1999 | Aston Martin Project Vantage

The Aston Martin Project Vantage Design Concept for a "Supercar" of the future Aston Martin Project Vantage In January 1998 Aston Martin released to the world that the Design Concept for a “supercar” of the future was being launched.

The car was to become the future of Aston Martin build as it still is today.

The press release continued to read: A prototype design concept for a totally new advanced technology 200 mph plus Aston Martin “Supercar” of the future is to be previewed at the 1998 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Project Vantage is the direct result of close and continuing cooperation between engineers and designers at Aston Martin, Ford Advanced Vehicle Technology, Borg Warner, Magnetti Marelli, AP Racing, ITT, TRW, and other Aston Martin suppliers. It draws heavily on the advanced research programs currently being conducted by Ford AVT and the wealth of experience which this group has gained from participation in Formula 1 Grand Prix racing and other areas of international motorsport.

“Although we have no plans for the production of this technologically advanced Grand Touring crit has been designed and planned so that it could be constructed individually employing the traditional skills and craftsmanship for which Aston Martin is world-famous,” said Bob Dover, Chairman and Chief Executive of Aston Martin. “We believe that the Vantage Project reflects all essential elements of power, performance and driver involvement in a manner which is true to the traditions of Aston Martin.

With its body and chassis construction entirely from aluminum and carbon fiber Project Vantage provides all the engineering efficiencies, structural integrity, torsion rigidity and occupant protection of a modern Formula 1 car. In addition, a central venture incorporated in the underbody creates positive downforce as an aid to its directional stability. Advanced electronic control systems for engine management and the transmission permit instantaneous gear changes through a system of Formula 1 style paddles, which can be operated

The driver and passenger seats are equipped with four-point safety harnesses and there is matching tailored luggage fitted in the boot and the interior lockers. Power is provided by a prototype 6.0-liter aluminum alloy V12 48 valve engine which is one of the units currently being evaluated by Aston Martin, Ford AVT and Cosworth Engineering of Northampton in a wide-ranging study designed to establish and identify Aston Martin’s potential engine requirements for the future. With base design by Ford AVT, this advanced V12 unit is capable of being developed to provide the required levels of performance for the Vantage Project while meeting or exceeding the world's strictest emission standards.

For example, its high-efficiency exhaust system has been designed to incorporate a 9.0-liter catalyst. Initial performance predictions indicate that this 200 mph high-efficiency Aston Martin Project could accelerate from rest to 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds, reach more than 140 mph at the end of a standing quarter-mile yet still return a fuel economy in excess of 20 miles to the US gallon. Benefitting from Ford AVT’s direct involvement with the Stewart Ford Formula 1 Grand Prix team and Bridgestone Tyre Project Vantage employs unequal length wishbones in its front suspension controlled by horizontally located pushrod operated spring and damper units together with an active control front and rear anti-roll bar system.

At the rear, the independent suspension is by equal length wishbones. The AP Racing anti-lock brake system features ventilated and drilled 15ins diameter disc on the front wheels and 14ins diameter at the rear. The six-pot aluminum ally calipers are equipped with titanium bridge bolts and fittings. By combining aluminum honeycomb with carbon fibre Aston Martin body designers have created a structure, which takes full advantage of modern Formula 1 technology including the generation of positive downforce. The passenger compartment is including the generation of positive downforce.