Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Flexes its muscle

Following its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show, Aston Martin has released footage of its hotter Vantage S’ tackling the track. Aston Martin says the new Vantage S was influenced by the recently introduced Vantage GT4 racecar. The Vantage S uses Aston Martin’s familiar 4.7L V8, but power has increased from the Vantage V8’s 420 horsepower to 430 horsepower. Torque is also up, increasing from 346 lb-ft to 361 lb-ft.

But the Vantage S is about more than just power tweaks, with the car featuring a number of other improvements. Compared to the standard Vantage V8, the Vantage S features a faster steering ratio, larger diameter front brake disc with new six-piston front brake calipers, revised springs and dampers, wider rear tires, a new st@bility control program and Hill Start[..]ist.

Also on tap for the Vantage S is Aston Martin’s new seven-speed Sportshift II automated manual transmission. Although still a single clutch system, Aston Martin says the Sportshift II transmission shifts gears 20 percent faster than the outgoing Sportshift gearbox, allowing for better overall performance. The extra cog helps the Vantage S to fuel economy ratings of 14mpg city and 21mpg highway.

Like the Chevrolet Corvette, the Vantage S uses an exhaust bypass valve that creates a “very distinctive and highly vocal exhaust note.”

“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[..]ociated with the Vantage range.”

The Aston Martin Vantage S is available for order now as both a coupe and convertible. No pricing information has been released, but we expect to hear more on that in the coming weeks.