Aston Martin to offer a manual V12 Vantage S

According to Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin's CEO: “Broadening the scope of the V12 Vantage S with a manual transmission option is an indication of our desire to offer the keenest drivers a more analogue and immersive machine to enjoy... the manual gearbox remains an integral part of our product plans and will do for many years to come.”

Good news indeed for anybody who feared that the upper echelons of the performance car world were becoming exclusively populated by two-pedal products.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage S (2017) Front Side

To complement the familiar 563 bhp (421 kW / 573 PS) 6.0 litre V12 engine, Aston Martin has chosen a seven-speed manual gearbox with a dog-leg first shift pattern. Furthermore, a device called AMShift allows full-throttle up-shifts and simulated heel-and-toe down-shifts.

The combination yields a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 3.9 seconds and a 205 mph (330 km/h) top speed. Interestingly, the seven-speed Sportshift III automated transmission – which remains available – achieves exactly the same figures.

Likewise, when deliveries begin across Europe during the second half of this year, pricing for both alternatives is going to be identical. For North America, the manual V12 Vantage S will be a special edition with a build run of just 100 examples.

Another addition for the 2017 model year is a Sport-Plus Pack. Its exterior features comprise ten-spoke graphite alloy wheels, a choice of five paint finishes and optional contrast colours on various body elements. Inside, striped upholstery continues the theme.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage S (2017) DashboardAston Martin V12 Vantage S (2017) Rear Side

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