Aston Martin unleashes an even more powerful version of the V12 Vantage; the car adds an “S” to its name. The Aston Martin V12 Vantage S is powered by the AM28, a naturally aspirated 6.0 liter V12 engine, producing 565 horsepower at 6,750 rpm and 457 pound-feet of torque at 5,750 rpm.
This new engine in this car produces 55 more horses and 37 more pound-feet of torque than the standard V12 Vantage. The V12 Vantage S is equipped with a Sportsift 7-speed automated manual transmission, with an expected 0 to 60 mph time of less than 4 seconds and a top speed of 205 mph.
Aston Martin calls the V12 Vantage S a race car for the street, and therefore equipped it with an adjustable suspension; drivers can choose between Normal, Sport, and Track modes. Drivers can also adjust throttle response, gear selection, and exhaust note.
There aren’t too many aesthetic upgrades on the “S”, the front grill does look to be inspired by the CC100 Speedster and uses carbon fiber inserts. The car rides on 19” 10-spoke wheels and the roof is painted black, which apparently makes the car faster.
No word on pricing yet but expect to pay north of the $200,000 mark. Via: AM
2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Picture Gallery
Understanding that the heads, exhaust manifold, catalytic converters, resonator, exhaust piping, and mufflers all have a play in the sound of the exhaust, and that a natually asperated vehicle relies heavily on all of these parts working together perfectly to create the maximum ammount of flow while maintaining the perfect ammount of back pressure to create the best performance out of the engine, how would one be able to change the exhaust note without affecting the performance of the vehicle, even if not by much? Is there a setting for best performance on the “exhaust note selector”? When building a streetable racecar, I understand that there is some give and take. Adding the ability to change the exhaust not is not something that I think a true rececar connisseur would be looking for when spending over 200k on his car. Vibrant is a company that makes mufflers that are capable of changing exhaust note and they are $500 a piece. Hardly something an Aston Martin fan wants to put on his car. In trade for this option they should have spent their R&D time and money on loosing a few pounds off of the sprung weight of the vehicle and adding some sort of aerodynamic adjustability. A small lip on the tail of the vehicle capable of flattening out as to not create too much drag when cruising on the highway, where most people are hoping to save a few bucks in gas, but also be able to be engaged and lift up for added grip when ripping around the corners of “The Burg”.
– John