Carbon Fibre Hoods

Vantage stands the test of time

"That's what I love about these high-school girls man. I get older, they stay the same age."

It's a quote by Matthew McConaughey playing the shady, but hunky part of David Wooderson in the movie Dazed and Confused. He's a late 20-something lowlife hanging around campus longer than he probably should, and he's referring to the annual crop of young ladies moving through the school ranks. And it applies nicely here.

If ever a car has filled up at the Fountain of Youth it's Aston Martin's Vantage. Originally styled in concept form back in 2003, it's certainly getting on in years, but somehow its lines have stood the test of time.

It'll probably remain a looker ten years from now; and likely forever after that. But all the while, freshman crops of younger, hotter performance models will appear on the scene and the Vantage will, like Wooderson, have no problem holding its own in attractiveness.

Aston Martin is also clever with its Vantage repackaging schemes and since its original launch in 2005 we've had a couple of tuned-up Nurburgring editions, a full-on stripped out GT4 racing special, a spicy Carbon Black edition and a range-topping V12 machete on wheels. And now the S, which falls in one branch below the V12 on the Vantage family tree.

On test here is a R2.3-million roadster version (coupé is R2.1-million) of the Vantage S. Power's up from 313kW and 470Nm in a normal V8 Vantage, to 321 and 490 by way of special air intakes and electronic mapping. It's also about 20kg lighter, the front brakes are bigger, the suspension's been modified, steering input's been reduced and the rear wheels are wider along with all four tyres.

Aston says the changes create a more driver-focused car. And yes, it does, but keep in mind that every Vantage ever offered was driver focused so the S's R300 000 premium over normal V8 models is iffy.

The S is laser-scope accurate as far as handling's concerned and, while there's no mistaking the ride for anything but supercar-like, its bump absorption qualities are still fine for daily commuting. Just mind the carbon-fibre front spoiler that's low enough to scoop cigarette butts off the N1 and its longish wheelbase that makes little Kilimanjaros out of school-zone speed bumps.

There's an iPod docking facility in the centre console that allows playback through the car's speakers and, although very small, you can view artist and track data on a digital screen in the dashboard. There's also a flip-up full-colour navigation system, but compared to systems in modern German cars, it's outdated and frustrating to use. Thankfully satnav is an option, and I'd probably leave it out.

Mercedes W212 E Class 2011 Carbon Fibre Front Hood – Type 2 ...

Hi Guys,

This is made using our latest acquired RTM technology unde our R series. We are using 3 layers of carbon fibre and high grade epoxy. The result was tremendous. Excellect weight savings and superb nice finishings was a breakthrough from our previous vacuum infused V Series. We will be making more of such series in these few months to come for continentals market. Meanwhile Enjoy the pictures. Cheers.

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