The base model Aston Martin Vantage has received the AMR treatment. This includes the addition of a manual transmission, a reduction in kerb weight and the choice of five different liveries. The highlight then is that seven-speed manual gearbox, a first for the new modern VH-II Aston Martin platform. Using a dog-leg configuration to give that motorsport feeling, the gearbox is mounted on the rear axle, driving the rear wheels through a mechanical limited-slip differential. Aston have also included an ‘AM Shift’ mode, switchable auto-blipping, and a flat-shift function.
The engine output specs haven’t changed much with the notable exception of a reduced torque figure. Whilst power stays the same at 510 PS (375 kW), torque has dropped to 461 lb-ft (625 Nm) between 2,000 and 5,000rpm, a reduction of 45 lb-ft compared to the regular Vantage. That change has come about to keep the transmission healthy and happy for longer, with the Vantage AMR focused more on offering an involving driving experience rather than outright speed. Helping offset the changed engine output, is the loss of 95 kilograms from the vehicles mass, including a reduction of unsprung weight and a nice 50:50 weight distribution. Production will be limited to 200 units worldwide.
