LONDON: Aston Martin is now offering the V12 Vantage S with manual transmission.
The seven-speed manual transmission features a classic dog-leg first gear position; an echo from the past that will be welcomed by driving enthusiasts. This dog-leg configuration also ensures the gears used most frequently are located in a double ‘H‘ pattern like that of a conventional 6-speed manual.
The new manual transmission also features AMSHIFT. The system, which is driver selectable uses clutch, gear position and propshaft sensors, together with finely-tuned programming of the engine management, to mimic the technique of heel-and-toe downshifts; the act of blipping the throttle while braking and changing gear. AMSHIFT also offers the capability of full-throttle upshifts for maximum smoothness and minimal interruption in acceleration.
AMSHIFT can be used in all driving modes, but is especially effective in Sport, with the sharper throttle response and louder exhaust note really emphasising the downshift throttle blip for maximum excitement.
Offered as a no-cost option in Britain and Europe, the manual V12 Vantage S is a series production model. However, in the US market, a manual V12 Vantage S will be offered as a special edition model with production limited to 100 cars.
Customers have a choice between manual and Sportshift III automatic transmission when ordering their car. Both versions are otherwise mechanically identical, sharing the same chassis and brake packages and powered by the same 6.0-litre V12 engine.
The engine produces 563bhp at 6,750 rpm and 620Nm of torque at 5,750 rpm. The car accelerates from standstill to 100kph in 3.9sec and both can reach 330kph.
"Broadening the scope of the V12 Vantage S with a manual transmission option is an indication of our desire to offer the keenest drivers a more analogue and immersive machine to enjoy. I'd like to take this opportunity to reiterate that the manual gearbox remains an integral part of our product plans and will do for many years to come," said Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer.
A new Sport-Plus Pack option includes exterior and interior changes. Foremost amongst these is a choice of five body colours, which can be combined with no-cost optional accent colours applied to the front grille lipstick, side sills, mirror caps and rear diffuser blades. Ten-spoke graphite finish lightweight alloy wheels complete the Sport-Plus Pack’s exterior changes, while a choice of black or grey upholstery with stripes and contrast stitching offered in a range of accent colours create a dramatic interior theme.
Aston Martin also said the V8 models are now consolidated into Coupe and Roadster versions of the V8 Vantage S. Mechanically unchanged, the V8 Vantage S receives small detail changes to the exterior and interior.
One change to be implemented across all current model lines is the new AMi III infotainment system. This includes a new integrated Satellite Navigation system that offers significant improvements over the outgoing AMi II technology. Key areas of improvement are the integrated graphics, quicker and easier address input, reduced loading times, updatable maps, graphical itinerary planning, advanced traffic information, enhanced map graphics and a greater range of voice guidance options. AMi III also incorporates Apple CarPlay to enable the integration of iPhone functions into the built-in display.
Both the Rapide S and Vanquish model lines are offered with a range of new option packs that offer added value and a range of exterior and interior colour, trim and detailing combinations.
First deliveries of the manual V12 Vantage S are scheduled to begin during the third quarter of 2016.
