Aston Martin Updates the Vantage Range for 2012

Now that the Vantage lineup has been filled out by the addition of the V-12 coupe, V-12 Zagato, and Vantage S, Aston Martin is focusing its attention on the base coupe and roadster. Both will continue to use the same 420-hp, 4.7-liter V-8, but the rest of the package has received a few tweaks. For purists, Aston has kept the six-speed manual transmission as standard. The Sportshift six-speed automatic transmission has been dropped; the optional gearbox is now the seven-speed Sportshift II from the Vantage S. It features closer gear ratios and a lower final-drive ratio. Aston Martin says that the Sportshift II provides faster, more precise shifts than its predecessor. The steering has been updated with a quicker ratio of 15:1 over the last model's 17:1. The front brakes are upgraded to 15-inch ventilated discs with six-piston calipers. Wider rubber—by 10 mm—should help take advantage of those minor changes. A few styling modifications include a revised lower front bumper and splitter, and a larger air intake for the engine and front brakes. A new rear diffuser and side sills add to the look of this mildly improved Vantage. The higher-powered Vantage S also gets some changes, including an aero package that makes a subtle visual distinction from its little brother, using carbon-fiber detailing. The cabin of the S now offers hand-stitched leather, a navigation system, Bluetooth, and cruise control as standard features. from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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