Aston Martin Vantage AMR Limited Edition gets MANUAL gearbox - and less torque

Aston Martin Vantage AMR Limited Edition

The Aston Martin Vantage AMR gets a limited edition run of 200 cars, complete with seven-speed manual gearbox.

It’s almost two years since the Aston Martin Vantage AMR arrived as AML sought to add a bit of a hardcore edge to the new Vantage.

But now it’s time for a special edition Vantage AMR, and Aston has decided it will come with a manual gearbox – the only manual offering in Aston’s current line-up – for what Aston are calling the “ultimate driving experience for customers”.

The new Vantage AMR keeps the same 503bhp 4.0 litre AMG engine as the regular model, although its torque is reined in to 461lb/ft (presumably because the manual can’t cope with the regular 505lb/ft), and the Graziana-developed seven-speed manual features a dog-leg shift (first is left and down with 2-7 in a regular ‘H-H’ pattern).

There’s also a limited slip diff and Aston’s Amshift to rev-match on changes, although if you want the more raw experience of a manual you probably won’t want it. But you can switch it off.

It all adds up to a more driver-focused Vantage, although its performance is actually a bit poorer than the regular auto’s (3.9 seconds 0-62mph), despite weighing in at 95kg less. Blame the drop in torque for that.

The manual Vantage AMR will be limited to 200 units, with 59 of those coming in a special ‘Vantage 59’ livery (like the Vantage in the photo above) to celebrate Aston’s win at Le Mans in 1959.

Prices start at £149,995, and if you want the Vantage 59 it’ll be £164,995.