The V8 Vantage transmissions had also undergone changes to improve performance and to handle the increased levels of power and torque. Both the standard manual and optional Sportshift benefited from a modified clutch and flywheel, reducing clutch pedal efforts and delivering a 0.5kg weight saving, reducing the rotating masses within the powertrain, and hence increasing engine responsiveness. Sportshift also underwent a series of specific changes to broaden the capabilities of the gearbox. Changes included a revised control strategy, allowing the transmission, rather than the engine, to dictate how best the engine torque should be deployed to optimise performance and delivered power smoothly and consistently. The coupe was also fitted the stiffer suspension first seen on the 4.3 Roadster and also had Bilstein dampers as standard.

Unexpectedly, the clear rear light clusters as seen on the N400 models were initially not carried over to the standard 4.7 Vantage although they later became an optional extra.

For the 2012MY, in line with the Virage, the car adopted the Garmin sat-nav and ‘beam blade’ wiper design, although these particular cars are quite rare as the new V8 Vantage MY2012.25 was introduced a few months after the MY2012 cars entered production.

Below, the new standard 20 spoke 19 inch wheel for the 4.7 litre V8 Vantage. Cars fitted with the optional Sportspack, receive the lightweight 5 spoke 19 inch wheels as seen on pervious DB9 Sports Pack and N400 models.

Internally, AML did refer to the 4.7 litre V8 Vantage as the ‘420’ due to peak power of 420 bhp but it’s use was never adopted in the marketing of the car.