What's all this then?
Aston Martin has announced a series of updates for its Vantage range, presumably to keep it fresh until its replacement some time in 2017/18. The biggest news is the addition of a manual gearbox for the V12 Vantage S.
Tell me more.
Until now, the V12 Vantage S Coupe and Roadster have only been offered with Aston's six-speed Sportshift III automatic, but it seems Aston Martin is intent on retaining a manual gearbox offering. Director of Product Development, Ian Minards, said: "Technology drives us forward, but we understand the importance of tradition. The true purist will always hanker for the tactility and connection offered by a manual transmission, so it has been a real pleasure to offer just that in our fastest and most focused model. At a time when manual transmissions have almost entirely disappeared in high performance cars, this makes the manual V12 Vantage S a very special car indeed". It's a new seven-speed gearbox, with first on a 'dog-leg' to keep the most-used gears together. On top of that, there's a new switchable rev-matching function called AMSHIFT.
Sounds fun, is it any faster?
No. Aston Martin quotes the same 205mph top speed and 3.9-second 0-62mph time for both transmissions. The naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 is unchanged, producing 573hp at 6,750rpm and 620Nm of torque at 5,750rpm. That's sent to the rear wheels via a limited slip differential as before.
But it has go-faster stripes...
Ah, yes, they're part of the new Sport-Plus Pack, or rather, they are if you want them. This styling package brings with it a choice of five body hues, while the accent colour applied to the front grille surround, rear diffuser blades, mirror caps and side sills is a no-cost option. It's complemented by stripes and contrast stitching inside to go with the black or grey upholstery.
What about the rest of the range?
Well, the V8 line-up has been reduced to V8 Vantage S Coupe and Roadster and they get some modest tweaks inside and out, while all cars get the new AMi III infotainment system with what sounds like a massively improved satnav interface and the addition of Apple CarPlay.
Any word on pricing?
Nothing from Aston in the press release other than saying the V12 Vantage S costs the same whether it has the new manual gearbox or the current Speedshift unit. The first buyers of the manual model will receive their cars in the third quarter of this year.
Shane O' Donoghue - 6 Apr 2016