Aston Martin updates the Vantage range for the 2012 model year
By Andrew, 21 Feb, 2012. 0 Comments
2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coupe
The Aston Martin Vantage range is enhanced further with the significant improvements for the V8 Vantage to boost its dynamic feel and style of the marque’s entry-level sports car. Its pricing has also been made more competitive. The top-end of the Vantage range has been revised with the naming of the new and ultra-exclusive V12 Zagato as the flagship vehicle when it starts production later this year. This is this lineup’s most wide-ranging enhancement plan since 2008. The revised 4.7-litre 420bhp (426PS/313kW) entry-level V8 Vantage gets improvements that were first seen in the Vantage S. Aston Martin keeps the standard six-speed manual transmission but the optional six-speed Sportshift™ automated manual transmission was replaced with the seven-speed Sportshift II.
This new gearbox, which was created and built specifically for Aston Martin, comes with more gear, closer ratios, lower final drive and a faster, refined shift quality. This new gearbox offers faster and more precise shifts as well as optimizes acceleration and brings a sporting driving experience. Some of the enhancements are centered on the V8 Vantage’s chassis, which features developments from the Vantage S. The V8 Vantage is fitted with quicker steering, bigger brakes and wider tires to have a class-leading poise and make it more responsive and fun to drive. The new V8 Vantage could be driven with even better precision, more agility and offers more feedback with the use of a new steering column installation, re-valved power-steering pump and a quicker ratio of 15:1 compared to 17:1 on the previous model.
Both the V8 Vantage Coupe and Roadster models get technical and styling changes. They have a starting price of RRP £84,995 / €108,500 (Germany). The most generously equipped is the RRP £99,995 / €128,500 (Germany) Vantage S, which comes with the top-performing and most driver-focused V8-engined model in the range. The Vantage S could develop 430bhp (436PS/321kW) at 7300rpm and 490Nm (361lb ft) of torque at 5000rpm. Its more potent state of engine tune is an ideal match to the Sportshift II close-ratio seven speed automated manual transmission, which is offered as standard. Its sporting credentials get a boost due to the sports exhaust system that’s unique to the ‘S’.
"Production of the sensational V12 Vantage continues unchanged; this acclaimed model delivering its unrivalled blend of extreme performance, exclusivity and practicality in one unique package. Powered by a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS), and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque, this remarkable evolution of the Vantage has a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h) and 0-62 mph (0-100 kp/h) time of 4.2 seconds while its uniquely thrilling character distinguishes it from the rest of the range." said the press release.
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