The New Vantage S is awesome
Discussion
So using my 2010 V8V manual with all extras on it as the benchmark here is my impression for the Vantage S Coupe
Looks: Very subtle changes to the front aero styling, very functional and similar to V12 Vantage. Look closely at the front discs and callipers and you notice larger discs and new larger 6 pot callipers. New wheels 10mm wider (I’m not sure I like the look). Round the back of the car, similar treatment to rear aero as V12 Vantage and bigger lip on the tailgate. Inside: Subtle differences, Piano black all the way on the centre console to the glove box. Alcantara steering wheel and different panels on the door card. Piano black on the door pulls.
Start up and new 7 speed paddle sportshift gearbox: Fire the car up and select D. No crawling when you take the hand brake off. Also new hill start feature makes it very smooth and easy to get away. Press the right pedal and drives just like an auto gearbox. Take control of the right paddle to change gear up and the change is sooooo smooth and quick (but without a jolt). You have to adjust your mental state to remember you have 7 gears. Change down if you wish with the left paddle or just let the gearbox do it for you as you slow for a road junction. So let’s try the automatic shift first. Open piece of road and hit the right pedal. Gear change is very smooth and precise (and fast), you have to remember this is a manual gearbox with clever stuff from Graziano to provide the auto option for you.
The Gearbox: The auto shift is sweet, but I really want to see how this paddle sportshift works, and is it any different from the last V8V I drove with sportshift? Oh my gosh….A clear stretch of road and Rupert encourages me to take it up to 7,000 rpm and flick the right paddle. Each shift is so fast and clean there is no way you could change gear that fast with a manual gearbox. It’s so much better than the old sportshift. Full power right through the 7 gears and this is a real sports car. Coming up to an open roundabout in 7th gear and time to reduce speed, the brakes are awesome (more in a moment) flick the left paddle down 4 times as you brake and the gearbox responds when you ask it. None if this software taking over and controlling the down-change when IT wants to…..it does what you ask….very impressive. One more quick change down to second and back on the throttle to go round the roundabout (twice), take the exit on full gas in second, 7000 RPM and flick the paddle to change up still with a small amount of steering lock, 3rd, 4th 5th etc up through the gears. This new gearbox is stunning. I never expected such a fast gear change either up, or downshifting.
Brakes: New bigger discs and callipers offer real stopping power with no snatching (like the carbon ones can do). The pedal is firm enough and offers so much more stopping power than the basic V8V. Very reassuring.
Steering and suspension: The new steering rack is quicker lock to lock and is another (small) difference you notice very quickly over the older car. It reminds me of my Noble, sharp turn in and very precise without being over servo assisted or too pointy. Combined with the new suspension which is slightly firmer, it transforms the car into a real pedigree sports car when you push on, and lean on the suspension. The ride is not choppy or uncomfortable and to be honest I didn’t feel much difference to my V8V with sports pack, until you start to lean on the suspension. I swear Lee Noble could have set this car up. The Aston engineers have done a great job here. It’s not just a little bit better, it’s incredible. I would love to take it on track and really explore the handling.
Engine: I don’t understand why, but I know it feels more powerful than my V8V. The gear change is faster, so 0 – 60 mph is quicker, the engine mapping feels even more linear and free revving. Drive at motorway speeds in 7th gear and there is still huge amounts of torque available if you wish to drive lazily.
Overall: I did not expect such a transformation over the V8V or N420. All the little changes to the steering, suspension, brakes and engine, plus the big improvement to the gearbox, make this a new V8V experience. It’s a proper sports car now (when you want it) and still a stunning touring car when you want to swallow the miles up and get to your destination refreshed and comfortable. I have to say I was blown away just how good the Vantage S is. A big thank you to Rupert from Aston Martin and the Team at Stratstone Houghton Le Spring. Would I trade up? Not right now, because I enjoy my car so much and it’s only a year old. Would I consider a Vantage S over a used V12V in the future. Dam right I would.
