But that doesn’t mean it’s a stripped-out track car. In fact, Aston Martin seems to have used the ‘special edition formula’ favoured by some more mainstream manufacturers: raid the options list, add some cosmetic bits and pieces, then paint the result in some unique colours.
Somewhat disappointingly the N420 - as its name implies - has the same 420 bhp (313 kW / 426 PS) engine that’s found in the standard V8 Vantage. Even with the fitment of a sports exhaust and a 27 kg weight saving (mainly down to lightweight carbon fibre seats), Aston Martin isn’t claiming any performance improvements.
Therefore it can be assumed the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration time of 4.9 seconds and 180 mph (290 km/h) top speed of the V8 Vantage remain unchanged. Maybe Aston Martin was reluctant to modify the engine in case the N420 ended up eclipsing the much more expensive V12 Vantage?
The N420 should handle better than the standard car though, thanks to the usually optional Sports Pack. This consists of revised springs, uprated dampers and a stiffer rear anti-roll bar, all designed to reduce body roll and increase agility.
Other changes include wider sills and 10-spoke alloy wheels, while the splitter, side strakes and diffuser are all carbon fibre. On the inside, the main features are the normally optional Iridium interior pack, cruise control and Bluetooth phone connectivity, plus special N420 sill plaques.
The N420 is available as a Coupe or Roadster, and buyers can opt for the Sportshift automated manual transmission instead of the standard six-speed manual gearbox. Prices in the UK start from £96,995, and deliveries will begin in August.
Alternatives include the £85,100 Audi R8, the soon to be replaced £87,335 BMW M6, the £90,925 Maserati GranTurismo S, the £87,143 Porsche 911 GT3, and of course the V8 Vantage’s close cousin, the £75,500 Jaguar XKR.
