Aston Martin V8 Vantage S-Peppier and Zippier arrives

15 February 2011-Aston Martin has introduced a leaner and meaner form of the bog standard V8 Vantage called the V8 Vantage S, which is heavily influenced by the 2011 Vantage GT4 race car – it’s meant for the driver looking for significantly more go.

The 4.7 litre V8 engine on this one has been reworked to offer 430 hp at 7,300 rpm and 490 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm, working with a new ground-up developed Sportshift II transmission.

Specifically designed for the car, the seven-speed automated manual transmission – with a single clutch system – is offered as standard fitment. Highlights include 20% faster gear changes compared to the Sportshift box, and the extra gear permits shorter, well-spaced ratios which, combined with a shorter final drive ratio of 4.182:1, delivers quicker acceleration and a more sporting feel.

In addition to this, 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.

Other dynamic revisions include 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. There are also new springs and dampers, as well as wider rear wheels.

The car also gets a new dynamic stability control (DSC) system specifically tuned to it, as well as a new brake module providing features such as Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) and Hill Start Assist (HSA).

Exterior tweaks include a new lower front bumper finished in perfectly-aligned carbon fibre, which 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 downforce at speed. A new rear bumper and side sills, to optically widen the car, are also on.

New 19-inch ‘V’ spoke wheel styles come fitted as standard, with a 10-spoke lightweight forged wheel available as an option, and these wear bespoke Bridgestone rubbers