V8s and carbon dominate Aston Martin’s special edition unveilings

Aston Martins are already pretty special, but the British carmaker decided to go the extra mile with two new models set to debut at the 2014 New York Auto Show.

First up is the V8 Vantage GT. Available in both coupe and convertible form, it might help the “entry-level” Aston come out of the shadow of its fire-breathing, V12 Vantage siblings.

The GT’s 4.7-liter V8 now produces 470 horsepower (a torque figure wasn’t published), enough to get it from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, and on to a top speed of 190 mph, according to Aston. The extra power comes courtesy of a revised intake system and spark strategy.

That power is fed to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission; Aston’s Sportshift II automated manual is optional.

Other upgrades include an aerodynamics package Aston says is derived from its sports-car racing experience, “competition-derived” brakes and – perhaps most important – a sport exhaust system to help that glorious V8 clear its throat.

In addition to the noise, onlookers will be able to spot a Vantage GT by its graphite alloy wheels, black headlamp bezels, and clear rear lamps. Liveries inspired by famous Aston racers will also be available, along with white graphic accents.

The interior is swathed in carbon fiber and Alcantara, while occupants sit in the same sport seats used in the V12 Vantage S.

Next up is the DB9 Carbon Edition, which first appeared at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. No, it’s not Aston’s answer to the carbon-themed Lamborghini Sesto Elemento.

Available in Carbon Black or Carbon White specification, the Carbon Edition is more of a dress-up package, with each version’s respective paint color contrasting carbon-fiber trim. Buyers also get to choose from four brake caliper colors, which correspond to the color of the interior accents.

The DB9’s 6.0-liter V12 is unchanged, though, producing the same 510 hp and 457 pound-feet of torque it does in other models.

If you want an Aston with a little extra flair, both the V8 Vantage GT and the DB9 Carbon Edition will be available in the U.S. later this year. Prices start at $99,900 for the Vantage and $199,995 for the DB9.