Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 (2010): first pictures

Aston Martin has been entering the annual Nürburgring 24-hour race since 2006, developing a habit of commemorating their efforts with special edition 'motorsport-inspired' road cars. This is their latest version of the V8 Vantage, the N420.  

You got it. This model follows in the footsteps of the N400, released in 2007. The new N420 has significant revisions to the previous model, not least the updated 4.7-litre V8 engine, adopted across the Vantage range in 2008.

To differentiate the N420 from the regular roadgoing Vantage is a string of weight reductions, detailed, blink-and-you'll-miss-it styling changes and the inclusion of the Sports Pack. This is claimed to improve the handling and includes stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars as standard.

Aston has also taken 27kg out of the N420 by using a sprinkling of carbonfibre throughout the car, including the seatbacks and the front splitter.

Externally, anorak spotters should note the car gains 10-spoke, diamond-turned alloys, as well as black-mesh vents and side strakes. The N420 also offers exclusive contrasting paint options, such as different grille surrounds and A-pillars inspired by the Nürburgring racers.

We'll have ours in 'Kermit' green please.

The previous N400 was a pretty stonking machine, so there's no reason to believe that the updated N420 will be anything short of phenomenal. It hits Aston Martin showrooms in August 2010, with prices starting at £96,995.

By Mark Passer