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As the Aston Martin range continues to evolve a few choice options have become available for the brand's "entry-level" sports cars as well as more details of the new flagship model.
The revised 313kW, 4.7-litre V8 introduced in 2008 and the standard six-speed manual transmission are unchanged but the optional six-speed Sportshift automated manual transmission has been replaced by a seven-speed designed and assembled just for Aston Martin.
"The additional gear and closer ratios," Aston Martin says, "generate quicker and more refined shifts and optimised acceleration."
BIGGER, QUICKER
Other dynamic improvements, borrowed from the Vantage S, include quicker steering thanks to a new steering column and re-valved power-steering pump and bigger brakes (new 380mm ventilated cast-iron front discs and six-piston calipers) equipped with include hill-start assistance for tricky incline starts.
The car's tyres are also 10mm wider than those of the previous model.
The V8 Vantage has also undergone several styling changes inspired by the Vantage S and N400 limited edition. The front bumper houses a larger air-intake to feed the engine and front brakes and a rear diffuser and race-derived sills add to the Vantage’s more muscular look.
The Vantage S, tuned to deliver 321kW and 490Nm from its V8, continues as the more focused model in the range with the Sportshift II seven-speed transmission standard.
V12 ZAGATO FLAGSHIP
A special sports exhaust system, delivers the V8’s rousing soundtrack and carbon-fibre detailing can be found on the motorsport-derived aero package. The cabin uses hand-stitched leather and Garmin satnav, Bluetooth and cruise control are standard.
The V12 Vantage remains unchanged - the six-litre engine makes 380kW/570Nm and Aston says, will reach 100km/h in 4.2sec before zooming on to its 305km/h top speed.
The V12 Vantage will be joined at the top of the pile by the V12 Zagato, unveiled in production form on February 15, 2012, at the Kuwait Concours d’Elegance. Only 150 will be assembled and deliveries will start later in 2012.
The revised 313kW, 4.7-litre V8 introduced in 2008 and the standard six-speed manual transmission are unchanged but the optional six-speed Sportshift automated manual transmission has been replaced by a seven-speed designed and assembled just for Aston Martin.
"The additional gear and closer ratios," Aston Martin says, "generate quicker and more refined shifts and optimised acceleration."
BIGGER, QUICKER
Other dynamic improvements, borrowed from the Vantage S, include quicker steering thanks to a new steering column and re-valved power-steering pump and bigger brakes (new 380mm ventilated cast-iron front discs and six-piston calipers) equipped with include hill-start assistance for tricky incline starts.
The car's tyres are also 10mm wider than those of the previous model.
The V8 Vantage has also undergone several styling changes inspired by the Vantage S and N400 limited edition. The front bumper houses a larger air-intake to feed the engine and front brakes and a rear diffuser and race-derived sills add to the Vantage’s more muscular look.
The Vantage S, tuned to deliver 321kW and 490Nm from its V8, continues as the more focused model in the range with the Sportshift II seven-speed transmission standard.
THE RANGE: Aston Martin's range for 2012, excluding the recently-revealed V12 Zagato.
A special sports exhaust system, delivers the V8’s rousing soundtrack and carbon-fibre detailing can be found on the motorsport-derived aero package. The cabin uses hand-stitched leather and Garmin satnav, Bluetooth and cruise control are standard.
The V12 Vantage remains unchanged - the six-litre engine makes 380kW/570Nm and Aston says, will reach 100km/h in 4.2sec before zooming on to its 305km/h top speed.
The V12 Vantage will be joined at the top of the pile by the V12 Zagato, unveiled in production form on February 15, 2012, at the Kuwait Concours d’Elegance. Only 150 will be assembled and deliveries will start later in 2012.
