2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster S Review

The Aston Martin Vantage series comes of age with the new Aston Martin V8 Vantage S is characterized by a host of new driver-focused features all designed to push the sharp dynamic of the Vantage a standard reference level new.

Aston Martin V8 4.7-liter engine is designed to provide peak power of 430 horsepower (436 hp / 321 kW) at 7300 rpm and maximum torque of 490 Nm (361 lb.ft) 5000 rpm , together with new ground-up developed Sportshift ™ II, The transmission is a report designed specifically for Aston Martin V8 Vantage short seven-speed S to produce the best participation and the hard driver.


2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster S
2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster S





"The Aston Martin V8 Vantage S is the quintessence of all the attributes of the V8 Vantage and the pilot pushes the experience beyond what we offered before," said Dr. Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin, "It combines the excitement dynamic finesse with all the charm, beauty and functionality that is already associated with the Vantage range."

Revisions dynamics are the center of the Vantage S, with a steering rack ratio compared to accelerated 3:01 pm 5:01 pm in the standard car and a front disc brake with a larger diameter with the new six-piston calipers front brake. New springs and dampers and larger wheels at the rear also contribute to the version of the chassis. A new Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) module especially adapted to the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S with a range of new features such as brake hydraulic brake assist (HBA), which provides assistance in emergency braking situations and Hill Start Assist ( HSA). Custom Tires Bridgestone have been developed to optimize the dynamic sensation improved management.

2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster S
2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster S

At the heart of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage is the new seven-speed S Sportshift ™ II automated manual transmission, available in standard and offers extremely fast gear changes, twenty percent faster than Sportshift ™. Additional equipment allows shorter, well-spaced reasons to take advantage of optimum torque, which, combined with a shorter final drive ratio 4.182:1 provides quicker acceleration and an increase in a sports car. The advantages inherent in a clutch system only reduces the complexity and the heavy weight of a solution of double clutch. Sportshift ™ II allows the driver to have a greater level of control, to modulate the throttle to achieve the desired type of change. In addition, the Vantage has a S 'Sport' button that speeds up gear changes and throttle response gives the driver more aggressive while opening the exhaust bypass valves in most of the range of engine speed fully characterize the variation of the "S".

As with all Aston Martins, the benefits of S Aston Martin V8 Vantage its own unique sound with a muffler bypass valve and a new map, creating a very unique exhaust sound and very vocal.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage S is instantly recognizable as a real Aston Martin, which is characterized by an attitude decided to pass on his agility and performance. From the front, a new front bumper will be completed in less than perfectly aligned carbon house a larger air intake on the power of the engine and front brakes. Splitter, combined with its large deck lid "flip" to work in harmony to offer a faster downward force. A 19-inch, races, styles are fitted as standard, while optional 10-spoke lightweight forged wheel option, continue to reduce unsprung weight. The new rear bumper and side skirts visually expand the car half.

Bridging the gap between road cars and racing cars, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S is strongly influenced by the Vantage GT4 Race Car 2011. The GT4 Vantage takes advantage of the aluminum bonded immensely rigid, providing the ideal platform for a race car. Minor changes to the safety of the races, including a roll cage, FIA approved fuel tank and the "sack" race, as well as weight-saving measures are performed in the normal road car to make it a career Car class winner. In 2010, he won his class at the 24 Hours of Dubai after the endurance race with victories in the 24 Hours Nürburgring, Silverstone 24 Hours and 24 Hours of Spa. He also won his first major international championship victory in the GT4 European Cup.

2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster S interior
2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster S interior

Performance

Behind the borders of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage V8 Vantage S was acclaimed with the highest level of driver involvement. Aston Martin engineers in order to improve virtually every dynamic part of the car creates a very special race.

"With each new model, we continue to develop and improve our VH architecture," says Aston Martin Product Development Manager, Ian Minard. "The technical team at Gaydon watched each performance characteristic of the V8 Vantage, engine and transmission, suspension, steering, brakes and tires, and considered what was necessary to make this car worthy of the coveted "S" badge. The result is a clean driver-focused package that, in both coupe and roadster form, exploits and highlights the sporty character of the iconic Vantage. "

The 4.7-liter V8 engine has been modified to provide a maximum power of 430 hp (436 hp / 321 kW) at 7200 rpm and maximum torque of 490 Nm (361 lb.-ft.) at 5000 rpm, an increase of 10 hp and 20 Nm respectively, and can be delivered to a full black engine. The increase was achieved through a system of air intake valve and an aggressive strategy of sparks. The system of intake valve opens above 3500 rpm to allow more air to flow into the engine, which helps optimize the performance exactly the right part of the torque curve. Aggressive strategy of using a sophisticated electronic ignition to ignite the fuel in the engine as well as the law allows it to function at its best. It can also recognize and extract octane optimum performance of the higher rating.

The power and torque Aston Martin V8 Vantage S delivered at speeds most popular mid-range engines, creating a smooth and effortless acceleration. Most demand for power and torque in the midrange, which in the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S, where the maximum torque delivered at 5000 rpm.