Cheers,
Ian
Looks: Very subtle changes to the front aero styling, very functional and similar to V12 Vantage. Look closely at the front discs and callipers and you notice larger discs and new larger 6 pot callipers. New wheels 10mm wider (I’m not sure I like the look). Round the back of the car, similar treatment to rear aero as V12 Vantage and bigger lip on the tailgate. Inside: Subtle differences, Piano black all the way on the centre console to the glove box. Alcantara steering wheel and different panels on the door card. Piano black on the door pulls.
Start up and new 7 speed paddle sportshift gearbox: Fire the car up and select D. No crawling when you take the hand brake off. Also new hill start feature makes it very smooth and easy to get away. Press the right pedal and drives just like an auto gearbox. Take control of the right paddle to change gear up and the change is sooooo smooth and quick (but without a jolt). You have to adjust your mental state to remember you have 7 gears. Change down if you wish with the left paddle or just let the gearbox do it for you as you slow for a road junction. So let’s try the automatic shift first. Open piece of road and hit the right pedal. Gear change is very smooth and precise (and fast), you have to remember this is a manual gearbox with clever stuff from Graziano to provide the auto option for you.
The Gearbox: The auto shift is sweet, but I really want to see how this paddle sportshift works, and is it any different from the last V8V I drove with sportshift? Oh my gosh….A clear stretch of road and Rupert encourages me to take it up to 7,000 rpm and flick the right paddle. Each shift is so fast and clean there is no way you could change gear that fast with a manual gearbox. It’s so much better than the old sportshift. Full power right through the 7 gears and this is a real sports car. Coming up to an open roundabout in 7th gear and time to reduce speed, the brakes are awesome (more in a moment) flick the left paddle down 4 times as you brake and the gearbox responds when you ask it. None if this software taking over and controlling the down-change when IT wants to…..it does what you ask….very impressive. One more quick change down to second and back on the throttle to go round the roundabout (twice), take the exit on full gas in second, 7000 RPM and flick the paddle to change up still with a small amount of steering lock, 3rd, 4th 5th etc up through the gears. This new gearbox is stunning. I never expected such a fast gear change either up, or downshifting.
Brakes: New bigger discs and callipers offer real stopping power with no snatching (like the carbon ones can do). The pedal is firm enough and offers so much more stopping power than the basic V8V. Very reassuring.
Steering and suspension: The new steering rack is quicker lock to lock and is another (small) difference you notice very quickly over the older car. It reminds me of my Noble, sharp turn in and very precise without being over servo assisted or too pointy. Combined with the new suspension which is slightly firmer, it transforms the car into a real pedigree sports car when you push on, and lean on the suspension. The ride is not choppy or uncomfortable and to be honest I didn’t feel much difference to my V8V with sports pack, until you start to lean on the suspension. I swear Lee Noble could have set this car up. The Aston engineers have done a great job here. It’s not just a little bit better, it’s incredible. I would love to take it on track and really explore the handling.
Engine: I don’t understand why, but I know it feels more powerful than my V8V. The gear change is faster, so 0 – 60 mph is quicker, the engine mapping feels even more linear and free revving. Drive at motorway speeds in 7th gear and there is still huge amounts of torque available if you wish to drive lazily.
Overall: I did not expect such a transformation over the V8V or N420. All the little changes to the steering, suspension, brakes and engine, plus the big improvement to the gearbox, make this a new V8V experience. It’s a proper sports car now (when you want it) and still a stunning touring car when you want to swallow the miles up and get to your destination refreshed and comfortable. I have to say I was blown away just how good the Vantage S is. A big thank you to Rupert from Aston Martin and the Team at Stratstone Houghton Le Spring. Would I trade up? Not right now, because I enjoy my car so much and it’s only a year old. Would I consider a Vantage S over a used V12V in the future. Dam right I would.
