Whoa there, Aston Martin – where did you come from? The 2015 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT has a starting MSRP of just under $100,000.00 ($99,900.00 to be exact), standard two-tone paint schemes, and a proper six-speed manual gearbox. Affordable exclusivity? You bet.
The 2015 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT’s standard color combinations include Alloro Green with white, Jet Black with silver, Skyfall Silver with anthracite, Mariana Blue with silver (pictured), and Speedway White with silver. Dark-finished 19-inch wheels are standard, too, as are clear tail lamps and splashes of gloss-black trim. Worth noting, while the basic paint and silver, anthracite, or white stripe are standard, the contrasting painted mirror caps, grille surround, and a-pillars are optional.
Inside, the GT features standard leather seating in black or gray, complemented by red, black, yellow, or gray accents. More gloss black trim adorns the dash and console, while matching upholstery swaths the door panels. The parking brake is set to the left of the driver’s seat, a nod to Aston Martin’s racing heritage.
Depress the 2015 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT’s clutch pedal and slip its crystal key into the ignition slot. After a brief pause, the dry-sump 4.7-L V8 barks to life, settling to a refined burble at idle. The GT’s mill puts out 430 HP – identical to that of the $133,525.00 V8 Vantage S, and ten more than the standard V8 Vantage.
Power is soft at low revs, but does build progressively as the tachometer swings towards its 7,300-RPM horsepower peak. This power delivery, along with the six-speed-manual transmission’s short throws, allows for a precise sense of control during both hard acceleration and corner exits.
The GT’s hydraulic-assist steering is well weighted (no electricity here) and the chassis, whose suspension is tuned to reflect that of the V8 Vantage S, belies the car’s 3,600-lb curb weight. As a whole, the 2015 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT is a capable canyon carver. Where it falls short, however, is functioning as a daily driver or true grand tourer.
The sport-tuned suspension, while a boon in the corners, feels a bit harsh across rough and uneven pavement. The GT’s well-bolstered seats are likewise supportive, but offer minimal padding.
From a utility standpoint, the Aston is purely a two-seater. Unfortunately, the Aston’s dead pedal rests too far back fostering an awkward, knees-up driving position for those with long legs. Opting for the GT’s available seven-speed single-clutch SportShift II automated manual transmission solves the footwell problem, clearing space to the left of the brake pedal. On the bright side, the 10.6-cubic-foot trunk bodes well for larger items.
Fuel economy in the GT predictably suffers, considering an overwhelming desire to hang its V8 at high RPMs to best extract its power and mellifluous exhaust note. The EPA rates the 6MT-equipped Vantage GT at 13/19/15 city/highway/combined MPG – we experienced 11.8 with a heavy right foot.
Who is really buying a 2015 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT for fuel economy or sheer practicality, though? For less than $100,000.00, you get a genuine looker loaded with a high-revving V8, agile chassis, and the “wow” factor of having something that you’re likely not going to see in every other neighbor’s driveway. If you’re in the market for a canyon carver, the GT warrants serious consideration.
For more Aston Martin goodness, check out this tunnel blast in the even hotter V12 Vantage S Roadster:
