Aston Martin V8 Vantage S

What‘s it? Upon the surface the Vantage S appears to become a bit more when compared to a slightly pokier, slightly quicker version from the already excellent V8. Not that there could be an awful lot wrong with that ; the Vantage is already probably the most handsome coupes money can buy, in the end, having a choice of dynamic abilities which has got better more enhanced through the years. In reality, though, the new £102, 500, 430bhp Vantage S is not only a logical progression from the species. As Dr Bez himself admits : “We don‘t require a revolution at Aston Martin at this time. ” Even so, it’s hard not to become impressed by just how different this car is compared with what’s gone before. The actual advances concern the car’s steering, with a quicker, sharper rack ; its suspension, and that is “just about new from the bottom up” in its detail and tuning ; and also the gearbox, a new seven-speed paddle shift item from Graziano that‘s lighter, faster shifting and features closer ratios than anything offered previously inside a Vantage, be that V8 or V12. See pics from the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S in action Now watch Autocar's video review from the Vantage SThe styling, as intimated, has also been tweaked in order to make the V8 more muscular visually, though to not the point where you’d mistake for the entire fat V12. Even the brakes are bigger front and rear, as will be the wheels and tyres, though impressively the overall weight is down by some 30kg compared using the basic level V8. What’s it like? On an open road the differences are immediately apparent and centre on four areas ; the steering, the extra throttle response coming from the V8 when in Sport mode, the fantastic new NASCAR-like bark coming from the V8, and also the superior shift quality from the new gearbox, which is very fantastic. Oh yes, and also the new suspension, which somehow manages in order to make the V8 S feels sharper at speed and compliant over rough roads ; far better resolved, basically, than our old long-term V8 fitted using the optional sport suspension. The foremost impressive aspect is that the cohesion that now characterizes the driving experience. The V8 Vantage was already a well balanced car, with sufficient performance to unlock its traditional rear-drive chassis must you desire to drive it as a maniac. However the S makes several leaps forwards altogether kinds of directions ; it’s sharper AND more refined ; quicker yet more civilized ; far better to hear at full chat but less intrusive ambling on the light throttle. Actually adds as much as is really a car that could look pleasingly familiar upon the eye but and that is, actually, considerably far better to drive in each and every dimension ; one that’s both quicker and much more refined (than other V8 to date ) but additionally more rousing and much more exciting to drive. And a good bit quicker, too. Should I buy one? At £102, 500 the Vantage S is up against some stiff opposition. It’s priced to rival the somewhat formidable Porsche 911 Turbo, and it’ll also have the heat coming from the cheaper, more powerful new Jag XKR-S. In reality, however, the V8 S is just one of those cars that delights not simply due to its capcapacity to hit Mach 2. This really is probably the most charming sports cars you‘ll ever drive and perhaps one of the best looking inside the eyes of the writer, too. In light of which it’s worth every penny, after which some. Steve Sutcliffe Aston Martin V8 Vantage SPrice : £102, 500 ; Top speed : 189mph ; 0-62mph : 4. 5sec ; Economy : 21. 9mpg ; CO2 : 299g / km ; Kerb weight : 1610kg ; Engine : V8, 4735cc, petrol ; Power : 430bhp at 7300rpm ; Torque : 361lb ft at 5000rpm ; Gearbox : seven-speed Sportshift II Aston Martin V8 Vantage S