Sportshift ™ II is an automated manual transmission with a new seven-speed Graziano transmission is placed in the rear of the Aston Martin Vantage S on deck to help close a 49:51 weight balance. The system has a unique manual clutch coupled with electronic switching devices to change the relationship and was designed from scratch exclusively for Aston Martin V8 Vantage Aston Martin S. specifically chosen to develop the system SPORTSHIFTTM due to its inherent advantages, including savings mass sport, low complexity of moving parts and tangible changes in the actual speed. This contributes, along with other parts of the weight savings, a reduction in total vehicle weight of 30 kg.

Electro-hydraulic vane steering wheel is turned by two magnesium allow the driver to move up or down. Faster than the traditional manual system, and at least 50 kg lighter than the dual-clutch system, Sportshift ™ II offers advantages that can be driven in automatic and manual transmission. Sportshift ™ II is 24 kg lighter than the standard display Sportshift Vantage ™.

Sport Shift ™ II contains seven digits in the first six gears to sit closer to take advantage of the characteristics of engine torque, improving acceleration and feel gives the driver better control. The seventh speed is a long-term relationship for a quieter vehicles, more refined cruising on highways and also provides increased fuel economy.

The interaction with the SPORTSHIFT II driver is as simple as possible so that the driver can concentrate on the road. Two pallets of magnesium allow up or down through the gearshift. The controls are mounted on the column so the driver can always find them with ease, regardless of the position of the steering wheel is in.

And to select gears manually with paddles on the steering wheel, the driver is also able to select "D" on the front panel to activate the automatic mode that works like a traditional automatic transmission changes at exactly the right time, making it easy to work with urban, traffic and highway driving.

New seven-speed automatic is standard on S Aston Martin V8 Vantage is perfectly suited to the nature of the sports car. Aston Martin did not want to provide a manual transmission option, due to the high demand expected Sportshift ™ II.

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage S sporty really comes into its own when the button "Sport" on the dashboard gives the driver are depressed faster gear changes in both manual and automatic (60 ms) and prevents car to the next speed limit is reached when the revolution. The default "Normal" gives a throttle response more gradual to suit most everyday situations, such as city driving, heavy traffic or poor weather conditions. If you select the 'Sport' mode provides a throttle response sharper with a Sports exhaust note. This mode is designed for use in dynamic driving situations where net reactions are needed to extract maximum performance from your car.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage S weighs 1610 kg (Coupe), 30 kg lighter than the standard Vantage because of the weight optimization of a new Sportshift ™ II, the transfer and use of carbon fiber. Air-cooled, oil cooled, Sportshift ™ II for the use of the system by removing the oil pump and related items to save 24 kg more than the traditional six-speed Sportshift ™.

Like all the benefits of Aston Martin Vantage S of almost perfect weight balance from beginning to end at 49:51 because the location of the gearbox on the deck that contribute to the excellent dynamics.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage S remains practically every day of sports car with a 300 liter boot tailgate opens as a practical coupe, but the Roadster has automatically retracting the fabric roof, which can be used for up to 30 km / h.

The S variant features a unique muffler adapted specifically for the hearing scheduled for their sport. A revised map of the bypass valves open earlier in the rev range at 3500 rpm and even before in the "Sport" mode produces more cracks in excess.

Control

Aston Martin V8 Vantage S bridges the gap between the Vantage V8 Vantage GT4 and drag racing cars offered by Aston Martin Racing. Standard components of the Vantage platform perfectly suited to competition and produce an adaptation of auto racing, only minor modifications. 2010 was the year's most successful point of reference for the Vantage GT4 competition in the car: he won his class in Dubai within 24 hours endurance race is followed by further wins the 24 Hours Nürburgring, Silverstone 24 hours Spa 24 hours. However, the car was the first major international championship in the GT4 European Cup race winner rhesus What year was the culmination of a great machine. In 2011, Vantage GT4 has been updated to take advantage of the major benefits of the aerodynamic body V12 Vantage and V8 Vantage S 'styling products.

They are familiar with the track filter Aston Martin road cars and push them to facilitate the filtering track, Aston Martin V8 Vantage D benefits with its refined driving characteristics by qualified and talented engineers Marque.

The steering rack has been modified with a ratio of 15:01 to 17:01 in the standard Vantage to reduce the number of turns lock to lock from 3.04 to 2.62. This results in greater accuracy and greater agility, responsiveness and smooth operation, and allows the driver to feel a closer connection with the car - provides a more attractive and energetic.

An enhanced braking system plays a central role in the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S 'momentum with a new disc of larger diameter front brake, 380 mm by 355 mm compared to the V8 Vantage, six-piston front calipers and a new generation of brake control module.

Front brakes are race-inspired design floating plate. The tiles are made of two materials: cast iron and aluminum, cast iron is bolted through the Polish system of floating aluminum bell. The technology allows the dynamic benefits of reduced unsprung weight of the brake, which is lighter than normal cast iron brake, is a better heat resistance, improved cooling and produces a more consistent pedal feel. While faced with larger diameter discs, the weight of each disk has decreased 0.4 kg. Vantage S is also a new brake pedal as a booster to reduce the effort and travel.

