The major difference to the regular DB7 is the engine.  This time, Ford has done it right by transplanting the heart of an Aston Martin into its rightful place: the engine.  Powered by a huge 6.0-liter V12 engine, this DB7 has a projected power of 420 horsepower and 542 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm.  Although its output isn't as impressive as other super cars such the Ferrari 550 Maranello, the DB7 Vantage can still accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 5 seconds.  Matted with either a 6-speed close ratio manual gearbox or a ZF 5-speed automatic means that this car has a top speed of 185 mph.  The engine is constructed with the use of special lightweight aluminum alloy casting for the cylinder block and head made by Cosworth Technology, the company also responsible for the highly successful turbo-charged Indycar V8 and V10 F1 engines.  For the environmentally conscious, this 6.0-liter engine is also certified LEV (low emissions vehicle).  Overall, the Vantage has an expected top speed of 186 mph, which includes it in the realm of the 'super sports cars'.  However, acceleration is only where the real fun begins.  Aston Martin has given careful consideration to the DB7's brakes to improve their performance.  The result are cross-drilled 4-cylinder Brembo disc brakes all around.  Coupled with a standard ABS system, the Vantage has one of the best stopping distances among British cars, even beating off the Jaguar XKR and the Lotus Elise.  What's more is the Vantage has upgraded tires.  If you think 17 inches are large, well, the Vantage has standard Bridgestone Potenza S-02 Pole Position 245/40 ZR-18 in the fronts and 265/35 ZR-18 at the back, which translates to far better performance on the track compared with the regular DB7.  

The exterior seems still look like the original Aston Martin DB7, but heavy modifications were made to fit the new V12 engine and 6-speed manual transmission.  In fact, the Vantage has an all-new front-end structure, enlarged transmission tunnel and increased structural and torsional rigidity.  The new front-end of the DB7 Vantage incorporates new and wider radiator ducts to meet the cooling demands of the new V12 engine.  There is a new bright chrome grille design as well to differentiate this car with a normal DB7.  The new front fog lamps and turn indicator lamps are also reminiscent of Aston Martin's Project Endurance Racing Cars of the 1960s.  

The all-new 6.0-liter V12 engine makes use of special lightweight aluminum alloy constructed by the same company that powers the Stewart-Ford F1 team.
The Aston Martin DB7 Vantage is clearly an Aston Martin with a lot of design cues from their past cars.  Among others are the front fog lamps and turn indicator lamps, which are also design cues from Aston Martin's very own Project Endurance Racing Cars of the 1960s.