2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 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 4.7-liter V8 itself has been designed to offer maximum power of 430 hp (436 hp / 321 kW) at 7300 rpm and maximum torque of 490 Nm (361 lb.-ft.) at 5000 rpm and is associated with new floors Sportshift ™ II transmission developed specially designed for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S with seven types of gears to provide the driver involvement more attractive and intense.

"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 to the dynamic center of Vantage S, with a ratio steering accelerated compared to 3:01 p.m. 5:01 p.m. on the standard car and a larger diameter front brake discs with six-piston calipers new front brake. New springs and shock absorbers and wider rear wheels also contribute to the revision of the chassis. A new Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) all specifically tuned Aston Martin V8 Vantage S with a new brake module provides functions such as Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) that provide assistance in situations of emergency braking, and Start Hill Assist (HSA). Tailor have been developed by Bridgestone tires to maximize traction improve the dynamic sensation.

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".



Like all Aston Martin, Aston Martin V8 Vantage S to support its unique sound with a new exhaust pipe and muffler bypass valve map, which creates a very visible and very vocal exhaust note.

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage S is instantly recognizable as a real Aston Martin, which is characterized by its strong position by transmitting its agility and performance. Later, a new front bumper lower end houses perfectly aligned carbon fiber with a larger air intake to the engine and front brakes. The separator combined with 'flip' the tailgate extended work in harmony to provide the lowest effective rate. New 19-inch "V" style wheels are standard, while optional 10-spoke lightweight forged wheels option, reduces the unsprung weight further. A new rear bumper and the frame of the car optically expand.

Bridging the gap between road car and racing, Aston Martin V8 Vantage S strongly influenced by the race car 2011-Vantage GT4. GT4 uses the Vantage is immensely rigid aluminum frame linked, providing the ideal platform for a race car. Changes in security Less races, including a roll cage, FIA approved and the gas tank "sack" race and the weight-saving measures are made to conventional car to convert it into a race car class winner. In 2010 it won its class at 24 hours after the Dubai race win even with endurance the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, Silverstone 24 hours and 24 Hours of Spa. He also won his first international championship major victory in the GT4 European Cup.

Performance

The reasoning behind the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S was to push the boundaries of the already critically acclaimed V8 Vantage with the highest levels of driver involvement as possible. Aston Martin engineers have started to improve almost every dynamic element of the car to create a highly distinctive driving experience.

"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 peak torque of 490 Nm (361 lb.-ft.) at 5000 rpm corresponds to an increase of 10 hp and 20 Nm and is signified by a plenum of the engine black. Increase was achieved through an air intake valve and an aggressive strategy of sparks. The air intake valve opens above 3500 rpm to allow more air to flow into the engine, which helps to optimize performance at exactly the right part of the torque curve. Aggressive strategy ignition uses advanced electronics to ignite the fuel in the engine exactly the right time when it operates at its most powerful. It can also distinguish the fuel octane and higher to extract the maximum performance rating has increased.

The power and torque in the S Aston Martin V8 Vantage is delivered to the engine speeds used in the middle, creating docile great acceleration and effortless. Most of the demand for power and torque in the midrange that the Aston Martin V8 Vantage is S, which delivers more torque 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 ™.

Sportshift ™ II has seven key figures in the first six-speed transmission to sit closer to each other, make the characteristic of torque, the acceleration enhances feel and allows the driver more control. The seventh gear ratio produces a more quiet, sophisticated cruise motorway driving, and also offers reduced fuel consumption.

The interaction of the driver with SPORTSHIFT II is made as simple as possible to allow the driver to 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.

In addition to select gears manually with paddles on the wheel, the driver is also able to select the "D" on the dashboard to activate the automatic mode that acts like a traditional automatic transmission just in time facilitate the work of 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.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage S 'athleticism really comes in its class, when the "Sport" is depressed on the dashboard to give the driver the fastest gear changes as well as manual and automatic (a decrease of 60 msec), and prevents the car turns into next gear when the revolution limit is reached. By default, the "normal" offers the most advanced, gas is more suitable for everyday situations, such as driving in urban areas, traffic or weather conditions. Clicking mode 'Sport' provides sharper throttle with a sports exhaust note. This mode is designed for use in dynamic driving situations, sharper responses are necessary to extract the maximum performance out of the car.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage S weighs 1610 kg (Coupe), 30 kg lighter than the standard Vantage for 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.

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage S is always a day sports day has a bunch of 300 liters with the rear hatch opening at hand by way cut, while the Roadster has an automatic fabric hood release, which can be operated 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

Bridges S Aston Martin V8 Vantage the difference between the V8 Vantage and Vantage GT4 endurance race car offered by Aston Martin Racing. The standard components of the Vantage platform are ideal for competition and produce a race car in shape, with minor modifications. 2010 was the most successful year to date, the application of competition as a reference Vantage GT4 Car: won its category in the Dubai 24 Hours endurance race after the other with 24 wins Hours of Nurburgring, Silverstone 24 hours and 24 hours Spa. However, it was the first championship victory in the international automotive major with Rhesus GT4 European Cup Racing was the culmination of an excellent year for the car. In 2011, the Vantage GT4 has been updated to take advantage of greater aerodynamic performance of the V12 and V8 Vantage Vantage body S '.

