Aston Martin V8 Vantage S
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Aston Martin
26th January, 2011
* The driver-focussed V8 Vantage featuring enhanced dynamics
* Increase in power and torque to 321 kW and 490 Nm
* New ground-up developed seven speed SportshiftT II transmission
* Dramatic V12 Vantage-inspired looks available as coupe and Roadster
* Compelling package of agility, balance, engagement and everyday practicality
The Aston Martin Vantage range comes of age with the new V8 Vantage S characterised by a host of new
driver-focussed features all designed to push the honed dynamics of the standard Vantage to a new benchmark
level.
Aston Martin's own 4.7 litre V8 engine has been engineered to deliver peak power of 321 kW (430 bhp/436 PS) at
7,300 rpm and torque of 490 Nm (361 lb.ft) at 5,000 rpm and is coupled with a newly developed SportshiftT II
transmission specifically designed for the Vantage S with seven short ratio gears to deliver the most engaging and
intense driver involvement.
"The Vantage S epitomises every attribute of the V8 Vantage and pushes the driver experience beyond what we
have offered before," says Dr. Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin, "It combines dynamic exhilaration with all
the charming finesse, beauty and practicality already associated with the Vantage range."
Dynamic revisions are central to the Vantage S, with a quickened steering rack ratio of 15:1 compared to 17:1
on the standard car and a larger diameter front brake disc with new six-piston front brake callipers. New springs
and dampers, and wider rear wheels also contribute to chassis revisions. A new dynamic stability control (DSC)
system specifically tuned to the Vantage S along with a new brake module providing features such as Hydraulic
Brake Assist (HBA) which provides assistance in emergency braking situations, and Hill Start Assist (HSA). Bespoke
tyres have been developed with Bridgestone to optimise road holding enhancing dynamic feel.
At the core of the Vantage S is the new seven speed SportshiftT II automated manual transmission, offered as
standard and delivers exceedingly rapid gear changes, twenty per cent quicker than SportshiftT. The extra gear
permits shorter well-spaced ratios taking advantage of the optimum torque, which combined with a shorter final
drive ratio of 4.182:1 delivers quicker acceleration and an enhanced sporting feel. The
inherent benefits of a single clutch system reduces complexity and significant weight over a dual clutch solution.
SportshiftT II allows the driver to take an increased level of control, modulating the throttle pedal to achieve
the desired type of gear change. In addition, the Vantage S features a 'Sport' button which quickens the gear
changes and gives the driver a more aggressive throttle response while also opening the exhaust bypass valves
across most of the engine speed range perfectly characterising the 'S' variant.
As with every Aston Martin, the Vantage S benefits from its own unique sound with a new exhaust muffler and
bypass valve map, providing a very distinctive and highly vocal exhaust note.
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The Vantage S is instantly recognisable as a true Aston Martin, characterised by its purposeful stance
conveying its agility and performance capability. From the front, a new lower front bumper finished in
perfectly-aligned carbon fibre houses a larger air intake feeding the engine and front brakes. The splitter
combined with the extended deck lid 'flip' work in harmony to provide increased down force at speed. New 19
inch 'V' spoke wheel styles are available as standard, while an optional 10-spoke lightweight forged wheel
option, reduces unsprung mass further. A new rear bumper and side sills optically widen the car.
Bridging the gap between road car and race car, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S is heavily influenced by
the 2011 Vantage GT4 race car. The GT4 takes advantage of the Vantage's immensely rigid bonded aluminium
chassis, providing the ideal platform for a race car. Minor racing safety modifications including an FIA
approved roll cage and racing 'bag' petrol tank along with weight saving measures are made to the standard
road car to convert it into a class winning race car. In 2010, it won its class at the Dubai 24 Hours
following this up with further endurance race wins at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, Silverstone 24 Hours and
Spa 24 Hours. It also won its first major international championship victory in the European GT4 Cup.
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage S is available to order now from the brand's global dealership network,
including the local Australian dealers.
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