Affectionately described as the "baby Aston," the V8 Vantage coupe is Aston Martin's least expensive, smallest, and highest volume model currently on the market.

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It is positioned in price against the Porsche 911 Carrera S, Audi R8, Mercedes SL550, and BMW M6, but in reality is different from all those vehicles. It's lighter and more nimble than the M6 or SL, but more of a grand tourer than the hardcore R8 or 911.

The V8 Vantage now comes with a hand assembled 4.7 liter naturally aspirated V8 producing 420 brake horsepower at 7,000 rpm along with 347 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm. The high-revving V8 is mated to one of two transaxles, both of which are equipped with a limited-slip differential. The first is a traditional manual with six forward gears, while the optional transaxle features a Prodrive-developed six-speed automated manual with shift speeds of around 200 milliseconds -- known as the Sportshift. The former combination propels the 3,595-lb sports car to 60 mph in no more than 4.7 seconds, as claimed by Aston Martin.

A top speed of 180 mph is possible, and good handling on the track is ensured by a 49/51 front/rear weight distribution.

A Sport Package is available for those who demand only the best performance from their Aston Martin. The Sports Pack features forged lightweight alloy wheels, re-tuned Bilstein dampers, up-rated springs, and an anti-roll bar for the rear. the combined effects of the Sport Pack result in a vehicle that is better behaved at higher speeds.

As one would expect of the brand, even the smallest Aston Martin comes luxuriously equipped and includes full grain leather seating surfaces with alcantara inserts and headliner, electronic climate control, tire pressure monitoring system, and a 160W six-disc audio system capable of playing audio from mobile devices thanks to an iPod interface and USB connection. There is an optional 700W Aston Martin premium audio system with Dolby Pro Logic II support for those for whom the sound of that V8 engine is not enough.

Other major options comprise 19-inch wheels, an improved Hard Disk Drive navigation system, satellite radio, Bluetooth communication interface, and Xenon HID headlights. The current DB9 Vantage also features a unique ECU that is located in the center console, and made of materials such as die cast zinc alloy and a graphite silver finish.

Selling at an MSRP of $119,500, Aston Martin is expected to move approximately 3,000 V8 Vantages per year.