Aston Martin Vantage: A Limited Edition Manual Model, Just 200 Worldwide | Aston Martin

Aston Martin Vantage AMR

A Limited Edition Manual Model, Just 200 Worldwide

Aston Martin has announced the "Vantage AMR," a limited edition of 200 units worldwide featuring a manual transmission for the "Vantage." At the same time, it was revealed that a manual transmission option will become available for the regular "Vantage" from 2020 onwards.

Text by YANAKA Tomomi

The "Vantage 59" Special Edition Model is Limited to 59 Units

The "Vantage AMR" was unveiled at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, the venue for the seventh round of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).

At its heart lies a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine, producing a maximum output of 510 ps and a peak torque of 625 Nm. Its top speed remains the same as previous Vantages at 314 km/h, with 0-100 km/h acceleration recorded in 4 seconds.

What is particularly noteworthy is the transmission. It features a 7-speed manual gearbox developed by Graziano in Italy, inspired by motorsport. It employs a "dogleg" pattern, where the first gear is positioned to the left and forward, making the frequently used gears from 2nd to 7th more accessible. It is also paired with a limited-slip differential tuned at Silverstone Circuit, the mecca of British motorsport.

Additionally, it incorporates a function called AMSHIFT. When selected by the driver, it perfectly replicates heel-and-toe downshifts by combining sensor data from the clutch, shift position, and propeller shaft with a sophisticated engine management program. Furthermore, AMSHIFT minimizes acceleration interruption during full-throttle upshifts, contributing to smoother operation.

By replacing the automatic transmission with a lighter manual gearbox and equipping carbon-ceramic brakes as standard, a weight reduction of 95 kg has been achieved. Drivers can also select from three modes – Sport, Sport+, and Track (Circuit) – depending on their preference and road conditions.

Five body designs are available. Among them, the "Vantage 59," limited to 59 units, commemorates the 60th anniversary of the DBR1's 1-2 finish at the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans. It features a Sterling Green and Lime color scheme, with an interior finished in Dark Knight leather and Alcantara. Other available colors include Sabiro Blue, Onyx Black, China Grey, and White Stone.

The price for the "Vantage 59" limited to 59 units is £164,995 (approximately ¥23.8 million), while the remaining "Vantage AMR" models are priced at £149,995 (approximately ¥21.6 million). With a total production run of 200 units, deliveries are scheduled to begin around the end of 2019.