(continued from above)
The 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Roadster weighs 3726 lbs, 66 lbs (30 kg)
lighter than the standard Vantage owing to weight optimization of the new
Sportshift II transmission and use of carbon fiber. Air cooled, rather than oil
cooled, the Sportshift II system takes advantage through the deletion of the oil
pump and associated ancillaries saving 53 lbs (24 kg) over the conventional six
speed Sportshift system.
As with all Aston Martins, the 2012 V8 Vantage S
Roadster benefits from near perfect weight balance of 49:51 front to rear owing
to the placement of the gearbox on the transaxle contributing to the excellent
dynamics.
The 2012 V8 Vantage S Roadster has an automatically retracting
fabric hood which can be operated up to 20 mph (30 km/h).
The S variant
features a unique exhaust muffler specifically tuned to aurally define its
sporting intent. A revised map opens the bypass valves earlier in the rev range
at 3500 rpm and even earlier in 'Sport' mode producing more crackle on the
overrun.
"With every new model we continue to evolve and enhance our VH
architecture," said Aston Martin Product Development Director, Ian Minards. "The
engineering team at Gaydon looked at every single performance attribute of the
V8 Vantage, from engine and transmission to suspension, steering, brakes and
tires and considered what was required to make this car deserving of the coveted
'S' badge. The result is a pure driver-focused package that, in both the coupe
and Roadster form, exploits and emphasizes the sporting nature of the iconic
Vantage."
Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Roadster: Design
The
2012 V8 Vantage S Roadster' styling largely follows form to provide a shape that
caters for the additional needs of the 'S' performance variant. From the front,
the hand-laid carbon fiber front splitter creates a ground hugging stance
hinting at its agility while also providing an increased area to provide the
engine and brakes with more air. The splitter works in conjunction with the more
pronounced rear deck lid 'flip' to create increased down force at speed. From
the side, the wider profile sills which are derived from the GT4 race-car
program, contribute to reduced rear lift, and therefore improved high speed
stability, by preventing the air which flows along the side of the car from
spilling underneath the car.
The rear bumper accentuates the powerful
attitude and rear proportions of the 2012 V8 Vantage S Roadster.
The rear
bumper features a hand-made carbon fiber diffuser aiding the flow of air exiting
from the underside of the car to maintain an area of low pressure at the rear of
the car which helps to reduce lift and improve high speed stability.
The new
19-inch standard wheels are unique to the Vantage S range and feature a 'V'
spoke design with a diamond turned finish providing a further clear
differentiation to the standard car. An optional forged aluminum wheel is
available saving one lbs per wheel in unsprung mass improving comfort and
handling further.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Roadster: Review (2/2)
