By Camilo Alfaro

The super-sleek 2007 Aston Martin V-8 Vantage, with its smooth subtle lines, dual exhaust and optional seven-spoke 19-inch wheels, is one of the most beautiful cars today.

I have always thought of the Vantage as more of a grand tourer for the occasional weekend driver, a luxury sports car that is only attainable for the mega-wealthy. Boy, was I wrong.

“The Vantage is an everyday driver and a balanced sports car in body and heart,” said John Walton, vice president of Aston Martin. “We see potential buyers coming from the Porsche 911, since they are pure sports car fans.”

While seeing more than a dozen Porsches a day, the stunning Vantage is a rarity on most streets east of Rodeo Drive. The Aston-powerhouse is a head turner and one of the most exclusive vehicles to own while displaying timeless extravagant design.

A silver engraved “Hand built in England” plate on the doorsill welcomes passengers into the perfect lavish warm environment that spells out exotic in every shape and form. The cabin highlights the outmost detail with superb craftsmanship. Comfortable and supportive hand-stitched luxurious leather covers eight-way power racing seats, doors and the three-dimensional aluminum dash. Even though it does come with a160-watt audio system featuring an in-dash six-disc changer, the only music you will want to hear comes from the dual exhaust pipes growling an addictive soul warming melody.

The start ignition button located on the center dash awakens the dynamic 4.3-liter V-8 engine. Producing a vigorous 380 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque, the Vantage accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and achieves an earth quaking top-speed of 175 mph. Power is transferred to the glue-gripping rear wheels via a standard smooth shifting six-speed manual transmission.

Easy to drive in congested areas, the Vantage drops admirer’s jaws with extravagant yet aggressive looks. On the highway, the Vantage is civil and painless to keep under the speed limit. A unique opportunity presented itself to properly test the Vantage at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet. The capable, agile, balanced and powerful Vantage provides a great deal of driver confidence even under the most compromising situations. The front-mid mounted engine (just behind the front axle) creates a nearly perfect 50/50 weight ratio. Lapping around the track, the Brembo brakes stop the Vantage on a dime with minimal brake fade while the lenient Dynamic Stability Control (traction control) gives you the freedom to play but intervenes to save the day once it senses trouble.

With a starting price of $115,500 and at $129,085 nicely loaded, the V-8 Vantage is for a select few that have a passion for life, beauty and cars. The Vantage is a handcrafted pure sports car with all the modern luxuries that also can be spiritedly driven everyday.