Announced in late May 2008, the V8 Vantage went through its first major upgrade for the 2009 model year. The principal change was the fitting of an extensively re-worked, larger capacity 4.7 litre engine which offered both improvements to peak power and torque. Externally the MY 2009 cars appeared almost identical to the previous model; the most noticeable difference was the interior centre console that followed closely that in the DBS and MY 2009 DB9 complete with glass ECU in place of a key and a new hard driver sat-nav system. The 4.7 were fitted with new, unique, 20 spoke 19-inch wheels.
The V8 Vantage transmissions had also undergone changes to improve performance and to handle the increased levels of power and torque. Both the standard manual and optional Sportshift benefited from a modified clutch and flywheel, reducing clutch pedal efforts and delivering a 0.5kg weight saving, reducing the rotating masses within the powertrain, and hence increasing engine responsiveness. Sportshift also underwent a series of specific changes to broaden the capabilities of the gearbox. Changes included a revised control strategy, allowing the transmission, rather than the engine, to dictate how best the engine torque should be deployed to optimise performance and delivered power smoothly and consistently. The coupe was also fitted the stiffer suspension first seen on the 4.3 Roadster and also had Bilstein dampers as standard.