Cheers,
Ian
Agree wholheartedly with the review - drove it a couple of weeks ago. You didn't mention the throttle blips on the manual down gearchange - I don't think I would ever get bored of doing that.
The other important part of the Vantage S is the Sport button - really sharpens up the throttle response. If you are on a straight flat road with just a small amount of pressure on the throttle but keeping constant revs and push the Sport button the car shoots off, revs increase and you haven't moved your foot position.
As 3rtt said the gearbox is fantastic, either in auto or manual mode.
Having driven it I understand its moniker of Vantage S, it really is a step up over 'standard' Vantages.
Wheels look better with dark sides to the spokes - saw both versions.
The other important part of the Vantage S is the Sport button - really sharpens up the throttle response. If you are on a straight flat road with just a small amount of pressure on the throttle but keeping constant revs and push the Sport button the car shoots off, revs increase and you haven't moved your foot position.
As 3rtt said the gearbox is fantastic, either in auto or manual mode.
Having driven it I understand its moniker of Vantage S, it really is a step up over 'standard' Vantages.
Wheels look better with dark sides to the spokes - saw both versions.
Yes I agree that the Op's given a very encouraging review,enough so that I now want to try one!
Would I be correct in thinking that the new 7 speeder is the same as that which can be found in the California???
If that is so it will be a cracker in its AM guise coupled to a few extra bhp.
Had the pleasure of Milbrook recently in said California and was suitably impressed,really did like the flappy gearbox thing which surprised me to be honest.But still enjoyed getting back into my own heap to go home
Would I be correct in thinking that the new 7 speeder is the same as that which can be found in the California???
If that is so it will be a cracker in its AM guise coupled to a few extra bhp.
Had the pleasure of Milbrook recently in said California and was suitably impressed,really did like the flappy gearbox thing which surprised me to be honest.But still enjoyed getting back into my own heap to go home
Sorry Rob just couldn't resist testing the water,I will go and stand in the corner of my garage as a punishment,but
I still didn't use the F word did I....
Seriously though I will have a close look at the S at Gaydon when I go on the 7th April for the Geneve event.Couldn't
go on the 4th,5th or 6th as the beasts in for its first service,by the time its collected, worked on and then returned
the dealer tells me to allow 3 days and you just can't go to Gaydon in the Rangie can you.
Anyone else going on the 7th????
I still didn't use the F word did I....
Seriously though I will have a close look at the S at Gaydon when I go on the 7th April for the Geneve event.Couldn't
go on the 4th,5th or 6th as the beasts in for its first service,by the time its collected, worked on and then returned
the dealer tells me to allow 3 days and you just can't go to Gaydon in the Rangie can you.
Anyone else going on the 7th????
No V12 roadster 
"Subtle aero changes" (all the V12 aero with no bonnet vents)
No crawl function
Hill hold
Better changes than the 4.7 sportshift
Better brakes but not ceramics
Quicker steering rack
Better ponies & talks delivery
Better than an N420
Sport button
Lower than my sport pack car
New wheels
Need to compare the suspension to a sportspack 4.7
I presume they have the sports exhaust?
Pretty sure they are the V12 sills
Now you got me thinking about changing when my warranty expires
"Subtle aero changes" (all the V12 aero with no bonnet vents)
No crawl function
Hill hold
Better changes than the 4.7 sportshift
Better brakes but not ceramics
Quicker steering rack
Better ponies & talks delivery
Better than an N420
Sport button
Lower than my sport pack car
New wheels
Need to compare the suspension to a sportspack 4.7
I presume they have the sports exhaust?
Pretty sure they are the V12 sills
Now you got me thinking about changing when my warranty expires
My everyday car: Golf GTI (Mk5) Edition 30 - 230bhp 2.0 turbo petrol (V-power). Annual mileage 8500.
My weekend car: V12V - 510bhp etc. Annual mileage 3000.
Would i be crazy to: sell both cars and get a brand new high spec V8VS as my only car. Total annual mileage would probably drop to around 10-11k.
