How do you improve on something that's already special? Simple really - as long as you don't settle for second best there's always a way to improve. That's the kind of attitude that puts you on the front row of the grid, which is fitting, because this particular car has been bred on the race track. The Vantage N400 is a very special edition that pays homage to the N24 race car, a machine that earned its stripes in the most demanding race on the world's most demanding track - the Nurburgring. So the N400 is an automotive trophy, and one that has numerous details that will delight the enthusiast. The first is instantly noticeable - the N400 comes in three unique colours, the most striking of which is the vivid Karusell Orange, and is as eye-widening as the corner that gave it the name. The exterior is visually toughened too, with gorgeous diamond and graphite turned alloy wheels, redesigned sills and mesh silver grills. The effect is subtle, but notable: this is a step above the standard car. Deep down redesign This is no cosmetic makeover however: this is an Aston Martin, and a sharpened driving experience comes as standard. Under the muscle-bound bonnet lies an enhanced version of the 4.3-litre that does such great service under the bonnet of the standard Vantage. Revised electronics and the air intake system borrowed from the DBS liberates and extra 20bhp, taking the total to a rippling 400bhp. Torque is also up to 310lb/ft, promising rampant acceleration. That's not all however, as the N400 benefits from revised suspension settings, with stiffer springs by 40 percent up front and 30 percent at the rear, as well as revised damper settings. A comprehensive revision by any standards, and a mouth-watering prospect when the open road lies ahead. Especially with the roof down, as should always be the case when driving the Roadster. Not only does having the folding electric roof make the most of the glorious styling, it allows as much of the scintillating exhaust note to filter through to your ears. Slide into the sumptuous cabin and fire it up, and it's hard not to notice the neck hairs standing to attention. At first, the N400 unsurprisingly feels much like its standard brethren. The same sharp responses, the same accurate steering and the same hard-edged V8 engine. But it only takes a few miles to realise that, despite the suspension being stiffer, it rides with even more composure and resolve than the regular Vantage. Bumps and disruptions are noted but nothing more, and the N400 remains unshaken by road imperfections. That translates to even better handling when pressing on. The lack of body roll and fine feedback from the steering inspires huge confidence, and it soon becomes apparent that there is stacks of grip and a remarkably solid feeling coming through the chassis. Push harder and the N400 pushes back, willing you on and coping easily with anything you can throw at it. Which is plenty, especially when you exploit the performance on offer. The 20bhp increase may not sound huge, but the difference in the way the engine responds is far greater. Up to 4,000 rpm it remains tractable and responsive, but pass through that magic barrier and it soars upwards, roaring with glee through the exhausts and powering fiercely to the red line. Slip in the next gear and the N400 does it all again, singing ever louder the harder the accelerator is pressed. The heady combination of noise and speed is highly addictive - try it through a long tunnel for the maximum sensory overload. This is what the N400 is all about. There's no question that the Vantage is a magnificent car, and that it has the charisma and ability that would make any owner feel like a hero. Yet the N400 takes it up another level, adding yet more performance and also pulling off the seemingly impossible feat of being sharper and more comfortable out on the road. There is a downside of course. Even if you have the required £102,000 for the Roadster, only 240 examples have been made, with another 240 in Coupe form. That may seem like a significant premium over the regular car, but it comes packed with optional equipment that more than makes up the difference. This is a very special special edition - you'll need to be quick to catch it.