How does the new Aston Martin Vantage S raise the bar for performance?
If you thought the last Vantage was quick, the Vantage S is here to make you rethink what a front-engined sports car can do. With a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 now tuned to 671 horsepower, it’s not just a step up—it’s a leap. That’s a bump from the standard model’s 656 hp, and while torque holds steady at 590 lb-ft, the numbers tell the story: 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, and 124 mph flashes by in 10.1 seconds. Top speed? A heady 202 mph. For context, that’s knocking on the door of some mid-engine supercars, yet you still get the classic Aston silhouette and grand touring comfort.
What’s changed in the handling and ride of the Vantage S?
Aston Martin’s engineers didn’t just chase straight-line stats. They’ve taken a microscope to the chassis and suspension, dialing in a sharper, more connected feel. The Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers have been recalibrated for better front-end response, while tweaks to the rear springs improve both compression and rebound. Translation: you get a car that’s more agile in the corners but still civilized over rougher roads.
There’s a clever touch with the transmission mount, now 10 percent softer, which subtly improves ride refinement without sacrificing feedback. And here’s a move you don’t see every day—the rear subframe is now mounted directly to the body, ditching the usual rubber bushings. The result? Steering that’s more direct, with a sense of connection that’s rare even among high-end sports cars. Camber, toe, and caster have all been reworked, so the Vantage S isn’t just faster—it’s more alive in your hands.
How does the Vantage S stand out visually and inside the cabin?
Aston Martin resisted the urge to slap on wild wings or excessive vents. Instead, the Vantage S wears its upgrades with subtle aggression: centrally mounted blades on the hood, red accents that pop against the paint, and a prominent decklid spoiler that adds 44 kg (97 lbs) of real downforce. The new 21-inch satin black wheels, trimmed in red, complete the look—purposeful, but never over the top.
Inside, the changes are more about detail than drama. Model-specific embroidery, plus the option for red or silver finishes on the knurled metal drive mode selector, give the cabin a bespoke feel. It’s a reminder that Aston Martin still sweats the small stuff, even as it chases ever higher performance.
When can buyers expect to get their hands on the Vantage S, and what about pricing?
Aston Martin hasn’t released final pricing yet, and if history is any guide, expect a premium over the standard Vantage. Deliveries are set to begin in the fourth quarter, so the first lucky owners could be carving up back roads before the year is out. Given the upgrades, both mechanical and aesthetic, the Vantage S is likely to attract both collectors and drivers who want something a cut above the ordinary.
Why do these changes matter in the real world?
It’s easy to get lost in the numbers, but the Vantage S is about more than raw performance. The tweaks to suspension and chassis aren’t just for the track—they make a difference every time you take a corner or hit a rough patch of tarmac. The direct-mount rear subframe, for example, is a move usually reserved for hardcore performance cars, yet Aston has managed to blend that immediacy with everyday usability.
And then there’s the design. By keeping the look clean and focused, the Vantage S manages to feel special without screaming for attention. It’s the kind of car that turns heads, but also rewards you every time you slide behind the wheel.
The big takeaway? The new Vantage S isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end.