Aston Martin of Austin Announces the New Vantage S

Aston Martin has announced an addition to the V8 Vantage line up. The new “V8 Vantage S” features a host of new driver-focused features designed to push the dynamics of the standard car to a new benchmark level. The “S” package is available for both the coupe and roadster variant of the car.

Aston Martin has engineered its 4.7 liter V8 engine to deliver peak power of 430 HP at 7300 rpm and torque of 361 lb. ft. at 5000 rpm, which are 10 more horses and 11 more foot pounds of torque. The flexible engine is now coupled with a new ground-up developed Sportshift™ II transmission specifically designed for the car with seven short ratio gears to deliver an engaging and intense driving experience.

“The Vantage S epitomizes 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 tires have been developed with Bridgestone to optimize road holding enhancing dynamic feel.

“While the extra power is fantastic, the new seven speed Sportshift automated manual transmission is the biggest news for this car,” stated Sonny Morgan, dealer principal at John Eagle European’s Aston Martin of Austin. “This transmission was created specifically for the Vantage S. It delivers extraordinarily fast gear changes and the extra gear really takes advantage of the additional torque. The Vantage S delivers quicker acceleration and an even sportier feel.”

The Sportshift II uses a single clutch system to reduce complexity and save 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 characterizing the ‘S’ variant.

As with every Aston Martin, the Vantage S benefits from its own unique sound. The sports car has a new exhaust muffler and bypass valve map, creating a very distinctive and highly vocal exhaust note.

The Vantage S is instantly recognizable as a true Aston Martin, characterized by its purposeful stance conveying its agility and performance capability. From the front, a new lower front bumper finished in perfectly-aligned carbon fiber 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,” added Morgan.

The GT4 takes advantage of the Vantage’s immensely rigid bonded aluminum 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 by order from Aston Martin of Austin.