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

Related posts:
Lagonda Taraf now offered in right-hand drive
Track-only Aston Martin Vulcan announced

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts:

Alfa MiTo TwinAir arrives

Image
The Alfa Romeo MiTo supermini is now available with the innovative two-cylinder TwinAir petrol engine. Although its capacity is only 875 cc, a turbocharger and the MultiAir electro-hydraulic valve control system mean it produces a respectable 83 bhp (62 kW / 85 PS) and 145 Nm (103 lb/ft) of torque. Performance might not be scintillating - the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint takes 12.5 seconds and maximum speed is 108 mph (173 km/h) - but the TwinAir’s trump card is efficiency. Carbon dioxide emissions are only 98 g/km, a level that brings numerous benefits for UK drivers including zero road tax, a full discount on the London Congestion Charge and qualification for the lowest company car benefit-in-kind rate. Fuel economy is also decent and, according to the official figures, a TwinAir-powered MiTo will manage 67.3 mpg (4.2 l/100km) on the combined cycle. Impressive maybe, but still some way off the 78.5 mpg (3.6 l/100km) of the existing 1.3 JTDM-2 diesel MiTo. However, any
Read more

i10 N Line versus the Up! GTI

Image
Hyundai has confirmed specifications and pricing for its sporty i10 N Line. This new variant – which arrives at dealers later this month – benefits from some cosmetic tweaks, unique suspension components and a more powerful 1.0 litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine.
Read more

Honda WSB team launch

Image
Honda has unveiled its works team for the 2011 World Superbike championship . The announcement of Castrol as title sponsor means the return to a very familiar colour scheme for the pair of CBR1000RR Fireblade bikes, which will be ridden by Jonathan Rea and Ruben Xaus. As in recent years, Honda has entrusted Dutch concern Ten Kate Racing with running the factory WSB team. First thing on the Castrol Honda agenda is a two day testing session at the Motorland Aragón circuit in Spain later this week. The 2011 WSB season comprises thirteen rounds with Phillip Island, Australia hosting the opening race on 27 February.
Read more