Oh, James!

摘要

Three numerals place the Aston Martin V8 Vantage in context. Not horsepower, speed, or price. These three: 911. After all these years when a greedily optioned Porsche 911 was the default car for the wealthy sports-car driver in search of sensation and sense, here's an alternative—"a 911 alternative" being one of the tallest orders anywhere on planet car. It means a sports car that's light, compact, focused. But, in almost direct conflict, it also means a car that's civilized and practical—and reliable enough for a day's lapping of a track and a winter's city commuting without sight of a wrench. It means iconic design and blue-blood heritage. In sum, a near-faultless bundle of proof-strength excellence, sauced with inspiration. The Aston, costing little more and making little more power than a Carrera S, is positioned as the car gasoline-fragranced lawyers trade up into after five 911s in a row.