The system includes a new brake module offer a more discreet and provide enhanced functionality to existing features such as ABS, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), electronic brake distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TC) and positive torque control (PTC) and the new hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) that provide assistance in emergency braking situations. The Hydraulic Brake Assist function identifies when the driver requires maximum braking performance of the speed at which the brake pedal is pressed, and automatically increases brake pressure to the ABS control threshold for as long as the driver keep the brake pedal is pressed. As a result, the braking distance is reduced significantly.

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system has been specially designed S Aston Martin V8 Vantage sports with emphasis on its properties. The three-stage DSC system allows the driver to adjust the level of electronic intervention, depending on the type of driving. By default, the system is set to "on" to limit any slippage of the tire in difficult conditions, and to provide the safest possible without the intrusive. Holding down the DSC button four seconds to take the "Track", which slows down the e-intervention, continue to create a safe experience even more pure. Press the button for five seconds, but the system breaks down completely.

S Aston Martin V8 Vantage is the first introduction of the Hill Start Assist (HSA) on an Aston Martin. If the driver applies the brakes to bring the car to a stop on an incline, Hill Start Assist will hold the car stationary for two seconds to allow the transfer of good when the driver pulls the foot brake to the accelerator. HSA perfect complement to the automated manual transmission.

Suspension systems of the variant of the 'S' is re-tuned to the more targeted nature of the driver's car. Coupe features a modified rear coil spring rates and two body styles are the need to be a passive valve shock absorber stops and revised rates and lengths. This will lead to improved traction and stability with wheels to maintain better contact with the ground.

Aston Martin engineers worked closely with Bridgestone during the development program to create custom ring, which is optimized for Aston Martin V8 Vantage, S. RE050s Bridgestone Potenza front and rear are 10 mm wider than the standard Vantage to ensure the highest level of grip.

Design

The Vantage has become one of the most beautiful cars in the world, usually from Aston Martin, aggression elegant and perfectly proportioned and controlled with a deliberately low position. The Aston Martin V8 Vantage S uses the beauty of the Vantage and is combined with design details of the voltage V12 Vantage, which affects the potential for increasing the car's performance.

Aston Martin Design Director, Marek Reichman, said: "We sent the V8 Vantage to the gym to give more definition" S "and the muscles resulting in a more toned.

"This is the perfect machine with an aesthetic that is created from the functionality and aerodynamics to disseminate its targeted nature. The whole car is in tension while the interior is nicely convey the excitement scale of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S from the inside. "

Aston Martin V8 Vantage S "style largely in the form of supply model, which serves the needs of others" "performance variant of S. Front hand-laid carbon fiber front splitter creates a ground-hugging position suggests agility, but also provides a larger area to give the engine and brakes with more air. The machine operates with a high rear deck lid "flip" to create up-down power of speed. Side profile of a wider sills, which are derived the program GT4 race car, it helps to reduce rear lift, and therefore greater stability at high speeds, preventing the air, which flows along the side of the car to be paid on the car.

The rear bumper has shown a strong attitude, and behind the car's proportions. It is a coupe, the cover of the bridge includes a powerful "flip", which promotes stability at high speeds, reducing rear lift.

The rear bumper features a diffuser in carbon fiber by hand using the air flow coming out from under the car to maintain a low pressure area at the rear of the car, which helps reduce lift and increases stability at high speeds.

The new standard 19-inch wheels are unique to Aston Martin V8 Vantage S, and a V-spoke design with a diamond turned surface provides a clearer differentiation of the standard car. One option forged aluminum wheels are available to save a book by the wheel in unsprung weight for improved comfort and handling extra.

Congratulations external tense, Vantage's interior features custom vehicles suggestions dynamic, defined as a distinctive three-track special stitching the inside of the doors and seats. The new design is a split leather sewn on the tracks echo the gills and shark suggests power and agility, Vantage, S.

The carbon fiber and Kevlar ® composite seat optional pampering the driver to provide support when driving fast while staying comfortable on long journeys. Registration of 17 kg per car, the seats are manufactured by a supplier to the motorsport and aerospace are tuned by hand by craftsmen and women at the factory in Gaydon.

Customers are able to specify a complete obsidian black leather or Alcantara steering wheel of a contrasting color (leather only) or nails to match. Unique to the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S is the ability to specify the option Piano Black Interior Pack which includes a piano black instrument panel, center console and the back door and grab handles.

Both the Vantage Coupe and Roadster S are handmade in the Aston Martin's global headquarters at Gaydon in Warwickshire with the V8 Vantage and V12 Vantage. Each S Aston Martin V8 Vantage has over 185 man-hours to build, including 50 hours of painting and 70 hours to hand in the setting. Each vehicle undergoes a meticulous attention to detail, not only in the construction phase, but the quality control and delivery processes as well.