Further dynamic enhancements centre on the V8 Vantage’s chassis, which features more developments from the V8 Vantage S. The steering was quickened and the brakes were the same as fitted to the ‘S’ with new 380mm two-piece ventilated cast-iron front discs and six piston callipers. A neat and useful new feature was Hill Start Assist (HSA) for more precise control on steep inclines. The V8 Vantage MY2012.25 also came fitted with tyres from the ‘S’ that were 10mm wider than fitted previously.

The exterior of the car is almost impossible to distinguish from the higher powered V8 Vantage S, especially if the ‘V-spoke’ wheels are fitted instead of the standard fit forged 10 spoke items. The car has received the N420 style sills although these are not quite as pronounced as those on the ‘S’ and have a noticeable upsweep ahead of the rear wheel arch. The aerodynamic splitter and rear diffuser are similar to those on the ‘S’. They were made of high quality black plastic although the carbon fibre items from the S were available as a cost option, making identification between the two models potentially even more difficult. Despite the comprehensive updates, the list price of the regular ‘non-S’ V8 Vantage coupe was kept attractive and competitive with UK cars offered from just £84,995 inc VAT.

How to identify the discerning features of the ‘non-S’ late V8 Vantage. Whilst the S and non-S are almost identical, the side sills are narrower and the front and rear lower panels are made from black plastic on the less expensive non-S version.

The regular V8 Vantage was discontinued from the range during the summer of 2016, leaving the V8 Vantage S as the entry level Aston Martin model.