Publications
Partners
Gaydon, England - Aston Martin has always aimed to build sports cars of the highest calibre that will find interest among driving enthusiasts. In 2016, the British marque will offer its Vantage V12 S with a manual transmission.
The reason the automaker is fitting a manual 'box to its Vantage V12 is simple: "To have the vehicle deliver its own unique and dynamic character. The manual gearbox will increase driver involvement in the Vantage V12 S, while the still-offered Sportshift automatic will deliver a more contemporary driving experience."
Aston Martin South Africa says the manual version has not yet been verified for the local market, but it is being considered.
A car for the enthusiast
Ian Minards, director of product development, said: “We’re all enthusiasts here at Aston Martin. The true purist will always hanker for the tactility and connection offered by a manual transmission, so it has been a real pleasure to offer just that in our fastest and most focused model. At a time when manual transmissions have almost entirely disappeared in high performance cars, this makes the manual V12 Vantage S a very special car indeed.”
In a step that is even more against norm, the Aston Martin Vantage V12 S’s manual ‘box will feature a "dog-leg first gear position" - This first gear is positioned where the second gear would traditionally have been placed.
Seven speeds for new gearbox
The new seven-speed manual gearbox will also feature AMSHIFT. This system regulates a number settings on the entire drivetrain to deliver loud blips when you brake or change gears. Aston Martin says that AMSHIFT offers maximum smoothness and minimal interruption when the car is under full-throttle or accelerating.
AMSHIFT can be used in all driving modes, but will be more effective when the car is switched into Sport mode.
Customers who are interested in the manual Aston Martin Vantage V12 S but are worried that it will offer less than the automatic, shouldn't be. Aston Martin promises that both derivatives will be mechanically identical and will share the same chassis, brakes, and 6.0-litre V12 engine.
Performance is the goal and purpose of the Vantage and both the manual and automatic will gallop to 100km/h from standstill in 3.9sec, on to a top speed of 330km/h.
An option on both cars is a new Sport-Plus Pack that includes changes made to the interior and exterior, with a choice of five body colours leading the way. Ten-spoke graphite finish lightweight alloy wheels complete this package.
The first deliveries of the Aston Martin Vantage V12 S will be made during the third quarter of 2016.
