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. 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.
