The close ratio 7 speed close ratio ‘Sportshift II’ automated manual was at launch, the only transmission option for the Vantage S. The brand new bespoke unit by Graziano with hydraulics by Magneti Marelli both lighter and faster than the previous 6 speed version. Operated by paddles behind the steering wheel for manual mode, it can also be used as a regular auto by pressing the D button on the facia. The advantages of Sportshift II are many, it is significantly lighter package than previously – and lighter than similar DSC gearboxes used on competitors, it is 20% faster in changing gear and with close ratios and thus allows the engine to operate in the optimum part of the tourque curve when accelerating hard.
The engine fitted to the Vantage S is a revised version of the 4.7 litre V8, now with 430bhp peak power and 490Mn of torque (10bhp and 20Nm more than the standard 4.7 litre V8 Vantage). This has been achieved by a valved air intake system which allows more air to flow into the engine above 3500rpm and an aggressive spark strategy which permits advanced ignition for maximum power. The slight downside is that to benefit most from this strategy, the S requires high octane (99 or 100 RON) fuel. In order to distinguish the S spec engine, the intake manifold is painted black instead of silver. The exhaust has also been modified to that of the V12 Vantage with greater capacity and less back pressure, plus in ‘sport’ mode, the exhaust valve stays open for a greater part of the rev range. Performance of the S has been significantly improved over the regular car with an increase in top speed from 180mph to 189mph.
Revisions to the chassis includes a quicker steering rack, two piece floating disc front braking system with cast iron discs with 6 pot Brembo calipers, new springs and Bilstein dampers, wider tyres all round, wider rear tyres plus a new dynamic stability control system.
Many of the new exterior features of the Vantage S have come from the V12 Vantage. These include the new lower bumper with full width front splitter and large lower air intake which also feeds cooling air to the front brakes. The N24 / N400 style sills have been made even wider and are actually identical straight off the V12. On the coupe, the boot lid has a much larger flip-up to give better high speed stability by reducing rear lift. Below, on the rear bumper is a new hand made carbon fibre diffuser. Despite the many exterior similarities between the V8 ‘S’ and V12, the S has not inherited the four large air bonnet vents.
The ‘S’ has also received new 19 inch wheels, unique to the V8 Vantage S with a distinctive ‘V’ spoke design that give a clear view of the larger diameter front brakes and 6 pot callipers. Available as an option are a lightweight 10 spoke forged wheel, same design as used on the N420 but a half an inch wider at the rear.
So as to distinguish the S from the standard car, the interior has some unique features to represent the sporting nature of the car. Distinctive triple track sticking is used inside the doors (with folded leather), on the centre console and the seat centre panels. ‘Vantage S’ logos are embroidered on the seat backs (or headrests on the optional lightweight seats).
For the 2012MY, in line with the Virage, the car adopted the Garmin sat-nav and ‘beam blade’ wiper design, incorporating Bosch Aerotwin wiper blades.
From 2016MY, the Vantage received a new centre console, closely based on that already fitted to the Vanquish.
The V8 Vantage S is the longest serving model in the 2017 Aston Martin range, due to be replaced by a band new model, powered by an AMG built V8 engine towards the end of 2017.
