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"           aptly unveiled its mid-cycle model refreshening of the 2009 V8 Vantage coinciding with the famed 24 Hours of N\u00FCrburgring endurance race. With a recent change of ownership to private equity, comes a sense of renewed energy and optimism as the hallowed British marque celebrated the opening of the N\u00FCrburgring Test Center, and the impressive class 1-2-3 podium-sweep by the V8 Vantange N24 at the 24-hour race.   The V8 Vantage first made its public appearance in 2005, and its smaller stature actually made the now familiar Aston Martin styling themes sexier than those seen on its bigger siblings in the rest of the model lineup. So it&amp;#039;s a good thing that for 2009, the baby Aston&amp;#039;s exterior retains the fluid yet muscular look, but receives many technical improvements to enhance the sporting driving experience.   First on the list is the upgraded V-8 engine. The new 4.7-liter powerplant (up from 4.3) is rated at 420 bhp and 347 lb.-ft. of torque. All this is made possible by bore and stroke increases, new intake manifold changes, and new forged steel crankshaft, connecting rods and cast aluminum pistons. To ensure proper lubrication under extreme cornering conditions, the oil pick-up points have been moved from the front/aft to the sides for the sump.   Other welcome changes to the are the driveability improvements to the 6-speed manual and the optional Sportshift transmissions. Clutch pedal effort (on the manual) and rotating mass are reduced to increase ease of gear engagement and quicken engine response. These modifications are seemingly minor, but when you are driving the Vantage on twisty roads, the added precision in gearchanges and the availablity of instant power turn this Aston into one serious sporting machine.   To keep up with the added power, the Vantage&amp;#039;s suspension has been stiffened, and the steering geometry tightened to improve response and handling. Bilstein shocks are now standard on the Coupe and Roadster. An available Sports Pack includes forged lightweight alloy wheels, retuned shocks, up-rated springs and a revised anti-roll bar (Coupe only).   The 2009 V8 Vantage should be in the showroom now, with a manufacturer&amp;#039;s suggested retail price about 5 percent over last year&amp;#039;s, which puts the Coupe sticker starting at around $120,000.   What&amp;#039;s Hot:   Sexy exterior and interior styling Engine and transmission improvements Sporty driving dynamics  What&amp;#039;s Not:   High center-console positioning Navigation user interface  Cars to Compare:          "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/first-drives/reviews/a14086/2009-aston-martin-v8-vantage/>