With the knowledge of the track filtering road cars from Aston Martin and driveability on the track filter, the benefits of S Aston Martin V8 Vantage has sharpened the handling characteristics of skilled engineers and talented of the brand.

Steering rack was modified with a ratio of 3:01 p.m. 5:01 p.m. from the Vantage lower standard steering wheel lock to lock ranges from 3.04 to 2.62. This results in greater accuracy and improved agility, responsiveness and handling of fluids, and allows the driver to feel a closer connection with the car - it offers a more engaging driving and energetic.
Improved braking system has a central role in the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S "dynamic, with a new larger brake disc diameter front, 380 mm compared with 355 in the Vantage V8, 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 new brake system includes a module provides a more subtle intervention, and provides enhanced capabilities to existing features such as ABS, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), electronic brake distribution (EBD), traction control (TC) and control torque is positive (PTC), as well as a new hydraulic brake assistant (HBA) that provides assistance in emergency braking situations. Hydraulic Brake Assist detects when the driver requires maximum braking power, the speed at which you press the brake pedal and automatically increases the brake pressure until the ABS control threshold, until the driver to keep the pedal Brake down. As a result, stopping distances can be reduced significantly.

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) has been set specifically for Aston Martin V8 Vantage S, with a focus on its sporting qualities. A three-stage DSC system allows the driver to adjust the level of intervention in accordance with the electronic type of conduct. In standard mode, the system is set to "on", which limits tire slippage in difficult conditions, and gives the maximum security possible without being intrusive. Hold the button for four seconds will initiate DSC mode "Track" electronic interference that slows down further, to create a safe experience even more pure. Press the extra five seconds to disarm completely.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage S sees the first introduction of Hill Start Assist (HSA) feature of Aston Martin. If the driver brakes the car to stop in the gradient, Hill Start Assist is to hold the camera steady for up to two seconds, in order to facilitate pull-out, as the driver to move your foot from the brake pedal. HSAs are perfect for an automated manual gearbox.

Suspension systems of the variant of "S" was re-adapted to the more focused on the driver of the car. The coupe has a revision rate rear coil spring and both body styles have retuned damper passive valves and changed the rate of bump stop and lengths. The result is a higher degree of traction and stability with wheels that you get better contact with the ground.

Aston Martin's engineers worked closely with Bridgestone during the development program to create a tire as it has been optimized for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S. Bridgestone Potenza RE050 is 10 mm wider front and rear of the standard Vantage for the highest levels 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 is the gym to give a" "result S sharper and more toned muscularity of form.

"And 'the aesthetics of the perfect machine that supports the functionality and aerodynamics, to transmit its concentrated nature. The car is in tension while the inside remains a beautifully crafted to convey the emotion Aston Martin V8 Vantage S from within. "

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage S 'style relies heavily on a form that meets the additional requirements of "S variant of performance." Faced with the manual separation of carbon fiber fixed before creating a perfect adaptation to the ground position in terms of its agility, while providing more surface area to provide the engine and brakes with more air. The splitter works in conjunction with 'flip' the trunk lid to create a more pronounced effect at low speed. Furthermore, the profile of the wider tire derived from GT4 race car program will help eliminate the back cut, and therefore better high speed stability, preventing air from flowing along the side of vehicle for disseminating the car.

The rear bumper accentuates the powerful stance and the proportions of the car behind. The trunk lid has cut a more pronounced "flip" that contributes to the high-speed stability by 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 19-inch wheels are unique to Aston Martin V8 Vantage S, and have a "V"-spoke diamond turned toward the finish line will continue to offer a clear difference between the standard car. Optional forged aluminum wheel is available to save pounds per wheel of unsprung weight for improved comfort and handling.

Complimenting tight inner Vantage exterior, it is suitable S suggests dynamic capabilities of the car, defined by a technicality in three important ways in the doors and seats. A new design leather folded along the number of new-made reflects the gills of a shark suggest power and flexibility of Vantage S.

Carbon fiber and Kevlar ® composite pet seats Optional driver support for the rest of the spirits drunk driving comfort on long journeys. Saving 17 kg per car seats, manufactured by a supplier of motor sport and aerospace industry has been cut by the craftsmen and women in the factory in Gaydon production.

Customers can specify up to obsidian black leather and Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel as opposed to the point (leather only) or overlapping. Unique in the Aston Martin V8 Vantage is the option to specify option S Pack Piano Black Interior, which includes a piano black instrument panel, center console and door frame grabs and grips.

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.