Even at triple-digit speeds, interior noise won't disturb V8 Vantage occupants. That said, a Mercedes S-Class or BMW 7 Series this isn't, and not because the Aston Martin is rough. It's just a bit more taxing to drive for long distances, perhaps more demanding, which is presumably what a sports car buyer wants, and why sports car buyers don't buy an S-Class or a 7 series.

Give Aston Martin credit for backing its claim that the V8 Vantage is an everyday sports car with the chance to prove it. Manufacturers tend to introduce cars to the press (particularly high performance sports cars) in as controlled a fashion as they can manage. That can mean a limited number of laps on a race track, a prescribed road route or even convoys. Aston Martin had enough faith in its handiwork to hand over the keys on the promise of returning the V8 in a few days.

Those few days included some side excursions most self-respecting sports car owners would never think of subjecting their cars to: namely, treks down (and back up) dirt trails, across rocky sheep pasture and between rock formations in search of unusual photo locations. These were marked by long periods of idling, repeated starts and stops, reverse, forward, reverse, forward, inches at a time, positioning between boulders. The temperature gauge never moved past center, idle speed never wavered and the clutch never overheated. We'd like ours in silver, please.

Summary

The 2006 V8 Vantage is a spectacular performer, but it's also well balanced in broad terms, and a driver's appreciation for its balance is likely to increase as the miles accumulate. The V8 Vantage separates itself from the Aston Martins of yore, and largely backs up the company's marketing pitch, because it could very well serve as daily transportation. It's easy to get in and out of, easy to see out of and easy to drive around town. It has more room to carry stuff than most sports cars, and it's not finicky.

Model Line Overview

Model lineup:Aston Martin V8 Vantage ($110,000)

Engines:380-hp 4.3-liter V8

Transmissions:6-speed manual

Safety equipment (standard):front and side-impact airbags, extruded aluminum door beams, ABS with electronic brake force distribution and emergency brake assist, electronic stability control (ESP)

Basic warranty:3 years/unlimited miles

Assembled in:Gaydon, England