Aston Martin V8 Vantage S

The Aston Martin Vantage has always been a car to stimulate the senses, but this faster, lighter and better-looking new S version takes things further.

Inspired by the success of the production-based GT4 racer, it retains the strong front-end grip, direct steering and near perfect balance we’ve come to expect from the Vantage. But a host of small improvements has made it sharper, punchier and more engaging than ever.

A pronounced tailgate lip and wider sills enhance the Aston’s aerodynamics and give it a more muscular look, yet it retains the classy style that’s at the heart of its desirability.

With figure-hugging sports seats and an Alcantara-trimmed wheel, the well proportioned coupé is equally attractive inside. When you slot the glass key into the dash, the mighty 4.7-litre V8 crackles into life.

A revised intake system means there’s 10bhp more than the standard car, while torque jumps by 20Nm. The all-new Sportshift seven-speed automated manual gearbox, developed exclusively for the S, keeps you in the powerband for longer by stacking the first six ratios closer together. Better still, because it’s 24kg lighter than the six-speed manual, it helps the car to shed 30kg.

Admittedly, when it’s lined up against the newer double- clutch transmissions fitted to the Ferrari and McLaren, the gearbox feels outdated. There’s some kickback through the steering wheel, too.

However, when you put the Vantage S in Sport mode and turn off the traction control, all is forgiven. You can savour the bark of the exhaust, revel in the communicative steering and indulge in perfectly balanced slides out of corners, so you won’t even notice the slightly outdated technology.

With much tauter suspension and masses of character, this is simply the best Vantage yet.

Facts & Figures

• Price|Total as tested: £102,500
• Engine|capacity: 4.7-litre V8
• Peak Power: 430bhp at 7,300rpm
• Peak Torque: 490Nm at 5,000rpm
• Kerbweight: 1,610kg
• 0-60: 4.5secs
• Top speed: 190mph
• Lap : 63.5 seconds