[DJ]

2011 Aston Martin Vantage S Review
Tunnels. That’s all you need to know.

By Karl Peskett - Teamspeed Contributing Editor
Photos by Jan Glovac

If you don’t understand what I’m talking about, then stop reading now. For those of you who do, then trust me when I say the new Vantage S is more focused on tunnel-love than any Vantage built previously.

For a start, Aston Martin has increased the power, going from 420bhp for the standard 4.7-litre Vantage to 430bhp while torque has increased from 470Nm to 490Nm. While the changes may be slight, let’s put that in perspective: it has 10bhp and 60Nm more than Audi’s brilliant R8, and 45bhp and 70Nm more than Porsche’s iconic 911 Carrera S. But it’s not just the extra urge that impresses. The new exhaust system confidently alerts you to the fact there’s more going on than meets the eye.

From the instant you fire it up, the V8 bark has been deepened and intensified. It rattles more at idle and sounds more raw then ever before. If the last Vantage made your ears hurt, this one positively makes them bleed. But it’s worth it. Aston Martin has been creating some of the world’s best sounding engines for years, and this latest effort is no exception. A classic eight-cylinder soundtrack punctuated by a metallic howl – it rates as one of the true aural greats. Activate the “Sport” button on the dash and gear-changes happen quicker, the exhaust bypass valves open 1000rpm earlier (at 3000rpm) and throttle response sharpens up. In a tunnel, epic doesn’t begin to describe it.

It may be the same overall shape that we’ve seen since the launch of the Vantage in 2006, but it still doesn’t look dated. Aston Martin is the only marque able to combine futuristic with classic, creating a curvaceous, desirable and timeless profile. And it’s been enhanced further on the Vantage S by wider, flowing side skirts, increasing the integrated rear spoiler’s height, adding a carbon-fiber front splitter and a more aggressive rear bumper. It all suggests a more hardcore car than the original. There’s also an “S” on the badging for those completely oblivious to everything else going on.

Behind the diamond-turn machined wheels sit even larger brakes with new six-piston calipers – they work a treat. Ridiculous amounts of stopping power are available, and unless you’re hammering it on a track for hours on end, they’re fade-free.

The gearshifts now happen in 140-milliseconds, which is still slower than a dual-clutch setup, but Aston Martin tells us that the Graziano transmission is a lot lighter (all up, the Vantage S is 30kg lighter than a regular Vantage). There’s also less of a pause between ratios, preventing the headbutt-steering-wheel-slam-into-headrest gear-change of the regular Vantage. At least the paddles respond instantly. My pick would be a manual, but alas, it’s not an option.

The biggest improvement however, is the steering. Going from a 17:1 ratio to a 15:1 ratio has sharpened it up, added more weight and feedback and given the Vantage S more of a go-kart-like feel than ever before.

You can feel it immediately on turn in with noticeable heft and quicker response. Directional changes are near instant, however some very quick wheeling will see rack-rattle rear its ugly head – something the Vantage has been plagued with since its inception.

The electronic stability control now has three stages: road, track and off, allowing you to set your attack mode dependent on prevailing conditions. Track allows a bit of slip and allows good drivers to better their track times by not clamping down too early. Switch it all off and long, controlled drifts are there for the taking, with the better steering able to catch the slide much quicker.

The brakes have been lightened by 400g per disc, reducing unsprung weight (which increases grip), as well as employing a more powerful brake booster to decrease braking distance. The suspension has been re-tuned – yes, the ride is extremely firm, but it’s liveable, if only just - and the grippy Bridgestone tires have been designed specifically for the Vantage S. It all adds up to a cracking drive.

But the Vantage S isn’t all fire and brimstone. It has a usable boot, an interior swathed in soft leather and alcantara, climate control, an awe-inspiring sound system and supportive yet comfortable seats. Even the shift paddles are an elegant combination of leather and magnesium. Aston Martin has truly created something that is as comfortable on a track as it is at a red-carpet event.

And that’s the real beauty of this car. Wear a tuxedo and you can play suave spy. Wear a helmet and leathers and you can play Le Mans challenger. Considering the price is US$138,000, the Aston Martin Vantage S is a whole lot of car. And the best part? There’s also a convertible version.

That should be even better for tunnel-love.

[WFR22]

Love the car, and some seriously amazing photography going on.

[chokeu2]

For the first time ever... I've found a car sans stick shift, with paddles that I'd love to have.
WOW

[Chris75]

Very well written. Great idea guys hope to see more of these reviews in the near future, maybe some video too!

[McRae]

the color blasts minds!!!

[McRae]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris75 »

Very well written. Great idea guys hope to see more of these reviews in the near future, maybe some video too!

This^^^

[VegasFloyd]

I like the transforming interior.

[Chris from Cali]

Quote:

Originally Posted by chokeu2 »

For the first time ever... I've found a car sans stick shift, with paddles that I'd love to have.
WOW

For me, that was the Scuderia...

This car would be perfect with a manual. I love the color, though I would have gone something in dark gray or even a cuoio inside.

[M-Individual]

That is awesome write up! great job!

[670-SV]

fantastic job Guys, lovely pictures as well... Thanks DJ!