Aston Martin's flood of new models shows no sign of stopping. After revamping almost its entire model range last year, the company has now taken the next step towards Zuffenhausen-style return on investment by giving its most beloved models a refined S version. It started at the end of April with the DBX S, and now it's Porsche's 911 rival, the Vantage.
Andreas Bareis, Aston's president for EMEA, spoke about the strategy behind this. He said that the goal is not to copy the Porsche 911 with almost 30 different versions. The goal is to offer customers new alternatives more often than before. So if they want a new car in two or three years, they should find it at Aston. Ideally, a new version of the model should also arouse even more desire. And while the standard Vantage already arouses a lot of desire, this goal should be achieved with the new Vantage S.
One reason: the power of the 4,0-liter biturbo V8 engine, originally developed by AMG, has been increased by 15 hp to 680 hp in the S model. Maximum torque remains the same at 800 Nm. Since the Launch Control system has also been sent to the gym, the time from 0 to 100 km/h has been shortened by 0,1 to 3,4 seconds. It accelerates to 200 km/h in 10,1 seconds. Top speed is still 325 km/h. The sports car manufacturer also promises greater involvement in the operation of the drivetrain thanks to a better-weighted and more aggressive accelerator pedal.
According to Aston Martin, the Vantage S also benefits from “extensive detailed changes to the suspension, powertrain mounts and control software,” which should deliver greater agility and stability, as well as an improved driving experience. So far, the driving experience with the Vantage has been quite spectacular and wild in the best sense of the word. With the S, it could be a little more serious.
Among other things, the engineers wanted better grip, feel and responsiveness on the front axle. To achieve this, they changed the hardware and software of the Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers. In addition, the stiffness of the rear dampers was reduced to optimize ride quality at low speeds. Another measure to improve ride fluidity is a ten percent reduction in the stiffness of the transmission mountings.
On the other hand, the elimination of rubber bushings and the direct attachment of the rear subframe to the body are said to provide better directional stability and steering feel. In addition, the camber, camber and camber settings of the wheel suspension have also been addressed to optimize front axle traction and the car's overall responsiveness.
In the future, you’ll recognise the Vantage S by its new bonnet scoops, designed to channel more of the hot exhaust air away from the eight-cylinder engine. The front wings also feature a brass-forged ‘S’ infused with red glass enamel. The 21-inch wheels are finished in satin black with red wheel graphics. The brake calipers are also finished in bronze.
An Alcantara and leather interior with satin carbon inserts is standard on the Vantage S. Aston talks about a slight weight reduction inside, but doesn’t give any figures. A luxurious touch is the embroidered “S” logos on the upper shoulder cushions of the seats, which required almost 2.500 individual stitches and more than 16 metres of thread. An optional interior package offers a rotary drive mode dial in red or silver anodised finish, which looks very cool in the pictures, at least.
The Vantage S will make its dynamic world debut this weekend at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it will also compete in the hillclimb. The car is available to order now in coupe and roadster form, with first deliveries due in the fourth quarter of 2025. Pricing is not yet available, but the standard Vantage coupe starts at €198.000.
