The V8 engine having proved to be an exceptionally reliable and robust unit, it was clear that there was scope for a significant increase in the power that it could deliver. The Aston Martin V8 Vantage was announced on 18th February, 1977. Revised camshafts, air-box, larger inlet valves and carburettors, new inlet manifolds and different plugs, claimed to provide an increase in power of 40% and 10% more torque. The same ZF manual gearbox as in the V8 Saloon was standard equipment. This was enough to give a top speed of about 170 mph and accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.3 secs.

The power increase meant that aerodynamic improvements had to be made. This included a spoiler on the tail, a deep spoiler under the nose and blanked off radiator and bonnet air scoop.

type	Series Production Car
production years	1977 – 1989
built at	Gaydon, Warwickshire, England
price £/td>	£20,000
engine	V8
valvetrain	DOHC 2 Valves ./ Cyl
displacement	5341 cc / 325.9 in³
bore	100 mm / 3.94 in
stroke	85 mm / 3.35 in
compression	9.0:1
power	290.8 kw / 390.0 bhp @ 5800 rpm
specific output	73.02 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	214.88 bhp per tonne
body / frame	Unit Steel
driven wheels	RWD
front brakes	Vented Girling Discs
rear brakes	Vented Girling Discs
f suspension	Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension	deDion-Type Axle w/Watts Linkage, Coil Springs
curb weight	1815 kg / 4001 lbs
wheelbase	2610 mm / 102.8 in
front track	1499 mm / 59.0 in
rear track	1499 mm / 59.0 in
length	4585 mm / 180.5 in
width	1829 mm / 72.0 in
height	1346 mm / 53.0 in
transmission	ZF 5-Speed Manual
top speed	~274 kph / 170.3 mph
0 – 60 mph	~5.3 second