Aston Martin introduced the redesigned Vantage last
fall and the company has been slowly expanding the lineup with recent entries
such as the Vantage GT3 and Vantage GT4. While those models are designed for
the track, it appears the next variant will be a road-going model aimed at
customers seeking more power.
Snapped undisguised, this particular prototype is
believed to be the Vantage S. There doesn’t appear to be a lot styling changes
between the two models, but a closer inspection reveals the car has been
equipped with a four-tailpipe exhaust system. Besides having two additional
exhaust tips, the car appears to have an upgraded braking system with cross
drilled rotors. The front discs also appear to be larger, but it’s hard to be
certain at this point.
While the styling changes are minor, it’s important
to remember this is an early prototype. If the previous Vantage S is any
indication, the production model could have modified bumpers, new side skirts
and unique wheels with specially developed tires. The previous model also had a
quicker steering ratio, a returned dynamic stability control system, larger
front brakes as well as a retuned suspension with new springs and dampers.
There’s no word on performance specifications, but
the standard Vantage has a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 503 hp and 685 Nm of torque. It enables the model to run
from of 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds before topping out at 313
km/h.
The Vantage S will undoubtedly be more powerful and
the previous model had an additional 10 hp and 20 Nm of torque. That’s not a lot, but the car was also 30 kg lighter than
the mainstream model.
The Vantage S could debut next year, so expect to
learn more in the coming months.
