Vantage V550 / V600 / Le Mans
After starting out as a mechanical option during the DB era, then becoming a model in its own right with the launch of the V8 Vantage—complete with body-building-style aesthetic modifications—the Vantage iteration for the Virage model makes a clean break with the past. All that remains of the Virage’s bodywork are the doors and the roof. Everything else has evolved into something very different, very muscular, and above all, perfectly integrated. The front end, with its six headlights and gigantic spoiler, looks as if it’s ready to strike, and the rear surprises with its round taillights. The newcomer is undeniably a design success. As for the model name—though this is somewhat of a tradition at Aston Martin—things are less clear. Sometimes called the Virage Vantage (even on registration documents), simply the Vantage, the Vantage Supercharged, the Vantage V550 (for its 550 ch output), the Vantage V590 (for the engine type), and for some later models, they’ll even be badged as the “V8 Vantage.” Place your bets....
In the meantime, the car is impressing the public and bringing the brand back into the spotlight in 1992. In 1998, Works introduced the Vantage V600, a variant equipped with a turbocharged engine producing 600 ch, typically (but not always) fitted with Dymag forged wheels, and often (but not always!) identified by a V600 badge or a Works logo.
In 1999, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the victory at the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans, Aston Martin released a limited series of 40 Vantage models known as the “Le Mans.” The base model was a V600 (though not necessarily equipped with the 600 ch engine); the front of the car was modified with a new engine hood featuring two large air intakes, the grille was covered with two openings on the sides, and the side air intake was inspired by that of the 1959 DBR1.
As a final little treat, Works will offer hand-picked customers the latest iteration of the Vantage, featuring an incredible Volante version limited to 9 units, dubbed the V8 Vantage Volante Special Edition.
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