Aston Martin V12 Vantage S arrives – the quickest production Aston ever (video)

The new, more powerful, Aston Martin V12 Vantage S arrives

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Aston Martin has revealed the 205mph V12 Vantage S with more power and cosmetic updates. Costs £138k and arriving late 2013.

The new S replaces the V12 Vantage (which we knew Aston Martin had stopped building) and gets Aston’s latest AM28 version of the venerable V12 with 565bhp and 457lb/ft of torque thanks to new engine management, combustion chambers and camshafts resulting in more power and a much flatter torque curve.

The extra power has pushed the V12 S beyond the 200nph barrier, with the top speed now 205mph and, we assume, a quicker sprint to 62mph, but Aston Martin aren’t letting on how much quicker the V12 S is.

The power is sent to the rear wheels through a new 7-speed Sportshift 3 automated manual ‘box – replacing the old 6-speed manual and cutting 25kg off the weight in the process – which is controlled through flappy paddles, and it looks like it is the end of the manual ‘box for Aston Martin.

To exploit the extra power Aston has fitted the V12 Vantage S with a new sports exhaust that makes the V12 S’s presence even more vocal than before, adaptive damping with Normal, Sport and Track modes, Brembo Ceramic Brakes and a quicker steering rack.

The interior of the V12 Vantage S gets lashings of leather, Alcantara and Carbon Fibre

Cosmetic changes include a new (carbon fibre) grill inspired by the CC100 Concept, lots of black detailing (which contrasts stunningly with the yellow paint job), new side strakes, new back bumper and a new set of 10-Spoke forged alloys. The trademark carbon fibre bonnet vents remain.

Inside, the Vantage S gets a much better quality interior with lashings of  Carbon Fibre, Alcantara and leather, ‘S’ badges and, in the launch car, contrasting yellow splashes on the door trims and seats.

It’s a convincing update to create a more appealing car, and the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S will cost £138k when it arrives by the end of 2013, just £2k more than the old Vantage.