My weekend car: V12V - 510bhp etc. Annual mileage 3000.
Would i be crazy to: sell both cars and get a brand new high spec V8VS as my only car. Total annual mileage would probably drop to around 10-11k.
Mako V12V said:
My everyday car: Golf GTI (Mk5) Edition 30 - 230bhp 2.0 turbo petrol (V-power). Annual mileage 8500.
My weekend car: V12V - 510bhp etc. Annual mileage 3000.
Would i be crazy to: sell both cars and get a brand new high spec V8VS as my only car. Total annual mileage would probably drop to around 10-11k.
YesMy weekend car: V12V - 510bhp etc. Annual mileage 3000.
Would i be crazy to: sell both cars and get a brand new high spec V8VS as my only car. Total annual mileage would probably drop to around 10-11k.
bananarob said:
Mako V12V said:
My everyday car: Golf GTI (Mk5) Edition 30 - 230bhp 2.0 turbo petrol (V-power). Annual mileage 8500.
My weekend car: V12V - 510bhp etc. Annual mileage 3000.
Would i be crazy to: sell both cars and get a brand new high spec V8VS as my only car. Total annual mileage would probably drop to around 10-11k.
YesMy weekend car: V12V - 510bhp etc. Annual mileage 3000.
Would i be crazy to: sell both cars and get a brand new high spec V8VS as my only car. Total annual mileage would probably drop to around 10-11k.
Murph7355 said:
Isn't the Cali a DSG?
Your more than likely correct,I'm just going on the point that I didn't really enjoy the drive of the original sportshift as much as I did when playing with the Cali recently.My question or suggestion was based on comments that I had
picked up from techies along the way.
You know what they say about a little knowledge being a dangerous thing and all that.I'll reserve my judgement until
I'm lucky enough to have a go in the S but until then I'm happy to stick with my manual.
Mako V12V said:
My everyday car: Golf GTI (Mk5) Edition 30 - 230bhp 2.0 turbo petrol (V-power). Annual mileage 8500.
My weekend car: V12V - 510bhp etc. Annual mileage 3000.
Would i be crazy to: sell both cars and get a brand new high spec V8VS as my only car. Total annual mileage would probably drop to around 10-11k.
Yes. Where do you park you Golf? Would you be happy to leave your shiny new Vantage S there?My weekend car: V12V - 510bhp etc. Annual mileage 3000.
Would i be crazy to: sell both cars and get a brand new high spec V8VS as my only car. Total annual mileage would probably drop to around 10-11k.
Mako V12V said:
My everyday car: Golf GTI (Mk5) Edition 30 - 230bhp 2.0 turbo petrol (V-power). Annual mileage 8500.
My weekend car: V12V - 510bhp etc. Annual mileage 3000.
Would i be crazy to: sell both cars and get a brand new high spec V8VS as my only car. Total annual mileage would probably drop to around 10-11k.
Yes, surely it would make more sense to just sell the golf and run the V12V everyday!My weekend car: V12V - 510bhp etc. Annual mileage 3000.
Would i be crazy to: sell both cars and get a brand new high spec V8VS as my only car. Total annual mileage would probably drop to around 10-11k.
Mako V12V said:
My everyday car: Golf GTI (Mk5) Edition 30 - 230bhp 2.0 turbo petrol (V-power). Annual mileage 8500.
My weekend car: V12V - 510bhp etc. Annual mileage 3000.
Would i be crazy to: sell both cars and get a brand new high spec V8VS as my only car. Total annual mileage would probably drop to around 10-11k.
Sticking my neck out I will say no. Given the choice to spend everyday in a useable Aston with all of its trappings or having the much more powerful Aston for sporadic yet enjoyable use...My weekend car: V12V - 510bhp etc. Annual mileage 3000.
Would i be crazy to: sell both cars and get a brand new high spec V8VS as my only car. Total annual mileage would probably drop to around 10-11k.
Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff