aston Martin V8 Volante Series 1

Aston Martin V8 Volante Series 1

Aston Martin V8 Volante Series 2

Aston Martin V8 Volante Series 2

V8 Vantage

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Series 1

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Series 1

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Series 2

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Series 2

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Series 3

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Series 3

V8 Vantage Volante

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante 'POW'

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante 'POW'

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For more detailed info, look at the individual models and info to see what existed for each model. The following information, will be a general summary of the Aston Martin V8's engine, as it appeared over its 20 year history in the V8.

Engine: 5340cc V8 engine, carburettors and fuel injection
Transmission: Rear wheel-drive, 5-speed manual , 3-speed automatic gearbox
Power: 280 bhp - 430 bhp in numerous models and years
Acceleration: fastest found; 0-96km/h- 5.2 sec in V580 V8 Vantage
Max. Speed: fastest found; 170 mph in V8 Vantage
Fuel Consumption: 12.5 mpg in standard V585 V8 (which I think works out to be 22.72 L / 100 km)
Length: 4.67 m
Width: 1.83 m
Wheels: 15-inch alloys / 16-inch alloys from numerous manufacturers
Brakes: Discs all round

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James Bond

The cumberland grey Aston Martin V8 is not as famous as other James Bond cars but it is my favourite. It is seen in The Living Daylights (1987). In the Dalton film, it was a Q-Branch car, filled with all the extras. It number plate was B549 WUU. Two cars were used in the film, that were identical, except one was a 'saloon', the other was a Volante. The actual car, fitted with skis etc. can be seen in the museum Cars of the Stars in UK.

The car appearing in the film, is a weird model to designate what kind it is. At first glance, it appears to be a V580X V8 Vantage, but it doesn't sport several things of that model, namely, to loud bodykit and wheels. You could almost say, it is of 'POW' specification (like the Vantage Volante 'POW'). The car is like a direct mixture of V8 Vantage mechanicals and bonnet, and standard V8 looks.

Extra Equipment
Jet-engine booster rocket via a high-octane fuel tank. The rear number plate flips up to reveal the the jet exhaust.
Heat-seeking missiles, concealed behind the foglamps.
Retractable outriggers fo stability on snow and ice.
Laser beam mounted on the front hubcaps.
Self-destruct system.
Tyres with retractable spikes. Spikes pushed through tread via a compressed air reservoir.
Visual targeting, a heads-up visual display on the windscreen to aim missiles.
Bullet-proof windows.
Fireproof body.

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