Though this US$200,000 car is good on the track, its real handling prowess can be seen in everyday cruising.  By its looks, the Aston Martin DB7 Vantage seems to be a large car, however, it actually no bigger than the XKR at 4,200 mm, thus squeezing into tight spaces isn't much of a problem with this car.  The engine seems to complement this feature too, because at a fourth and half throttle, the DB7 Vantage behaves like a normal everyday car, but pressing the pedal to the floor unleashes the silky-smoothness of the 6.0-liter V12 engine upto its 7,500 rpm redline.  In fact, in spotlight drag races, 85% of the Vantage is available at 1,500 rpm thanks to the V12's relatively flat torque curve.  

On the inside, the Vantage is a far more luxurious car than the Ferrari 550 Maranello (well, what do you expect from a true GT super car).  The seats are now standard racing buckets that are heated and are clothed in Connolly Hide (the same ones used in a typical Rolls Royce).  The engine starter is actually button activated, much like other modern super cars, and is located at the center of the center console panel, for an extra exclamation point to the car's performance.  Add to that typical gentlemanly features such as a 6-speaker Kenwood sound system with a trunk mounted 10-disc CD changer, plus traction control, available GPS system, and fitted leather luggage, the DB7 Vantage is as fast as it is luxurious, the definition of what a true British car should be.  What's better at Aston Martin than in Ferrari is that each Aston Martin DB7 Vantage is customized exactly to each owner's wishes and desires.  For instance, the body color and interior color schemes are infinitely variable, and the customer has the opportunity to create his own scheme.  Add to this a wide array of choices for alternative materials to fit the cabin (wood, aluminum, carbon fiber, etc.) means that no two DB7 Vantage are alike at all.

Though there will only be 600 Aston Martin DB7 Vantage produced every year, Bob Dover is sure that these 600 will even appeal to a wider range of buyers who are seeking exceptional power and performance, and see that owning an Aston Martin is one hell of an experience.  Ford has done a great job in keeping this British tradition alike and kicking.  Although most people were a bit horrified when Jaguar and Aston Martin would be sharing components, the results made two distinctive automobiles.  Be it as it may, if I had my 200,000 smackers, I'd immediately go to Britain and drive home an Aston Martin DB7 Vantage.