DB7 Vantage & DB7 Vantage Volante

DB7 Vantage

In March 1999 a totally revised DB7 Vantage and Vantage Volante made their debut at the annual Geneva Motorshow.

Building on the success of the in-line 6cylinder DB7 the new Vantage models featured an all new 420bhp, 6.0 litre V12 engine, with a choice of 6 speed manual or 5 speed automatic gearbox. A ‘Touchtronic’ option quickly became available offering a more involving experience for customers who preferred automatic gearboxes.

DB7 Vantage in Detail

In addition to the new powertrain the Vantage model had more aggressive styling, with a bigger front grille, new fog/side/indicator lights and imposing 18” wheels with Bridgestone S02 tyres. The interior leather trim was cut and sewn at a special trim shop at Newport Pagnell along with Wilton Carpet for the flooring and choice of wood veneer or carbon fibre facia panels.

In 2002 the GT and GTA (Touchtronic automatic) joined the DB7 line-up. 190 GT's and 112 GTA's were built, they featured Bonnet vents, 'framed' wire grille with the GT insignia, unique 5 spoke wheels and a re-sculptured lip spoiler on the boot lid. Other improvements included a twin plate clutch, uprated suspension, brakes with Vanquish brake booster and special under trays to improve aerodynamics. Power increased by a further 15bhp to 435bhp on the manual GT model, with the GTA developing 420bhp.

The DB7 Vantage had real worldwide appeal and set new standards of power, refinement and reliability for handmade luxury sports cars.

Specifications

Engine:: V12, 5935 cc, 420 bhp @ 6000 rpm
400 lbs-ft @ 5000 rpm
Transmission:: 6-speed manual with optional 5-speed automatic
Suspension:: Front: Coil springs, monotube dampers and anti-roll bar
Rear: Coil springs, monotube dampers and anti-roll bar
Brakes:: Front and rear ventilated discs
Dimensions (LxWxH):: 4666 x 1830 x 1238 mm (Saloon), 4666 x 1830 x 1260 mm (Volante)
Weight:: 1780 kg (Saloon), 1875 (Volante)
Top Speed:: 185 mph (Saloon), 165 mph (Volante)
0 – 60 mph:: 5 sec

DB7 Vantage Special Edition

In 2002 a special edition of the DB7 Vantage was produced to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

24x DB7 Vantage Jubilees were built, 19x for the UK and 5x for Europe. The cars were finished in Jubilee Blue with magnolia leather and dark walnut wood veneers. For the UK customers the cars were handed over, along with a matching watch, at an exclusive event held at Thornbury Castle.