The All-New Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Now Available at Aston Martin of Dallas

Aug. 9, 2011 - PRLog -- The all-new Aston Martin V8 Vantage S is now available at Aston Martin of Dallas.  The Aston Martin Vantage comes of age with the new V8 Vantage S characterized by a host of new driver-focused features designed to push the honed dynamics of the standard Vantage to a new benchmark level.

New Features on the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S include:
• Driver-focused V8 Vantage featuring enhanced dynamics
• Increased power and torque to 430 bhp and 490 Nm
• New ground-up developed seven-speed Sportshift™ II transmission

Aston Martin’s own 4.7 liter V8 engine has been engineered to deliver peak power - 430 bhp (436 PS / 321 kW) at 7300 rpm and torque of 490 Nm (361 lb.ft) at 5000 rpm - coupled with a new ground-up developed Sportshift™ II transmission specifically designed for the Vantage S with seven short ratio gears to deliver the most engaging and intense driver involvement.

“The Vantage S epitomizes the Aston Martin driving experience,” said Kurt Fegraeus, Managing Partner of Aston Martin of Dallas.  “The Vantage S uses the original design of the Vantage and takes the car to a completely new level of achievement.”

Dynamic revisions are central to the Vantage S, with a quickened steering rack ratio of 15:1 compared to 17:1 on the standard car and a larger diameter front brake disc with new six-piston front brake calipers.  New springs and dampers, and wider rear wheels also contribute to chassis revisions.  Bespoke tires have been developed with Bridgestone to optimize road-holding and to create an enhanced dynamic feel.

At the core of the Vantage S is the new seven-speed Sportshift™ II automated manual transmission that delivers exceedingly rapid gear changes--20 percent faster than Sportshift™.  The extra gear permits shorter, well-spaced ratios to take advantage of the optimum torque, which combined with a shorter final drive ratio of 4.182:1 delivers quicker acceleration and an enhanced sporting feel.  The inherent benefit of a single clutch system reduces complexity and significant weight over a dual clutch solution.  Sportshift™ II allows the driver to take an increased level of control, modulating the throttle pedal to achieve the desired type of gear change.  In addition, the Vantage S features a ‘Sport’ button which quickens the gear changes and gives the driver a more aggressive throttle response while also opening the exhaust bypass valves across most of the engine speed range—thus, perfectly characterizing the ‘S’ variant.

“The Vantage S is definitely a remarkable car to drive,” said Fegraeus.  “If you aren’t looking for a car with a lot of power and extremely high performance, you wouldn’t be interested in Aston Martin’s Vantage S.”

As with every Aston Martin, the Vantage S benefits from its own unique sound with a new exhaust muffler and bypass valve map, creating a very distinctive and highly vocal exhaust note.

The Vantage S is instantly recognizable as a true Aston Martin, characterized by its purposeful stance conveying its agility and performance capability.  From the front, a new lower front bumper finished in perfectly aligned carbon fiber houses a larger air intake feeding the engine and front brakes.  The splitter combined with the extended deck lid ‘flip’ work in harmony to provide increased down force at speed.  New 19 inch ‘V’ spoke wheel styles are available as standard, while an optional 10-spoke lightweight forged wheel option, reduces unsprung mass further.  A new rear bumper and side sills optically widen the car.

Bridging the gap between road-car and racecar, the Vantage S is heavily influenced by the 2011 Vantage GT4 racecar.  The GT4 takes advantage of the Vantage’s immensely rigid bonded aluminum chassis, providing the ideal platform for a racecar.  Minor racing safety modifications including an FIA approved roll cage and a racing ‘bag’ gas tank.  In 2010, the Vantage S won its class at the Dubai 24 Hours and then followed up with further endurance race wins at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, Silverstone 24 Hours and Spa 24 Hours.  It also won its first major international championship victory in the European GT4 Cup.

# # #

Aston Martin of Dallas is a proud part of the John Eagle group of dealerships. Established in 2000, Aston Martin of Dallas is one of the top Aston Martin dealerships in the country and is world renowned for its professional employees and luxurious dealership design.

Aston Martin excels in providing the ultimate in customer satisfaction and offers only the finest of new and pre-owned luxury vehicles. Aston Martin of Dallas is the number one seller of pre-owned Aston Martins in North America. Visit www.AstonMartinDallas.com for more information.