Aston Martin has launched the most potent road-focused version yet of its small GT at the Geneva motor show.
Called the V8 Vantage S, the new model, inspired by the GT4 racer car, is designed to slot between the regular V8 Vantage and the range-topping V12 Vantage model. The S gets a retuned version of the V8’s 4.7-litre powerplant, now producing 430bhp (a gain of 10bhp) and 361lb ft (15lb ft more).
See the official pics of the Aston V8 Vantage S plus pics from the show
The car also gets Aston’s new seven-speed Sportshift II transmission, the latest version of the system co-developed by Graziano and Magneti Marelli in Italy. Aston claims that the new unit’s shifts are 20 per cent faster than those of the original Speedshift, and that its seventh ratio allows it to more effectively harness the motor’s torque. It also has a slightly shorter final drive ratio of 4.182:1.
The S also features a Sport button, which further quickens the shifts and offers more aggressive throttle response and a louder exhaust note.
Read Autocar's Aston Vantage N420 first drive
Other engineering tweaks include a quicker steering rack, which has a ratio of 15:1 instead of the regular car’s 17:1, larger front brakes with new six-pot calipers, revised springs and dampers and wider rear wheels. Aston also says the Vantage’s stability control system has been reconfigured for the S.
Styling modifications include a lower front bumper with a carbonfibre finish, a larger air intake, an extended rear spoiler, redesigned side sills and new 19in alloy wheels. Lightweight forged items will be offered as an option.
The Vantage S is on sale now, priced at £102,500 for the coupé and £110,700 for the roadster.
John McIlroy
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