(continued from above)
Aston Martin's own 4.7-liter V8 engine has been engineered to deliver peak
power of 430 hp at 7300 rpm and torque of 361 lb-ft at 5000 rpm and is coupled
with a new ground-up developed Sportshift II transmission specifically designed
for the Vantage S with seven short ratio gears to deliver the most engaging and
intense driver involvement.
"The Vantage S epitomizes every attribute of
the V8 Vantage and pushes the driver experience beyond what we have offered
before," says Dr. Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin, "It combines dynamic
exhilaration with all the charming finesse, beauty and practicality already
associated with the Vantage range."
Exterior Design
The Vantage S is instantly
recognizable as a
true Aston Martin, characterized by its purposeful stance conveying its agility
and performance capability. From the front, a new lower front bumper finished in
perfectly-aligned carbon fiber houses a larger air intake feeding the engine and
front brakes. The splitter combined with the extended deck lid 'flip' work in
harmony to provide increased down force at speed. New 19 inch 'V' spoke wheel
styles are available as standard, while an optional 10-spoke lightweight forged
wheel option, reduces unsprung mass further. A new rear bumper and side sills
optically widen the car.
New 7-Speed Sportshift II Transmission
At the core
of the Vantage S is the new seven speed Sportshift II automated manual
transmission, offered as standard and delivers exceedingly rapid gear changes,
twenty per cent quicker than Sportshift. The extra gear permits shorter
well-spaced ratios taking advantage of the optimum torque, which combined with a
shorter final drive ratio of 4.182:1 delivers quicker acceleration and an
enhanced sporting feel. The inherent benefits of a single clutch system reduces
complexity and significant weight over a dual clutch solution. Sportshift II
allows the driver to take an increased level of control, modulating the throttle
pedal to achieve the desired type of gear change. In addition, the Vantage S
features a 'Sport' button which quickens the gear changes and gives the driver a
more aggressive throttle response while also opening the exhaust bypass valves
across most of the engine speed range perfectly characterizing the 'S' variant.
As with every Aston Martin, the Vantage S benefits from its own unique sound
with a new exhaust muffler and bypass valve map, creating a very distinctive and
highly vocal exhaust note.
Chassis and Suspension
Dynamic revisions are central to the
Vantage S, with a quickened steering rack ratio of 15:1 compared to 17:1 on the
standard car and a larger diameter front brake disc with new six-piston front
brake calipers. New springs and dampers, and wider rear wheels also contribute
to chassis revisions. A new dynamic stability control (DSC) system specifically
tuned to the Vantage S along with a new brake module providing features such as
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) which provides assistance in emergency braking
situations, and Hill Start Assist (HSA). Bespoke tires have been developed with
Bridgestone to optimize road holding enhancing dynamic feel.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage S: Review (2/2)
