You’re looking at Aston Martin’s new 200mph sports car: the V12 Vantage S. Replacing the now-discontinued standard V12 Vantage, the S gets a new, more powerful engine, and a host of visual tweaks. It’ll cost around £150,000 and go on sale in late 2013.
>> Click here for CAR’s A-Z guide to the 2013 Frankfurt motor show
How fast is the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S?
Thanks to the ‘AM28’ 5.9-litre V12 from the flagship Vanquish, the V12 S develops 565bhp and 457lb ft. Aston claims the two-seater will overcome the hallowed double-ton: the top speed is 205mph.
Buyers don’t have the option of a manual gearbox: like the Vanquish, the V12 S uses a seven-speed automated manual with paddleshifters. Aston says the reworked Speedshift transmission is 25kg lighter than in previous applications.
The V12 S should handle better than before too, thanks to a three-mode adaptive suspension system (Normal, Sport and Track modes are available) and a quicker steering rack. A further ‘Sport’ button in the centre console alters throttle response, gearshift speed and timing, and exhaust note. The V12 uses the same exhaust system manufacturing process as the limited edition One-77 supercar: the S is said to be louder and lighter than a regular V12 on old pipes…
Point out those V12 Vantage S visual tweaks…
The front grille is inspired by the firm’s CC100 speedster concept car, and swaps horizontal spars for diagonal slats. Aerodynamics are improved thanks to a new front splitter, rear diffuser and bootlid lip. The bonnet vents are no longer aluminium: for the ‘S’ the slats are carbonfibre, while the mesh is titanium.
In place of the old V12 Vantage’s polished alloys are forged lightweight rims, enclosing standard-fit carbon-ceramic brakes. Inside, there are fewer noticeable changes: it’s a familiar snug Vantage cabin, with new upholstery designs and ‘V12 Vantage S’ insignia garnish.
The 200mph V12 Vanquish S is part of a deluge of new Aston releases to celebrate the British firm’s centenary in 2013. Take a look at the rest of the new Astons via CAR’s handy links:
Aston Martin CC100 concept: first official pictures
Aston Martin Rapide S: first drive
Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster: first official pictures
Aston Martin Vanquish Centenary Edition: first official pictures
