Aston Martin have released details of a new ‘driver-focussed’ version of the V8 Vantage. Available as both a coupe and Roadster, the new Vantage S will come with an up-rated version of the standard 4.7 litre V8 engine and a new 7 speed Sportshift™ II transmission.
On the outside the new car takes styling cues from the V12 Vantage (although without the fussy bonnet vents) for a more sporty look. At the front a new lower front bumper finished in carbon fibre houses a larger air intake feeding the engine and front brakes while a splitter provide increased down force at speed. New 19 inch ‘V’ spoke wheel styles are available as standard, while a 10-spoke lightweight forged wheel available as an option.
The new seven speed Sportshift™ II automated manual transmission, offered as standard delivers rapid gear changes, twenty per cent quicker than the original Sportshift™. An extra gear also provides shorter spaced ratios allowing the spirited driver to keep the engine within its peak power band as much as possible.
The up-rated engine squeezes an extra 10 bhp of power and 15 ib ft of torque out of the V8 to total 430 bhp (436 PS / 321 kW) at 7300 rpm and torque of 490 Nm (361 lb.ft) at 5000 rpm. It may not be as impressive as that produced by competitors at Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini but the Aston more than makes up for it in style and character.
With a new more sporting edge the Aston Martin Vantage S is launched conveniently coinciding with annual bonuses. Orders by the well healed are now being taken.
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