That’s because the new pre-trackday inspection includes an exhaust noise test – a matter of vital importance for UK trackdays where limits of 95 to 98 decibels are increasingly commonplace. Why experience the frustration and inconvenience of not being allowed trackside, when Torque Developments can provide advance warning of any exhaust noise issues? To that end, the Torque Developments pre-trackday inspection includes the following procedures:

• A Rototest hub mounted chassis dyno run with data logging to provide a print out of DIN corrected power and torque and air/fuel ratio.

• Roll out geometry check on the latest John Bean Arago machine to provide a print out of chassis straightness and all geometry angles.

• A full 26 point vehicle inspection by Torque Development’s ATA certified technicians.

• Exhaust noise level test.

Having successfully validated a revised ‘Fast Road’ suspension geometry package for the Vanquish S, Torque Developments was commissioned by an enthusiastic Aston Martin Vantage V8 owner to assess whether similar improvements could be made to the 380bhp, 175mph baby supercar.

Happily, TDi’s Technical team, lead by Sam Borgman, was able to undertake a detailed analysis of the suspension settings using its state of the art John Bean 38-angle optical chassis dynamics rig.

This revealed dynamic shortcomings, much like those discovered on the Vanquish S, so a similar prescription of ‘Fast Road’ suspension geometry settings was administered. What was the result on the Aston Martin Vantage V8? Well, we will let the owner speak on our behalf:-

“The geometry revisions are simply sensational!! To say I’m pleased with the work is a massive understatement…My feedback:

• Steering wheel now centred
• Much sharper turn in
• Far more accuracy on cornering, especially the initial turn in, which is now far easier to judge
• Greater feel through the steering wheel
• Car feels like a single unit now – was rather “disjointed” before
• The ride seems more compliant, with less shimmying over bumps
• Massively improved stability during hard braking

Sam was pleased to take me through this fix in detail (and the geo’ changes) which was an added bonus.”

Not only does the Torque Developments ‘Fast Road’ improve the dynamic qualities of the Aston Martin Vantage V8, the reduction in scrub will promote longer tyre life, making it a ‘win-win’ for owners.

The Aston Martin Vantage V8  ‘Stage 1″ geometry set up is available now from TDi-plc, by appointment only at http://www.tdi-plc.com/catalog/suspension-technology-c-1_2_22_23_29.html

Stop Press: Our “Stage 2″ upgrade which incorporate revised spring rates to further enhance the dynamic performance is now available at http://www.tdi-plc.com/catalog/fast-road-geometry-calibration-coupe-stage-p-19290.html for the Coupe, and at http://www.tdi-plc.com/catalog/fast-road-geometry-calibration-volante-stage-p-19291.html for the

Volante