Previously reserved for the most powerful cars of the Aston Martin line-up, the V8 Vantage badge now graces the company's latest entry-level model. Powered by a 4.3l V8, this two-seat coupe combines traditional Aston Martin styling with a modern aluminum chassis and (hopefully) new-age quality and reliability.

Customers able and willing to pay the not-so-entry-level-like $110,000 base price will be enveloped in leather, which covers the 10-way power seats, steering-wheel, shift-knob, and dashboard. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, ESC, EBD, brake-assist, front airbags, and seat-mounted side-impact airbags. Disappointingly for a car of this price-range, xenon headlights, navigation system, and heated front seats have to be ordered separately. Side-curtain airbags are not available at all.

The 2006 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Luxury Coupe compares to the Chevrolet Corvette, Dodge Viper, Ferrari F430, Ford GT, Mercedes-Benz CL, and Porsche 911.