The Aston Martin Virage made its debut at the Birmingham Motorshow in 1988, The Virage was designed by John Heffernan and Ken Greeley and was applauded for its styling. It proved to be quieter and more comfortable than the earlier V8's. The new engine was developed in co-operation with Callaway Engineering and was fitted with new cylinder heads with four valves per cylinder for better breathing and to overcome power losses inevitable with the use of catalytic converters. This was to allow the engine to run on unleaded fuel anywhere, but particularly in America. In March of 1992, a 6.3 litre version of the Virage was revealed with a top speed of 174 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds. Handling and braking were improved and for the first time on an Aston Martin the option of ABS was offered. The chassis was quite a bit different from any previous design although it retained the same basic dimensions for wheelbase and track. But computer aided design (CAD) had enabled the chassis to be refined, lighter yet torsionally stronger. Body changes were minimal with flared wheel arches, revised front spoiler, and an optional rear spoiler. In 1993,came the Mk II 6.3 litre Virage which had been reworked and improved to create 465 bhp @ 6000 rpm and 460 lbs-ft of torque at 5800 rpm. A ZF 6-speed manual was also available. 0-60 mph stood at 5.2 seconds with the Mk II conversion. The Volante made its world premiere at the 1990 Birmingham Motor Show, it was a full four seater to recapture that grand touring spirit. The fully powered hood was mohair, the interior hand stitched Connolly hide with polished burr walnut. Utilising the same 5.3 litre V8 used in the Saloon, some cars were also converted to the impressive 6.3 litre specification.
