We were totally buying Hamann’s line about “form follows function,” right up until the point we saw the roof scoop on the tuner’s Aston Martin V8 Vantage package. That aside, the kit from Hamann is one of the most comprehensive we’ve seen, implementing an array of aerodynamic, handing and engine mods to take the baby Aston to the next level.

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2003 BMW M5.
2005 Lotus Elise.
2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

What do these three vehicles have in common? They all occupy a space in my dream garage. Sure, I could’ve added a few more fantasy slots for a Ferrari 250 GTO, a Land Rover 90 and everything in between, but the Bimmer, the Lotus and the Aston exemplify all I’ve ever wanted on four wheels: a powerful sedan, a competent track tool, and an elegant coupe. No matter the occasion, I’m covered.

But there’s a problem. While I’ve spent a fair amount of time in and around the Elise and M5, I’ve never had the opportunity to drive the Vantage. The Aston holds a spot on my lottery list on looks alone, so I arrived in San Francisco with a fair amount of trepidation. Will the V8 Vantage be everything I’ve dreamt about or will it be the automotive equivalent of meeting my hero?

It’s finally time to find out.
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