2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is available in two body styles: hatchback coupe and Roadster with power cloth soft top. Both models seat only two people and come with almost identical features. Standard items include 18-inch wheels, 10-way power sport seats, automatic climate control and six-CD changer. Leather upholstery is also standard, and is available in nearly countless color combinations, giving buyers the option of a fully customized interior. Curiously, xenon headlights, cruise control, heated seats and seat memory are options on this car that costs more than $100,000. A navigation system and 19-inch wheels are also options.

For power, the V8 Vantage relies on a 4.3-liter V8 capable of 380 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Zero to 60 mph in both the coupe and convertible is accomplished in about 5 seconds.

Inside, the Vantage has an overall look that's nearly identical to the DB9; the two cars share the same dashboard design. The Vantage's interior is smaller, however, with only two seats. The coupe's hatchback trunk can swallow 10.6 cubic feet of stuff, while the Roadster has a typically small 5 cubes of space.

It is indeed a true sports car. On curvy roads, it moves confidently, sliding progressively and returning to its intended path with little drama. Its steering and chassis are highly communicative, delivering useful information about what's happening between tire and pavement.

The Roadster's added weight hampers its handling and performance somewhat, but it still offers plenty of grip and high-speed composure. We did note, however, that neither Vantage models matches the performance levels of more mainstream rivals, while the narrow seats and footwells may be uncomfortable for larger drivers.