Aston Martin is expanding their V8 Vantage lineup with the addition of the S version, which is model featuring ‘enhanced dynamics’.
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage S extracts power from the same 4.7-litre V8 producing 430 bhp (436 PS, 321 kW) and 490 Nm (361 lb-ft) of torque, which this time is coupled to a newly developed Sportshift II transmission with seven short ratio gears.
A new exhaust muffler has also been fitted on the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S, in order to achieve its own unique sound, plus the lower front bumper has been redesigned, and is now made from carbon fiber.
New 19 inch V spoke alloys are available on the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S as standard, while an optional 10 spoke set of wheels can also be chosen.
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage S comes in coupe and cabrio body styles, and can already be ordered through the automakers global dealership network.
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage S price was not mentioned yet.
Aston Martin press release :
* The driver-focused V8 Vantage featuring enhanced dynamics
* Increase in power and torque to 430 bhp and 490 Nm
* New ground-up developed seven speed Sportshift™ II transmission
* Dramatic V12 Vantage-inspired looks available as coupe and Roadster
* Compelling package of agility, balance, engagement and everyday practicality
Gaydon, 25 January 2011. The Aston Martin Vantage range
comes of age with the new V8 Vantage S characterised by a host of new
driver-focussed features all designed to push the honed dynamics of the
standard Vantage to a new benchmark level.
Aston Martin’s own 4.7 litre V8 engine has been engineered to deliver
peak power of 430 bhp (436 PS / 321 kW) at 7300 rpm and torque of 490
Nm (361 lb.ft) at 5000 rpm and is coupled with a new ground-up developed
Sportshift™ II transmission specifically designed for the Vantage S
with seven short ratio gears to deliver the most engaging and intense
driver involvement.
“The Vantage S epitomises every attribute of the V8 Vantage and
pushes the driver experience beyond what we have offered before,” says
Dr. Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin, “It combines dynamic exhilaration
with all the charming finesse, beauty and practicality already
associated with the Vantage range.”
Dynamic revisions are central to the Vantage S, with a quickened
steering rack ratio of 15:1 compared to 17:1 on the standard car and a
larger diameter front brake disc with new six-piston front brake
calipers. New springs and dampers, and wider rear wheels also contribute
to chassis revisions. A new dynamic stability control (DSC) system
specifically tuned to the Vantage S along with a new brake module
providing features such as Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) which provides
assistance in emergency braking situations, and Hill Start Assist (HSA).
Bespoke tyres have been developed with Bridgestone to optimise road
holding enhancing dynamic feel.
At the core of the Vantage S is the new seven speed Sportshift™ II
automated manual transmission, offered as standard and delivers
exceedingly rapid gear changes, twenty per cent quicker than
Sportshift™. The extra gear permits shorter well-spaced ratios taking
advantage of the optimum torque, which combined with a shorter final
drive ratio of 4.182:1 delivers quicker acceleration and an enhanced
sporting feel. The inherent benefits of a single clutch system reduces
complexity and significant weight over a dual clutch solution.
Sportshift™ II allows the driver to take an increased level of control,
modulating the throttle pedal to achieve the desired type of gear
change. In addition, the Vantage S features a ‘Sport’ button which
quickens the gear changes and gives the driver a more aggressive
throttle response while also opening the exhaust bypass valves across
most of the engine speed range perfectly characterising the ‘S’ variant.
As with every Aston Martin, the Vantage S benefits from its own
unique sound with a new exhaust muffler and bypass valve map, creating a
very distinctive and highly vocal exhaust note.
The Vantage S is instantly recognisable as a true Aston Martin,
characterised by its purposeful stance conveying its agility and
performance capability. From the front, a new lower front bumper
finished in perfectly-aligned carbon fibre houses a larger air intake
feeding the engine and front brakes. The splitter combined with the
extended deck lid ‘flip’ work in harmony to provide increased down force
at speed. New 19 inch ‘V’ spoke wheel styles are available as standard,
while an optional 10-spoke lightweight forged wheel option, reduces
unsprung mass further. A new rear bumper and side sills optically widen
the car.
Bridging the gap between road car and race car, the Vantage S is
heavily influenced by the 2011 Vantage GT4 race car. The GT4 takes
advantage of the Vantage’s immensely rigid bonded aluminium chassis,
providing the ideal platform for a race car. Minor racing safety
modifications including an FIA approved roll cage and racing ‘bag’
petrol tank along with weight saving measures are made to the standard
road car to convert it into a class winning race car. In 2010, it won
its class at the Dubai 24 Hours following this up with further endurance
race wins at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, Silverstone 24 Hours and Spa 24
Hours. It also won its first major international championship victory in
the European GT4 Cup.
The Vantage S is available to order now from Aston Martin’s global dealership network.
