Aston Martin is taking sports car performance to
extremes with the announcement of the new V12 Vantage S. The new car replaces
the outgoing V12 Vantage in markets around the world and, with the exception of
the One-77 hypercar, arrives as the fastest road-going Aston Martin yet
offered.
Equipped with the new 573 PS Aston Martin AM28
6.0-litre V12 engine, featuring latest generation Bosch engine management, the
car is capable of reaching 205 mph. Peak and low rev torque improves
appreciably, too. With 620 Nm available at 5,750 rpm, the V12 Vantage S is not to be found wanting. Crucially, too, low
rev torque – measured at just 1,000 rpm – leaps from 440 Nm to 510 Nm. This
serves to both flatten and fatten the torque curve, thereby significantly
improving driveability.
Designed and engineered to exploit the full sporting
potential of the V12 engine, the new Sportshift™III hydraulically-actuated
automated manual transmission provides motorsport-style paddle shift changes
for optimum performance delivery and efficiency. The unit is also appreciably
lighter than the outgoing six-speed manual gearbox – saving 25 kg. This
race-derived and motorsport proven technology – used routinely in Aston Martin Racing’s
race-winning Vantage GT4, GT3 and GTE competition cars – provides for great
driver control with only milliseconds of torque interruption and delivers
precise and swift gear changes.
The Sportshift™III transaxle, from transmission
experts Oerlikon Graziano, joins an extensive array of new sport- and
track-focused developments that ensure the V12 Vantage S is fully equipped to
exploit the huge performance potential of its 6.0-litre naturally aspirated
AM28 engine.
The V12 Vantage S has been restyled to reflect is
position as the flagship of the new Vantage range. Most noticeable, perhaps, is
the car’s grille that does away with the famous aluminium vanes – replacing
them with a new carbon fibre arrangement that also includes sporty black carbon
fibre or titanium silver mesh. Created to maximise airflow to the V12 engine,
the new grille is inspired by that of the remarkable new CC100 Speedster
Concept, nicknamed DBR100, which debuted at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring earlier
this month and signals a new era of Aston Martin design language.
Other clues that single out the car as new include
the debut of new lightweight forged alloy ten-spoke wheels, and a subtle yet
distinctive exterior graphics pack that includes black painted roof and
part-painted boot panel.
The new V12 Vantage S of course retains the same
compact proportions and muscular stance as its predecessor, while features such
as the pronounced bonnet vents and flared wheel arches underscore its sporting
abilities.
Inside, the new car has been styled to
reflect its powerful nature. New-style seating with Sport and carbon fibre
Lightweight seat options, revised stitching and welt detailing, two leather
grade options – Luxmill and semi-aniline – plus the possibility to include
Alcantara, present V12 Vantage S buyers with an exciting array of trim choices.
The optional Carbon Fibre Interior Pack, which adds
the material to the car’s facia and door pulls, plus the availability for the
first time in a V12 Vantage S of black pedals, further enhances personalisation
options for those in search of a truly bespoke sports car.
