V8 Coupé 5.3 The arrival of the Vantage Supercharged made the standard model, the Virage, look a bit dated. So in 1996, after only six years, it was replaced by its successor. It’s a coupe powered by a V8, so Aston Martin—ever adventurous with its model names—called it… the V8 Coupe. The convertible version was thus named the V8 Volante, just like its illustrious predecessor. To distinguish between the generations, the engine displacement was included in the model name, resulting in the V8 Coupé 5.3 and V8 Volante 5.3. Beyond the name, the V8 5.3 adopts the styling of the Vantage Supercharged, in a more understated version. This was likely a financial decision rather than a truly strategic one. A special variant, in the "Brake de Chasse” style so dear to the brand, was produced in a limited run of two units and named “Sportsman.” A third, slightly different model was also produced.