Aston Martin has recently pulled back the curtain on its latest creation, the Vantage S, demonstrating that even a modest increase in horsepower can signify a significant leap in automotive refinement. Building upon the strong foundation of last year's extensively revised Vantage, the new 'S' variant boosts the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine's output from 656bhp to 671bhp. While the torque remains consistent at 590lb ft, and the top speed holds steady at 202mph, the 0-62mph acceleration time sees a slight improvement, shaving off a tenth of a second to reach 3.4 seconds.
The essence of the Vantage S lies not merely in outright speed, but in its meticulously engineered enhancements designed to elevate the driving experience. Key modifications include refined adaptive Bilstein DTX dampers, both in hardware and software, leading to a sharper front-end response. Furthermore, the rear springs have been subtly softened to enhance low-speed comfort. The transmission mount is now less rigid, which contributes to smoother power delivery and improved interaction between the powertrain and the vehicle's body. To sharpen steering responsiveness, the rear subframe is now directly connected to the body, bypassing traditional rubber bushes. Additionally, comprehensive adjustments to the suspension's camber, toe, and caster angles aim to improve front-end precision and overall stability, complemented by a re-calibrated drive-by-wire throttle for more natural feedback.
Visually, the Vantage S distinguishes itself with subtle yet purposeful design cues. Aerodynamic blades on the bonnet are integrated to facilitate more efficient heat extraction from the engine bay. A discreet carbon fiber lip spoiler at the rear, combined with new underbody aerodynamics, generates an additional 44kg of downforce at maximum speed, accumulating to a total of 111kg. Aesthetic additions include 'S' badges and an optional selection of 21-inch satin black, red-accented Y-spoke wheels. Inside, the Vantage S features an exclusive leather and Alcantara trim, with the optional 'Inspire Sport' package offering a distinctive repeating chevron pattern. Available as both a coupe and a Roadster, the Vantage S is now on sale, with initial deliveries expected by year-end, though pricing details are yet to be publicly announced.
This latest offering from Aston Martin exemplifies a philosophy of continuous innovation and dedication to perfection. It underscores the importance of incremental yet impactful improvements that elevate not just performance metrics, but the entire sensory and tactile experience of driving. Such advancements remind us that true progress often lies in the meticulous refinement of existing excellence, pushing boundaries while honoring heritage and delivering superior quality.