2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S drive review - AutoWeek
What is it. The 2015 V12 Vantage S is the latest evolution of the sports car introduced in 2005, as the entry point to Aston Martin 's lineup. It essentially melds the current, track-tuned V8 Vantage S with the range-topping V12 Vantage, which the V12 S replaces. This Vantage gets power from Aston Martin's latest V12, recently introduced in the larger Vanquish coupe. It uses the same 6. 0-liter block as the previous generation, but some 75 percent of its internals are new, according to Aston engineers. Horsepower peaks at a smooth 565, and torque at 457 lb-ft -- up 45 hp and 37 lb-ft compared to the previous V12. The transmission comes from the V8 S, with upgrades. Now called Sportshift III, this single-clutch, seven-speed automated manual is supplied by race-box builder Graziano, with new hydraulics and control electronics, faster shift speeds and a lighter case. Aston says it weighs 55 pounds less than the six-speed manual it replaces. The split powertrain is tucked into the Vantage edition of Aston's flexible VH (for vertical-horizontal) frame. Source: autoweek.com
