When Aston Martin unleashed the 656bhp Vantage earlier this year, most rational people assumed that was enough. Most rational people were wrong, apparently, because the British marque has just dropped the Vantage S with an even more ridiculous 671bhp from its twin-turbo V8 engine.
The Numbers Game Gets Serious
The power increase might seem modest on paper – just 15bhp more than the standard car – but this uplift arrives at 6,000rpm, where the engine’s fury reaches its peak. Torque remains unchanged at 590lb ft, though the 0-62mph time drops by a tenth to 3.4 seconds, with top speed remaining at 202mph.
The ‘S’ features the same 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 found in the standard car, but its power has been increased to 671bhp. While the bump in power output might not revolutionize the driving experience, it represents Aston Martin’s commitment to extracting every possible ounce of performance from their AMG-sourced powerplant.
More Than Just Engine Tweaks
The Vantage S transformation extends far beyond simple engine tuning. A new full-width rear spoiler delivers a hefty 111kg of total downforce at maximum velocity, with 44kg of that coming from the rear wing alone. This isn’t just for show – new front aero elements, including a redesigned airdam and venturi vanes, help balance the package and enhance high-speed stability.
The new rear spoiler has been used to tune the aerodynamics of the Vantage S, adding stability while ensuring the overall balance remains intact. Track-focused refinements include a rigid rear subframe that sharpens the car’s responses and improves precision during aggressive driving.
Track-Bred Mentality
The Vantage S represents Aston Martin’s most hardcore interpretation of their entry-level sports car philosophy. Following in the footsteps of the previous-generation V8 and V12 Vantage S models launched in 2011 and 2013 respectively, the new Vantage S is based on the recently updated second-generation car.
Aston has reworked the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 to deliver 671bhp while making the unchanged 590lb ft accessible higher up the rev range, where it is now produced between 3000rpm and 6000rpm. This broader torque delivery improves usability across the rev range while maintaining the explosive top-end performance that defines the Vantage character.
Engineering Excellence
The Mercedes-AMG sourced engine receives careful attention from Aston Martin’s engineers, who’ve extracted maximum performance without compromising reliability. Aston has made slight alterations to the throttle map, pedal weight and launch control systems to optimize the driving experience for track use.
By Aston’s own calculations, that would put the Vantage S at 3.3 seconds to 60 mph, though independent testing suggests the standard Vantage already achieves 3.2 seconds – meaning the S should be even quicker. The changes don’t stop at power delivery, with engineers reworking throttle response and launch control algorithms to maximize the car’s potential.
Visual Aggression
The Vantage S doesn’t hide its track intentions. Aerodynamic improvements come courtesy of a new rear spoiler that adds 97 pounds of downforce at max velocity; it works in combination with the car’s underbody, air dam, and front venturi vanes to deliver a total of 245 pounds of downforce.
Chrome elements throughout the exterior can be finished in either bright or dark configurations, allowing owners to personalize their machine while maintaining the aggressive aesthetic that defines the S variant.
The Vantage Philosophy Evolved
This latest iteration proves that Aston Martin’s entry-level sports car has evolved far beyond its original brief. What began as a genteel grand tourer has transformed into a genuine track weapon capable of embarrassing supercars costing twice as much.
The Vantage S represents the peak of this evolution – a car that maintains Aston Martin’s traditional elegance while delivering crushing performance that would have been unimaginable in a “entry-level” Aston just a decade ago. It’s proof that sometimes, more really is more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much more powerful is the Vantage S compared to the standard Vantage? A: The Vantage S produces 671bhp compared to the standard car’s 656bhp – a 15bhp increase. While this might seem modest, the power arrives at 6,000rpm where it’s most effective, and torque delivery has been optimized across a broader rev range.
Q: What aerodynamic improvements does the Vantage S feature? A: The Vantage S includes a new full-width rear spoiler that generates 44kg of downforce on its own, contributing to a total of 111kg of downforce at maximum speed. New front aero elements, including a redesigned air dam and venturi vanes, help balance the aerodynamic package.
Q: How much faster is the Vantage S compared to the regular Vantage? A: The 0-62mph time drops from 3.5 seconds to 3.4 seconds, though independent testing suggests real-world performance could be even quicker. Top speed remains unchanged at 202mph, but the car’s track-focused modifications improve high-speed stability and cornering performance.
Q: Is the Vantage S a limited production model? A: Aston Martin hasn’t announced specific production numbers for the Vantage S, but it represents the most hardcore version of their entry-level sports car. The S badge historically indicates a more exclusive, performance-focused variant within the Vantage lineup.