The 1990 Aston Martin Virage was the evolutionary replacement for the DB/AM V-8, the first model offered after Aston's 1987 takeover by Ford U.S. Unveiled as a 2+2 coupe at Birmingham in late '89, a Volante convertible followed in 1993. Virage exports to the United States ended the next year.

1990 Aston Martin Virage coupe
1990 Aston Martin Virage coupe. 
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A 550-horsepower Vantage was introduced in 1992 but was never exported to the U.S. It offered the same basic format as its predecessor but with a 5.3-liter all-aluminum engine modified by Callaway Engineering in the United States for a new four-valve cylinder head, intake manifold, and Weber-Marelli electronic management system. Front suspension was still by twin wishbones, rear by Watt linkage and de Dion tube, but the last was now square-section aluminum.

The Virage had a sleeker body, still aluminum-paneled, with integral spoilers at each end, plus flush headlamps and side glass -- all for a lower drag coefficient, down to a claimed 0.34. It also featured a modernized dash and even more luxury features than late AM V-8s, including a heated windshield, rear window, and front seats; trip computer; and remote infrared alarm system.

The 1990 Aston Martin Virage was very expensive but the company planned for low production -- 300 yearly at most.

Pluses of the 1990 Aston Martin Virage:

  • Great "modern vintage" charm
  • Exclusivity
  • High performance (around 6 seconds 0-60 mph, 155 mph all-out)
  • Svelte styling

Minuses of the 1990 Aston Martin Virage:

  • High purchase and running costs
  • U.S. parts/service backup remains limited even for an "exoticar"
  • Still "fuelish"
  • Appreciation potential unclear now

Production of the 1990 Aston Martin Virage:
NA

Specifications of the 1990 Aston Martin Virage:
Wheelbase, inches: 102.8
Length, inches: 186.4
Weight, pounds: 3,950
Price, new: $150,000-$258,648 (U.S.)

Engines for the 1990 Aston Martin Virage:

Type Size Horsepower Years
dohc V-8 5,341 cc (326 cid) 330/349* 1990-2000
dohc V-8 5,341 cc (326 cid**) 550* 1992-2000

*SAE net
**Supercharged

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