Prodrive Performance Upgrades
Nicholas Mee & Co is an Official Distributor of Prodrive Performance Enhancements for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage.
Banbury-based Prodrive is one of the world's leading motorsport and automotive technology businesses. Among Prodrive's many technological and racing successes over the past 25 years are its World Championship-winning rally cars, Le Mans-winning Aston Martin sports racing cars and BTCC-winning touring cars.
Using detailed technical 'know how' gained through experience in running the works Aston Martin Racing program, Prodrive has developed a range of performance enhancements specifically for the 2005 onward V8 Vantage. These raise power, improve ride and handling, enhance aerodynamics and increase the outright performance of what is, as standard, a highly capable and exciting GT car.
Available in menu form, Prodrive’s upgrades have been developed to the exacting standards of a world-class motorsports organisation and are now available through Nicholas Mee & Co.
Engine upgrade 
A standard 4.3-litre Aston Martin V8 Vantage produces 380bhp and 410Nm (302 lb ft) of torque. Prodrive has extensively analysed the engine’s characteristics and developed a performance pack that increases peak power output to 425bhp with 440Nm (325lb/ft) oftorque, thus making the car more eager and responsive throughout the rev range.
This pack includes a recalibrated ECU specifically mapped for UK fuel and, in particular, Shell V-Power 99. The standard exhaust catalysts are also replaced with free-flow units for reduced back-pressure along with an increased rev limit. These upgrades reduce the 0-60mph time by 0.4 secs, the 0-100mph time by 0.9 secs and the 0-130mph time by 2.4 secs. Independently verified, these figures show a significant and worthwhile improvement at all speeds. 
In addition to these performance gains, the upgrade also includes a switch that provides the option to leave the exhaust valve by-pass open for greater appreciation of the glorious exhaust note delivered by the enhanced V8 Vantage engine. This system also features an 83db ‘run quiet’ mode.
Suspension
Following a comprehensive ride and handling evaluation at proving grounds and on UK roads, Prodrive has developed a switchable, upgraded handling package. Using unique, driver-adjustable electronic Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs, the upgrade offers two driving modes – road and performance. These allow the driver to adjust the car’s ride characteristics for tighter body control, improved steering feel and response,and enhanced agility.
Wheels and Tyres
Drawing on styling cues from the Aston Martin DBR9 race car, Prodrive has 
developed 19-inch, twin-seven spoke wheels for the V8 Vantage. In addition to their terrific looks, these forged items are 2.5kg lighter than the standard wheel. The rear wheels are also half an inch wider than standard, so allowing larger, 285 section Pirelli P Zero tyres to be fitted. This wheel/tyre combination increases grip while also giving the car a more muscular, purposeful look.
Aerodynamic pack
Following wind tunnel testing, Prodrive has developed two discreet carbon-fibre aerodynamic spoilers for the front lip and boot lid. These improve high speed stability and grip, reduce aerodynamic lift and provide a subtle yet distinctive cosmetic enhancement.
PRICES (ALL PRICES INCLUDE FITTING AND VAT):
Engine Upgrade to 425 BHP - £3,495, includes re-mapped ECU, exhaust switch and free-flow catalysts.
Suspension - £2,995, includes Bilstein remote driver-adjustable electronic dampers x 4, Eibach road springs x 4. Fully optimised suspension geometry re-set.
Wheels and tyres - £2,795, includes exclusive Prodrive forged alloy pattern 2x 8.5’’x19’’, 2x 10’’x19’’, plus 2x Pirelli P Zero Corsa Direzionale 245/40 ZR19 and 2x Pirelli P Zero Assimmetrico 385/35 ZR19. Hi-speed dynamic balance and valves. Add £270 for tyre pressure monitoring, where fitted.
Aero Pack - £2,249, includes carbon-fibre composite front lip spoiler/splitter and boot-mounted rear lip spoiler.
We are authorised by Prodrive to supply and fit this range of components and would welcome the opportunity to discuss these upgrades with you.
If you would like to experience these enhancements for yourself, we have a demonstrator vehicle available at our showroom in Hammersmith which is available for viewing and roadtest by appointment.
