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The Aston Martin Vantage range comes of age with the new Aston Martin V8 Vantage S characterised by a host of new driver-focussed features all designed to push the honed dynamics of the standard Vantage to a new benchmark level. Aston Martin's own 4.7 litre V8 engine has been engineered to deliver peak power of 430 bhp (436 PS / 321 kW) at 7300 rpm and torque of 490 Nm (361 lb.ft) at 5000 rpm and is coupled with a new ground-up developed Sportshift™ II transmission specifically designed for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S with seven short ratio gears to deliver the most engaging and intense driver involvement. |
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The rationale behind the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S was to push the boundaries of the already acclaimed V8 Vantage with the highest levels of driver involvement possible. Aston Martin engineers set about enhancing nearly every dynamic element of the car to create a highly distinctive driving experience. "With every new model we continue to evolve and enhance our VH architecture," said Aston Martin Product Development Director, Ian Minards. "The engineering team at Gaydon looked at every single performance attribute of the V8 Vantage, from engine and transmission to suspension, steering, brakes and tyres and considered what was required to make this car deserving of the coveted 'S' badge. The result is a pure driver-focussed package that, in both the coupe and Roadster form, exploits and emphasises the sporting nature of the iconic Vantage." |
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| The Aston Martin V8 Vantage S bridges the gap between the V8 Vantage and the Vantage GT4 endurance race car offered by Aston Martin Racing. The standard components of the Vantage platform lend themselves perfectly to competition and produce a race-fit car with only minor modification. 2010 was the most successful year yet setting the Vantage as the benchmark GT4 competition car: 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 the Spa 24 Hours. However, it was the car's first major international championship victory in the European GT4 Cup with Rhesus Racing that was the crowning of an excellent year for the car. In 2011, the Vantage GT4 was updated to take advantage of the increased aerodynamic benefits of the V12 Vantage and V8 Vantage S' body styling. |
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| The Aston Martin V8 Vantage S' styling largely follows form to provide a shape that caters for the additional needs of the 'S' performance variant. From the front, the hand-laid carbon fibre front splitter creates a ground hugging stance hinting at its agility while also providing an increased area to provide the engine and brakes with more air. The splitter works in conjunction with the more pronounced rear deck lid 'flip' to create increased down force at speed. From the side, the wider profile sills which are derived from the GT4 race-car programme, contribute to reduced rear lift, and therefore improved high speed stability, by preventing the air which flows along the side of the car from spilling underneath the car. |
