Right before the 2014 Geneva Motor Show->ke228 kicked off in March we introduced you to the new Aston Martin V8 Vantage N430, a special edition model that made the V8 Vantage->ke347 more appealing with slightly more horsepower and a few extras here and there.

We were a bit disappointed that the British company was mum on details in regard to an U.S. version, but that's no longer available, as Aston Martin->ke13 has just announced plans to introduce the said model to its potential North American customers at the New York Auto Show->ke226.

The vehicle will be sold under the V8 Vantage GT moniker and, just like the Euro-spec N430, it will be offered in both coupe->ke141 and roadster->ke1418 body styles. Making things even better, Aston Martin is offering the new special-edition model at a considerably lower price compared to the standard V8 Vantage.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT

2015 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 430 @ 7300
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

From a distance, the V8 Vantage GT might seem like a regular model with a fancier paint, but things are bound to change once you get closer to it. That's when you start noticing dark-themed details such as the black surrounds for headlamps, taillights and the side windows, as well as a blacked-out grille and a set of graphite-colored alloy wheels.

Because the vehicle in question is inspired by both the Vantage GT4 race car->ke148 and Aston Martin's rich motorsport heritage, the Brits are throwing in five special liveries. My personal favorite is the Alloro Green exterior with yellow touches, but customers can also opt for Mariana Blue, Jet Black, Skyfall Silver and Speedway White finishes with their complementary contrast graphics.

Available exterior color combos.

Interior

The V8 Vantage GT is not just a sugar-coated Aston Martin. Its racing-oriented character is evoked in the cabin as well, where customers will notice machined carbon sill plates and a carbon fiber gear shifter surround as soon as they open the door.

The leather- or Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel comes with contrast stitching and a pair of black magnesium paddles, while both the seats and the door panels feature Plisse Alcantara inserts. The V12 Vantage-inspired seats are also fitted with GT-embroidered headrests and unique, dual-tone trim patterns.

Just like the N430, the V8 Vantage GT can be had with an optional, 1,000-watt Bang & Olufsen BeoSound system that covers engine roar for a living.

Seats In Detail

Center Stack In Detail

Drivetrain

Powered by the same 4.7-liter V-8 engine that motivates the base V8 Vantage, the GT special edition boasts power figures similar to the V8 Vantage S model. This translates into 430 horsepower at 7,300 rpm and 361 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm.

Performance-wise, the V8 Vantage GT sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, faster than the entry-level version, and tops out at 190 miles per hour.

The engine is connected to a six-speed manual gearbox, but Aston Martin also offers a close-ratio seven-speed Sportshift II automated manual transmission for those looking to take their GT to the track.

2015 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT - Drivetrain Specifications

Type

4.7 liter V-8

Horsepower

430 HP @ 7,300 RPM

Top speed

190 MPH

0-60mph

4.6 seconds


Prices

Now here's where we realize why the V8 Vantage GT is greater that its mass-produced brothers. The coupe is set to hit the U.S. market starting from $99,900 before shipping and any taxes, making it nearly $20,000 cheaper than the standard model. Sure, it's not exactly dirt cheap but, mind you, the V8 Vantage S has similar engine specifications and costs about $30,000 more.

Competitors

Jaguar XKR

The Jaguar XKR is a good alternative to the V8 Vantage if more power for a slightly smaller price tag is what you're looking for. Powered by a 5.0-liter, V-8 engine that benefits from an Eaton supercharger, the XKR has 510 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque on the tap. The unit enables the coupe to storm from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, while top speed is electronically-limited at 155 mph.

Priced from $97,500, the Jaguar->ke39 XKR is entering its final year as we speak, and although it's a bit younger than the Vantage, its styling isn't exactly appealing anymore. On the other hand, Jaguar offers far more accessories and customizing options for the XKR, including an array of carbon fiber body parts and no less than six additional exterior and interior-enhancing packages.

The convertible version retails from $103,500, making it cheaper than the V8 Vantage GT Roadster which has yet to be priced, but it's likely to fetch more than $110,000.

Maserati Granturismo Sport

Also coming from the other side of the Pond, the Maserati Granturismo Sport is powered by a 4.7-liter, V-8 powerplant as well, and although it misses four horses when compared to the Vantage GT, it outguns it in terms of torque. Specifically, the Granturismo's heart pumps 454 horsepower and 383 pound-feet and pushes the coupe from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and toward a top speed of 185 mph.

Naturally, the Maserati->ke51 comes with a more luxurious interior and wide range of personalization options, but these amenities show in the car's pricing, which starts from $126,500 for the coupe and $143,300 for the convertible. Another downside to the Granturismo is its lack of daring exterior paints. Although it can be had in more than 10 body colors, Maserati's plain schemes are not as attractive as the dual-themed V8 Vantage GT.

Conclusion

It's more than obvious that Aston Martin is trying to attract more customers to its U.S. showrooms with a sports car->ke506 that's cheaper and comes in an appealing performance and appearance package. I like that and I'm sure the V8 Vantage GT will prove popular with Aston Martin aficionados. On the other hand, it remains to be seen if regular enthusiasts will find the historic motorsport touches behind this special edition models equally interesting.