Test Drive: Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

Maximum Power in the Smallest Body

Test Drive: Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

Fumio Ogawa test drives the new V12 Vantage S, which arrived in Japan last autumn as the successor to Aston Martin's sportiest model, the V12 Vantage. A 573ps V12 engine roars within its compact body. Experience the allure of this British sports car, honed over a century of history.

Text by OGAWA FumioPhotographs by ARAKAWA Masayuki

An Invitation to British Sports Cars

What do you seek in a sports car? Perhaps the joy of driving is the ultimate destination. However, the answer varies. Britain's Aston Martin is not as overtly entertaining as Ferrari, nor as stoic as McLaren. Its appeal lies in its ability to be moderately sensual in both performance and styling.

Launched in Japan in the autumn of 2013, the new generationVantage Sis, among Aston Martin models, the one that most overflows with the charm of a sports car.

In a word, the Aston Martin Vantage S is characterized by being powerful and compact. It is about 33 centimeters shorter in overall length than the Aston Martin DB9, yet boasts an output 57ps higher at 573ps. Furthermore, its adoption of an adaptive damping system and a new, highly responsive transmission to enhance its "extreme sports performance" is particularly impressive.

The actual car is remarkably compact, considering it houses a V12 engine with a displacement of 5,935cc at the front. With an overall length of only 4.4 meters, it gives the impression of immense power condensed within.

The body, draped over a lightweight chassis, is shaped by artisans from stretched aluminum panels, conveying a taut, powerful presence that feels almost bursting with inner muscle.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

Maximum Power in the Smallest Body

Test Drive: Aston Martin V12 Vantage S (2)

Rocket-like Acceleration

The seats, upholstered in Alcantara, an artificial suede, over a lightweight structure of carbon fiber and other materials, are likely designed to prevent occupants from sliding during spirited driving. They feel good to the touch and offer a smoother ride than smooth leather due to their moderate give.

The test car featured a yellow body with a complex layered paint finish and a black interior. Accents of yellow stitching, echoing the exterior color, add a touch of flair to the cabin. This, too, is a point of difference from McLaren's purely functional, race-car-oriented approach.

Starting the engine with a button on the center console and selecting D with another push-button is the familiar procedure from previous Aston Martins. From there, one simply selects gears while feeling the cool touch of the highly rigid paddle shifters.

The Vantage S uses a new transmission called "Sportshift III," a two-pedal manual system with computer-controlled clutch operation. Reportedly adapted from racing models, its precise seven-speed shift schedule is designed to keep the engine within its optimal torque band, and its clutch engagement and disengagement are notably quicker.

With 620Nm of torque peaking at 5,750rpm and 70Nm available from just 1,000rpm, it demonstrates superb acceleration from low speeds. The official 0-100km/h sprint time is a mere 3.9 seconds.

Beyond 3,000rpm, the acceleration becomes rocket-like. As the engine revs climb, it becomes clear that this car is more than just a stylish coupe.

The incredibly responsive steering, the firmly planted suspension, and the high-pitched exhaust note, tuned through an enhancer, seem to urge the driver of the Vantage S onward, saying, "Go on, push it harder."

Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

Maximum Power in the Smallest Body

Test Drive: Aston Martin V12 Vantage S (3)

Further Enjoyment on the Racetrack

For those drawn to the Aston Martin name but seeking a moderately sporty car, there is the DB9, which is slightly milder and offers reasonable practicality with rear seats. In contrast, the Vantage S is a car for those who actively seek the joy of driving.

It features a selector switch that allows for adjustments to shift timing, steering weight, and damping, with a "Track" setting for the suspension. However, even in normal mode, it delivers a super-sporting performance by any conventional standard.

Due to its incredibly high handling limits, its enjoyment on public roads is inherently constrained. The car's behavior remains well within stable parameters on public roads, with neutral steering characteristics maintained even through corners. The true extent of its capabilities is likely reserved for the racetrack.

Nevertheless, the immediate engine response to throttle input, the agility afforded by its light body, and the overall driving experience envelop the occupant in a sense of bliss. With a high margin of safety in its handling and engineered to be thoroughly enjoyable in transitional states, anyone can fully appreciate the appeal of the Vantage S.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

Maximum Power in the Smallest Body

Test Drive: Aston Martin V12 Vantage S (4)

Its Striking Looks Have a Logical Basis

The Vantage S's striking appearance has a logical foundation, evident in the array of cooling vents on the bonnet and the front air dam sculpted for cooling and aerodynamics. These elements underscore Aston Martin's deep involvement in racing.

It is admirable how this relatively small manufacturer skillfully secures funding and competes on equal footing with the sports cars of major manufacturers. The Vantage S stands as a prime example of this high level of achievement.

The genesis of any automobile lies in the pursuit of ideals by those who love them. Aston Martin is a testament to the passion of Dr. Ulrich Bez, who served as CEO and head of engineering.

In an era where multinational corporations dominate the market with a high degree of anonymity, products born from such strong personal conviction are perhaps something we should all cherish. In that sense, I would recommend the Vantage S to everyone as a strong contender for anyone looking to own a sports car.