IN THIS FEATURE Vantage point for new DB5

This is Aston's 911 rival: the Vantage or 'baby' Aston, and a model which is expected to account for 40-50 percent of Aston sales in 2005, when it goes into production at the former Rover factory at Gaydon. Revealed as the AMV8 Vantage concept at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2003, the Vantage is, like the new DB9, built on the 'VH' advanced aluminium platform, with modularity that allows engineers and designers to develop multiple power and drivetrain configurations without long development times and huge cost impacts. Composed of a mix of pressed, cast and extruded alloy components bonded together, it has a structure even stiffer than that of the latest Jaguar XJ. Aston boss Ulrich Bez told 4car in Detroit that "this is a dedicated and flexible production system that only Aston will have. This new platform is simpler than that used in the Vanquish - we have learned from that - and this simplicity means we can look at V8 and V12 engines, as well as hard- and soft-top options." This underscores the fact that the so-called AM305 project has diverged from the stalled Jaguar F-Type programme, although originally, the two models were intended to share much of their underpinnings.

The Vantage will be powered by a 4.3-litre V8 derived from Jaguar's unit, but tuned for around 370bhp and with different cylinder heads and crankshaft. It may have a 'flat' crank, similar to that of a Ferrari 360. This engine will be 'front mid-mounted', set well back in the engine bay for a 50:50 front-rear weight distribution. Six-speed manual transmission will debut, with a sequential-shift gearbox to follow; these gearboxes are mounted in a unit with the back axle, also to aid weight distribution. Although the AMV8 show car is thought to be very close to the finished version, the suspension is likely to be a good 10mm higher in standard form, and the car pictured here is not as low-riding.

Like the DB9, the Vantage has been styled by Aston design chief Henrik Fisker, and both models bear a very close resemblance to the Vanquish. However, the Vantage is a hatchback, with a wide tailgate opening to give access to a generous luggage area, as well as having a rear shelf for further baggage. It's not the first Aston hatch, however: the 1953 DB2/4 had an opening rear tailgate.

The AMV8 show car had a bright orange leather interior, but more subtle options will be offered in the production cars. Expect a clean-looking cabin with a wood-free finish, however, and switchgear and componentry unique to Aston. Prices for the car - still thought to be called Vantage, though don't rule out the rebirth of the DB5 badge - are estimated at £65,000-plus, which should nonetheless give the 911 a run for the money. Around 3000 a year will be made, and Volante convertibles could follow a couple of years later. Supercharged 500bhp versions are also said to be under development, and the launch of the range could well be promoted by an extensive works motorsport programme: an entry in the GT class at the Le Mans 24 Hours has been rumoured.