But while the firm’s engineers wanted the S to display greater agility, they weren’t prepared to sacrifice compliance or refinement. As such, you’ll find reduced rear-spring stiffness for improved low-speed ride, plus a 10 per cent reduction in the stiffness of the transmission mounts.
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There’s a handful of visual changes for Vantage S buyers to enjoy, too. At the front, there are new centrally-mounted bonnet vents available in gloss black or carbon fibre, designed to extract hot air from the engine. There are specific, hand-made S badges on the front wings, too, made from red glass enamel and either dark or bright chrome. Extra red detailing is also seen on the bespoke 21-inch Y-spoke wheels, hiding a set of contrasting bronze brake calipers.
To the rear, there’s a full-width spoiler, which not only changes the car’s look, but adds 44kg of downforce at top speed. Further updates underneath the car, including a new front airdam and venturi vanes, add an additional 67kg of downforce.
Inside, there’s unique Alcantara and leather upholstery, with embroidered S logos comprising 2,500 individual stitches and over 16m of thread. The car also features carbon fibre trim inlays – a feature Aston claims offers “a modest weight saving” while perfectly capturing “the essence of S”.
On top of this, owners can specify a new, unique interior option package, bringing a choice of red or silver finishes to the knurled metal drive-mode controller, matching the dial to the car’s seatbelts and stitching. A Sport interior package is also available, with different materials in both monotone and duotone colourways.
Despite apparently being available to order now, Aston has so far only offered an indicative on-the-road price of around £170,000 – around £5,000 more than the standard car. The Vantage S will make its global debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this week, with first deliveries expected before the end of the year.
Buy a car with Auto Express. Our nationwide dealer network has some fantastic cars on offer right now with new, used and leasing deals to choose from…
2023 Aston Martin
Vantage
16,300 milesAutomaticPetrol4.0L
Cash £77,995
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2023 Aston Martin
Vantage
26,220 milesAutomaticPetrol4.0L
Cash £74,995
View Vantage