2019-05-01 00:01
The new Aston Martin Vantage AMR has been revealed, and in a move that will surely put a smile on the face of driving enthusiasts everywhere, each of the limited run of 200 units will be fitted with a manual gearbox.
It’s an all-new seven-speed unit, which features a dog-leg shift on first gear, which means that the six you’d normally use on the move can all sit in a conventional H-pattern.
While the art of shifting is now left to the driver, there’s some clever tech integrated into those seven ratios if it’s needed. A system which Aston Martin calls AMSHIFT combines a rev-matching system for smooth downshifts, and allows the driver to flatshift - changing gear without lifting off the throttle - under hard acceleration.
Beyond the added interaction for the driver, the manual gearbox brings another advantage too. It’s much lighter than the Vangage’s usual ZF eight-speed auto, and contributes to a 95kg weight saving.
It’s mated to the same 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 found in the existing Vantage, which means 503bhp and 625Nm. A 0-62mph time of four seconds is actually three tenths slower than the regular auto Vantage, while the 195mph top speed is the same.
As with the rest of the Vantage range, the AMR is equipped with adaptive dampers, while a limited slip differential and carbon brakes also feature.
The Vantage AMR will be offered in five designer specs. Of the 200 built, 59 will be called Vantage 59, in tribute to the Le Mans-winning DBR1 from 1959. It can be recognised by its ‘Sterling Green’ paint, highlighted by a lime green racing stripe with matching brake calipers, front grille surround and rear diffuser. Buyers of the other 141 AMRs can choose from blue, black, white or grey exterior finishes.
The AMR is set to make its public debut in Belgium at the next round of the World Endurance Championship at the Six Hours of Spa Francorchamps. Prices for the Vantage AMR start from £149,995, with the ‘59’ model costs £164,995. First deliveries are due towards the end of 2019.
But if you want a manual Vantage but can’t get your name down for the AMR, don’t worry: once the run of the 200 AMR models has finished, the standard Vantage will be offered with the same seven-speed ‘box as an option.
Are you pleased to see the Aston Martin Vantage now offered with a manual box? Let us know your thoughts below...
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