Aston Martin has debuted a series of engineering updates and styling revamps for the 2012 Vantage range at the Geneva motor show.
The new line-up will be priced from £84,995 for the entry-level V8 and will top out with the limited-edition V12 Zagato at just under £400,000.
Described as the biggest range overhaul since 2008, the base 420bhp V8 Vantage gets a number of upgrades first seen on the Vantage S model, including quicker steering, bigger brakes and wider tyres. A new steering column installation, revalved power steering and a quicker (15:1 from 17:1) ratio is claimed to give more feedback and provide more agility.
See the official pics of the new Aston Martin Vantage
The braking system has been enhanced at the front, with new 380mm, two-piece ventilated cast iron front discs and six-piston calipers. Aston is claiming “significantly increased stopping power and pedal feel”. A brake-holding Hill Start Assist set-up is also included as standard, and the tyres are now 10mm wider.
The new seven-speed Sportshift II automated manual transmission is now an option.
The 2012 V8 Vantage is distinguished by styling changes inspired by the Vantage S and limited-edition Vantage N420. It gets a new lower front bumper and air splitter, restyled sills and a new rear bumper equipped with a diffuser.
Priced from £99,995, the 430bhp Vantage S gets the new Sportshift II ’box as standard, as well as a sports exhaust, a “motorsport-derived, carbonfibre detailed” aerodynamic styling package and a more sumptuously trimmed, hand-stitched leather interior. The company’s new integrated Garmin sat-nav is also standard, as is cruise control and Bluetooth. The V12 Vantage continues unchanged.
Deliveries of the V12 Zagato will start in the final quarter of 2012, and Aston Martin says production will be strictly limited to 150 units. More than a third have already been sold, Aston boss Ulrich Bez revealed to Autocar last week.
Hilton Holloway
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Re: Revised Aston Martin Vantage launched
The 911 and Vantage appeal to different customers, plus give it a year you'll see far more 911's on the road. Also not convinced by the new steering in the latest 911- drive one and it feels different plus poor spec the moment you add a few options a C2S is north of 90k, a lot of cash for a standard 911... On the positives build quality has improved over 997 but I would say the same about the current vantage compared to the 4.3 models.
Re: Revised Aston Martin Vantage launched
No argument from me that AM are classy.
Not a scientific test, i admit, but i see/hear far more Aston's being ragged in built-up areas in London than Porsches...they sound great but i'd hate for them to be known as show-offs motors.
Re: Revised Aston Martin Vantage launched
The Vantage,a stunning British sports car,the way it looks drives and sounds,
fantastic.
For those who like the 911,fine,but for me the class of the Aston Martin
is something special,very special.