Underlining its commitment to building exceptional sports cars that appeal to the most discerning enthusiasts, Aston Martin has ushered in its 17MY range by offering the sensational V12 Vantage S with a manual transmission.
Aston Martin V12 Vantage S © Aston Martin Lagonda Limited
True icons of pure performance blessed with exceptional agility, each V12 Vantage S transmission option delivers its own unique character and dynamic emphasis; the manual unashamedly championing classic tradition and total driver engagement, while the Sportshift™ III transmission offers a more contemporary driving experience. Both exude the unrivaled sporting qualities for which the V12 Vantage S is renowned.
Aston Martin V12 Vantage S © Aston Martin Lagonda Limited
Director of Product Development, Ian Minards said: “We’re all enthusiasts here at Aston Martin. Building cars that offer something exceptional is what we do. Technology drives us forward, but we understand the importance of tradition. The true purist will always hanker for the tactility and connection offered by a manual transmission, so it has been a real pleasure to offer just that in our fastest and most focused model. At a time when manual transmissions have almost entirely disappeared in high performance cars, this makes the manual V12 Vantage S a very special car indeed”.
Aston Martin V12 Vantage S © Aston Martin Lagonda Limited
The seven-speed manual transmission features a classic dog-leg first gear position; an echo from the past that will be welcomed by driving enthusiasts. This dog-leg configuration also ensures the gears used most frequently are located in a double ‘H‘ pattern like that of a conventional 6-speed manual.
Aston Martin V12 Vantage S © Aston Martin Lagonda Limited
The new manual transmission also features AMSHIFT. The system, which is driver selectable uses clutch, gear position and propshaft sensors, together with finely-tuned programming of the engine management, to mimic the technique of heel-and-toe downshifts; the act of blipping the throttle while braking and changing gear. AMSHIFT also offers the capability of full-throttle upshifts for maximum smoothness and minimal interruption in acceleration.
Aston Martin V12 Vantage S © Aston Martin Lagonda Limited
AMSHIFT can be used in all driving modes, but is especially effective in Sport, with the sharper throttle response and louder exhaust note really emphasising the downshift throttle blip for maximum excitement.
Aston Martin V12 Vantage S © Aston Martin Lagonda Limited
Offered as a no-cost option, the manual V12 Vantage S is a series production model. Customers simply have to make the choice between manual and Sportshift™ III transmission when ordering their car. Both versions are otherwise mechanically identical, sharing the same chassis and brake packages and powered by the same 6.0-litre V12 engine.
Aston Martin V12 Vantage S © Aston Martin Lagonda Limited
Though their style of delivery are different, whether manual or Sportshift™ III, potent performance is guaranteed with the V12 Vantage S accelerating from a standstill to 62mph in 3.9sec and both can reach 205mph.
Aston Martin V12 Vantage S © Aston Martin Lagonda Limited
Aston Martin CEO Dr 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.”
A new Sport-Plus Pack option includes a raft of exterior and interior changes. Foremost amongst these is a choice of five body colours, which can be combined with no-cost optional accent colours applied to the front grille lipstick, side sills, mirror caps and rear diffuser blades. Ten-spoke graphite finish lightweight alloy wheels complete the Sport-Plus Pack’s exterior changes, while a choice of black or grey upholstery with stripes and contrast stitching offered in a range of accent colours create a suitably dramatic interior theme.
Aston Martin V12 Vantage S © Aston Martin Lagonda Limited
17MY also marks other important changes to the Vantage range, with the V8 models now consolidated into Coupe and Roadster versions of the V8 Vantage S. Mechanically unchanged, the timelessly stylish V8 Vantage S receives a range of small detail changes to the exterior and interior. Together with five new option packs offering broad scope for personalisation and even greater value the V8 Vantage S is a compelling and competitive entry point to the Aston Martin range.
Aston Martin V12 Vantage S © Aston Martin Lagonda Limited
One change to be implemented across all current model lines is the new AMi III infotainment system. This includes a new integrated Satellite Navigation system that offers significant improvements over the outgoing AMi II technology. Key areas of improvement are the integrated graphics, quicker and easier address input, reduced loading times, updatable maps, graphical itinerary planning, advanced traffic information, enhanced map graphics and a greater range of voice guidance options. AMi III also incorporates Apple© CarPlay© to enable the integration of iPhone© functions into the built-in display.
In addition to the new AMi III Infotainment and Satellite Navigation System upgrade, both 17MY Rapide S and Vanquish model lines are offered with a range of new option packs. Carefully created to simplify the specification process, these option packs continue to offer added value and a huge range of exterior and interior colour, trim and detailing combinations.
The Pinnacle of the Vantage Range
The V12 Vantage was an unprecedented engineering achievement. Combining a V12 engine with our lightest sports-car in a package of pure aggression.
We could have stopped there, we didn’t. An even lighter chassis, an even more powerful engine, an even more responsive transmission. V12 Vantage S – the most ferocious Aston Martin ever produced.
Breath-Taking Performance
An advanced engineering story told by monumental numbers. 15kg lighter than V12 Vantage. 573PS of power. 620Nm of peak torque. With enhanced low and mid-range power the new-generation AM28 engine pushes the V12 Vantage S to a top speed of 205mph, creating the fastest series production model we’ve ever made.
Sportshift III – 7-speed ASM and Manual
Aston Martin V12 Vantage S © Aston Martin Lagonda Limited
Sportshift III, a seven-speed AMT transaxle gearbox was specifically designed to tap the potency of V12 Vantage S.
2017 sees the return of a manual-shift transmission as an option, creating the ultimate analogue experience in a digital world. Seamless gear changes at high engine speeds. Advanced light-touch paddleshifts giving maximum driver control, while the new manual transmission provides maximum engagement between driver, vehicle and road.
A transmission derived from the Vantage GT programme brings motorsport engineering and race-car capability to the road.
Introducing AMI III
Vantage’s new infotainment system, AMi III brings ergonomic and interface refinements to create a fully intuitive experience. Key features include updated Satellite Navigation system, Bluetooth® as standard, text message integration and a wide range of connectivity options, including Apple CarPlay. Convenience is married to peerless style with an elegant new centre stack available in a wide variety of tactile finishes, touch sensitive switchgear featuring haptic feedback technology and a user interface that is completely intuitive.
Distinctive Styling
The bold carbon fibre grille and dramatically louvred bonnet create an aggressive face, but are also functional – channelling more air into the engine bay to cool the V12. Lightweight forged alloy wheels and carbon ceramic brakes reduce unsprung mass to enhance agility whilst simultaneously improving the car’s on-track capability.
