For many years, Aston Martin has battled it on road and track with some of the mightiest power houses around and as they all transitioned to fully automatic models, Aston Martin followed suit strapping a seven-speed auto/manual transmission. Yes, it had paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. However, that doesn’t give you the true connection with the vehicle. Bring on the 2017 V12 Vantage S model because the manual gearbox is back.
That’s right; Aston Martin is re-adding the manual gear later this year. 6.0-litre V12 engines return with 565 horsepower is sent to the rear wheels via a ‘dog-leg’ seven-speed manual.
I know you’re asking yourself what does a dog-leg and transmission have in common. It’s the layout of the gears; standard sticks have drivers shift the stick left and up, whereas dog leg variants have the user shift left and then down. This setup is particularly favoured with high-end sport cars and race cars as drivers tend to change between second and third gear more often than first and second.
Incorporated into the engineering marvel is AMSHIFT, a revolutionary system that is toggled on and off uses the clutch, gear position, propshaft sensors and finely tuned engine management to recreate heel-and-toe shifts which many racing drivers use to this day.
Manual and automatic versions are level pegged when it comes to performance, both can achieve 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and bolt to a top speed of 330 km/h.
But enough about the back legs of a four-legged animal, inside, the British manufacturer have implemented the AMi infotainment system equipped with navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and other media and vehicle settings. All of which are improved, with the British brand reducing load times and enhancing the graphics for richer quality.
On top of the new gear, a new Sport-Plus Pack option is available that includes a variety of options to create a unique car. Five body colours are on offer with various accents colours to add to the rear diffuser, mirror cases, side skirts and front grille lipstick (yes that’s what it’s known as). Each corner features ten-spoke graphite finish rims finish of the exterior looks. Grey or black are the upholstery colours of choice with contrasting coloured stitching.
2017 Aston Martin V12 Vantage models are scheduled to roll out in the third quarter this year. How many manual transmissions are to be implemented is unknown, American customers are in for a shock as only 100 units will cross the pond and sold as limited editions. The British Manufacturer has slimmed down the Vantage line-up from four models to just two models, dropping non-S models. No use for the S then.
Roadster models are still coming, however, if they are to receive the manual stick is unknown.
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