Aston Martin has ushered in its 17MY range by offering the sensational V12 Vantage S with a manual transmission. Each V12 Vantage S transmission option has been designed to deliver a unique character and dynamic emphasis and total driver engagement, while the Sportshift III transmission is aimed to offer a contemporary driving experience. The seven-speed manual transmission features a classic dog-leg first gear position. This dog-leg configuration also ensures the gears used most frequently are located in a double ‘H’ pattern like that of a conventional 6-speed manual.
The new manual transmission also features AMSHIFT, a driver selectable system which uses clutch, gear position and propshaft sensors, together with finely-tuned programming of the engine management, to mimic the technique of heel-and-toe downshifts; the act of blipping the throttle while braking and changing gear. AMSHIFT also offers the capability of full-throttle upshifts for maximum smoothness and minimal interruption in acceleration. AMSHIFT can be used in all driving modes, but is especially effective in Sport, with the sharper throttle response and louder exhaust note emphasising the downshift throttle blip for maximum excitement.
Offered as a no-cost option in UK and EU markets, the manual V12 Vantage S is a series production model. Customers simply have to make the choice between manual and Sportshift III transmission when ordering their car. Both versions are otherwise mechanically identical, sharing the same chassis and brake packages and powered by the same 6.0-litre V12 engine. The V12 Vantage S accelerates from a standstill to 62mph in 3.9sec and both, manual and automatic, can reach a top speed of 205mph.
In the US market, a manual V12 Vantage S will be offered as special edition model with production limited to 100 cars.
Customers can also select a new Sport-Plus Pack option that includes a raft of exterior and interior changes. Foremost amongst these is a choice of five body colours, which can be combined with no-cost optional accent colours applied to the front grille lipstick, side sills, mirror caps and rear diffuser blades. Ten-spoke graphite finish lightweight alloy wheels complete the Sport-Plus Pack’s exterior changes, while a choice of black or grey upholstery with stripes and contrast stitching offered in a range of accent colours create a suitably dramatic interior theme.
One change to be implemented across all current model lines is the new AMi III infotainment system. This includes a new integrated Satellite Navigation system that offers significant improvements over the outgoing AMi II technology. Key areas of improvement are the integrated graphics, quicker and easier address input, reduced loading times, updatable maps, graphical itinerary planning, advanced traffic information, enhanced map graphics and a greater range of voice guidance options. AMi III also incorporates Apple CarPlay to enable the integration of iPhone functions into the built-in display.
In addition to the new AMi III Infotainment and Satellite Navigation System upgrade, both 17MY Rapide S and Vanquish model lines are offered with a range of new option packs. These option packs continue to offer added value and a huge range of exterior and interior colour, trim and detailing combinations. First deliveries of the manual V12 Vantage S are scheduled to begin during the third quarter of 2016.
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