ASTON MARTIN V8 Vantage S | Driving Footage Released
CAR / NEWS
March 6, 2015

ASTON MARTIN V8 Vantage S | Driving Footage Released


ASTON MARTIN V8 Vantage S


Aston Martin V8 Vantage S: Driving Footage Revealed


British automotive magazine "AUTOCAR" has released an impression movie of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage's hot model, the Vantage S, on YouTube.


By Dai Matsuo




321kW Maximum Output! 490Nm Maximum Torque!!



Aston Martin V8 Vantageenhanced performance, boasting capabilities close to theV12 Vantageis now available for viewing.V8 Vantage SThe driving performance of the V8 Vantage S is now available for viewing.

This S model is equipped with the same Aston Martin-made 4.7-liter V8 engine as the V8 Vantage, mounted in the front. The maximum output is increased by 7kW (10ps) to 321kW (436ps) at 7,300rpm, and the maximum torque is increased by 20Nm (2kgm) to 490Nm (50.0kgm) at 5,000rpm, achieving a top speed of 305km/h.

The transmission is a 7-speed, 2-pedal manual "Sportshift II" developed specifically for this model. Gear changes are 20 percent faster than the V8 Vantage's 6-speed, 2-pedal manual "Sportshift." Additionally, the lower six gears have closer ratios for more optimal use of engine power, while the seventh gear serves as an overdrive for highway cruising, contributing to improved fuel efficiency.

To match the increased power, the brakes have been upgraded with larger 380mm front discs and 6-piston calipers, while the rear discs are 330mm. The ABS, traction control, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) have also been refined for this model. It rides on 245/40 R19 tires at the front and 285/35 R19 at the rear.








A Superb Transmission You Won't Want to Go Back to Manual From



Dr. Ulrich Bez describes the V8 Vantage S as "a model that enhances controllability even further while summarizing the characteristics of the V8 Vantage." Steve Sutcliffe, Editor-in-Chief of AUTOCAR UK, commented on the car's performance, saying, "Before I start impressions of this car, please enjoy the engine sound. This sound says it all," highlighting the superb engine note.

He also touched upon the newly developed Graziano gearbox, stating, "Unfortunately, this car is not a manual shift, but fortunately, it comes with a superb paddle shift system. With a single button press, you can switch to sport settings, making throttle response and gear changes more agile. Once you experience this, you'll never want to go back to a manual car," he praised enthusiastically.

This transmission is described as being both highly agile and smooth. While good in normal mode, it reacts quickly when switched to sport mode, and the gear changes are described as "funky and enjoyable."

The steering has been revised with a sportier gear ratio, changed from 17:1 to 15:1. With a lock-to-lock rotation of 2.6 turns, there was a momentary fear of over-steering, but overall, it was praised as being as superb as ever.

The only minor drawback mentioned is a slight fade in the steel brakes, and a feeling of the car's weight in high-speed corners.

Despite these minor criticisms, he concluded, "It's just great! It's a truly wonderful car. I can't get enough of this driving experience."





ASTON MARTIN V8 Vantage S
Body Dimensions: Length 4,385 x Width 1,865 x Height 1,260mm (1,270mm for Roadster)
Wheelbase: 2,600mm
Curb Weight: 1,610kg (1,690kg for Roadster)
Engine: 4.7-liter V8 DOHC
Maximum Output: 321kW (436ps) / 7,300rpm
Maximum Torque: 490Nm (50.0kgm) / 5,000rpm
European Combined Fuel Consumption: 12.9ℓ/100km (7.8km/ℓ)
CO2 Emissions: 299g/km
Drivetrain: RWD
Transmission: 7-speed, 2-pedal manual
Price: ¥17,535,000 (Coupe) / ¥19,005,000 (Roadster)