The Aston Martin V8 Vantage S: Advancing Age with Audacity
Aston Martin's Vantage series, having evolved from its inception, sets another performance milestone with its 2012 model: the V8 Vantage S. This creation presents a plethora of driver-oriented features designed to surge the Vantage's dynamism to a novel pinnacle.
Under the Hood: More Power, More Engagement
The heart of this beast is Aston Martin's proprietary 4.7 litre V8 engine, fine-tuned to yield an output of 430 bhp at 7300 rpm and a torque of 490 Nm at 5000 rpm. The powertrain's most significant advancement, however, is the inclusion of the Sportshift™ II transmission - an entirely novel design, boasting seven short ratio gears, specifically tailored to the Vantage S, to provide heightened engagement and driver involvement.
Dynamics: Fine-Tuning the Thrill
The Vantage S doesn't shy away from revising its dynamic attributes. Key changes include a quicker steering rack ratio of 15:1, an increase in front brake disc diameter supplemented by new six-piston front brake calipers, novel springs and dampers, and wider rear wheels. A distinct dynamic stability control (DSC) system, tailored for the Vantage S, incorporates Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) for emergency braking and Hill Start Assist (HSA) features, ensuring safety without compromising the driving thrill. Furthermore, in collaboration with Bridgestone, specific tyres have been crafted to maximize road grip and enhance the dynamic feel.
The Automated Manual: Sportshift™ II
At its essence, the Vantage S features the seven-speed Sportshift™ II automated manual transmission as a standard inclusion, which outperforms its predecessor by a swift 20% in gear changes. The extra gear, coupled with a shorter final drive ratio of 4.182:1, yields more rapid acceleration and a refined sporty feel. Simplicity and weight savings come from the single clutch system, reducing the complexity typically found in dual clutch alternatives. The Vantage S further integrates a 'Sport' button, escalating the throttle response and creating an invigorating exhaust note through the open bypass valves, a characteristic feature of the 'S' variant.
Exterior: Unmistakably Aston Martin
The Vantage S bears the definitive Aston Martin demeanor, portrayed through its agile stance and potent performance capability. The front features a new carbon fibre lower bumper with a larger air intake, while a rear bumper and side sills give the car a broader optical appearance. Furthermore, the car offers standard 19-inch 'V' spoke wheel styles and an optional 10-spoke lightweight forged wheel option, contributing to reducing the unsprung mass.
Track to Tarmac: The GT4 Influence
Enriched with a heritage of endurance race victories, the 2012 Vantage S mirrors significant aspects of the 2011 Vantage GT4 race car, thus marrying the thrill of the racetrack to the sophistication of the road. The sturdy bonded aluminium chassis offers an ideal platform for performance and safety modifications, which lend the Vantage S its race-inspired feel.
Defining a New Era of Vantage: In Summary
The 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S emerges as a remarkable innovation, intensifying the driver experience beyond the already impressive Vantage range. The model capitalizes on strategic enhancements to create a cohesive package of power, performance, and style. However, potential owners must acknowledge that with these advancements, there's an inherent demand for increased driving skill to truly exploit its offerings. Despite these demands, the Vantage S stands as a testament to Aston Martin's prowess in seamlessly blending racetrack exhilaration with road-going elegance.
-Ed
2012 Aston Martin Vantage S
