Aston Martin’s V8-powered Vantage is one of several big-engined models in the brand’s lineup. Click for more photos

Aston Martin Vantage S

Aston Martin’s V8-powered Vantage is one of several big-engined models in the brand’s lineup.
  • Aston Martin’s V8-powered Vantage is one of several big-engined models in the brand’s lineup.
  • Aston Martin’s V8-powered Vantage is one of several big-engined models in the brand’s lineup.
  • Aston Martin’s V8-powered Vantage is one of several big-engined models in the brand’s lineup.
Aston Martin's V8 Vantage has been a long-time favourite for extremely-well-heeled performance enthusiasts, and a new "S" variant turns up the wick with more power and torque, a next-generation transmission and dynamic revisions to improve driveability.
Its 4.7-litre V8 engine generates 321kW of power at a stratospheric 7300rpm, plus 490Nm of torque, or pulling power, at 5000rpm. A unique exhaust muffler and bypass valve map creates a distinctive sound and vocal exhaust note, says Aston Martin.
The headline addition is a new seven-speed Sportshift II automatic transmission designed specifically for the Vantage S, featuring an extra gear and 20 per cent quicker gearshifts than the first-generation unit it replaces. The extra gear enables the first six ratios to be spaced at shorter intervals for improved responsiveness and driver engagement, with a taller seventh gear added to look after highway cruising.
Aston Martin says the single-clutch transmission saves at least 50 kilograms in weight and complexity over dual-clutch systems offered by its competitors. A "Sport" button further quickens gear changes by around 60 milliseconds and holds gears to the rev limiter. It also adds greater throttle response while opening the exhaust bypass valves earlier in the rev range.
It will not offer a manual transmission with the V8 Vantage S because it expects customer demand to be strong skewed to the new auto transmission. The stability control system can be tuned to restrict intervention in "sport" mode, or switched off altogether.
The Vantage S is heavily influenced by its 2011 Vantage GT4 race car, which in turn is based on the same bonded aluminium chassis that underpins all of the company's cars. It is 30 kilograms lighter than the standard Vantage, thanks to the lighter transmission and increased use of lightweight carbon fibre.
Other revisions from the basic Vantage platform include a quickened steering rack ratio, along with larger-diameter front disc brakes with new six-piston calipers. New spring and dampers, plus wider rear wheels and a stability control unit remapped specifically for the Vantage S distinguish the new model.
Inside, the V8 Vantage S gets a full-grain leather interior and leather-trimmed steering wheel, electrically-operated seats, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth preparation and a six-disc audio system with integrated iPod and USB connectors.
Satellite navigation with a hard disk drive, heated and memory-storing front seats, alcantara trim and a choice of premium audio systems all sit on a lengthy options list.
The V8 Vantage S also comes in a roadster (convertible) version featuring a cloth hood that can be deployed at speeds up to 30km/h.
Both the coupe and the roadster are assembled at Aston Martin's English factory in Gaydon, where each car takes more than 185 hours to build, including 50 hours to paint and 70 hours to hand-trim the interior.
The V8 Vantage S is on sale now, starting from $275,000 (plus on-road and dealer costs) for the coupe, and $299,600 for the convertible Volante model.