Aston Martin has just revealed an upgraded Vantage line-up which includes most importantly a seven-speed manual gearbox in the V12 Vantage S (Coupe and Roadster). It is being billed as the ultimate analogue supercar and this is what you need to know;
- 4kg lighter than automatic sibling
- 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.9 seconds
- Top speed of 328 km/h
- Seven-speed box has a ‘dogleg’ first geat and AMSHIFT
- AMSHIFT uses clutch, gear position and propshaft sensors to mimic heel-and-toe downshifts
- Set to cost the same as the automatic version – from £138,000
- First deliveries due in September
Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer said: “Broadening the scope of the V12 Vantage S with a manual transmission option is an indication of our desire to offer the keenest drivers a more analogue and immersive machine to enjoy. I’d like to take this opportunity to reiterate that the manual gearbox remains an integral part of our product plans and will do for many years to come.”
The V12 Vantage S also receives a new Sport-Plus Pack option with exterior and interior tweaks, including the choice of five body colours and optional accent colours to the grille surround, side sills, mirror caps and rear diffuser, as well as 10-spoke graphite-finish alloy wheels.
Aston Martin has also reduced the Vantage line-up from four to two by dropping the non-S models, leaving just the V8 Vantage S coupé and roadster variants.
