The V8 Vantage is Aston's 911-fighter. It's priced about the same as a Carrera 4S coupe, which is well below other Astons. Unlike the C4S the Aston doesn't have all-wheel drive, but its 4.3-litre V8 barks out 380 hp at 7,000 rpm. A rear-mounted 6-speed manual gearbox helps deliver 49:51-percent weight distribution. Despite its advanced aluminum and composite construction the 2-seater is no featherweight, but it's still allegedly good for 0-100 in 5.0 seconds and 280 km/h all out. The cabin dcor is uniquely Aston Martin, with an imaginative combination of leather, fabric and aluminum. For 2007, the coupe is joined by a convertible.

A gorgeous Aston for about the price of a 911

Can a new car outshine 40 years of 911 development?