Gaydon-based luxury sportscar maker has just unveiled their track-focused variant of the Aston Martin Vantage complete with the addition of a third pedal and manual transmission.
The Aston Martin Vantage AMR is not set out for record-breaking lap times around a track but rather delivering the most exhilarating involvement and driving experience to the driver. Hence, the AMG-sourced 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 is now paired to a dog-leg 7-speed manual transmission – just like its predecessor.
Max power from the V8 is rated at 510 hp but torque has been revised to 625 Nm, 60 Nm down from the standard V8 Vantage as a result from the manual box. Century sprint is 0.4 seconds slower, in 4.0 seconds flat while maximum velocity remains the same at 314 km/h.
By swapping out the automatic for this manual transmission developed by Graziano and including carbon ceramic brakes as standard, Aston Martin has shaved 95 kgs of weight from the Vantage which improves the cars overall handling and precision. The manual transmission also features the AMSHIFT system which gives the driver the capability of automatic rev-matching at downshifts and full-throttle upshifts – of course, purist has the option to have all the systems turned off should they prefer.
Only 200 units of the Vantage AMR will be built in five designer specifications – Sabiro Blue, Onyx Black, China Grey or White Stone. In celebration of the 60th anniversary since Aston Martin’s triumphant 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans victory with DBR1, the final 59 units (of the 200) named “Vantage 59” will be crafted exclusively in Stirling Green and Lime exterior paint scheme and Dark Knight leather and Alcantara interior, finished with a signature AMR lime stripe and stitch.
The Vantage AMR is on sale now with a recommended retail price from £149,995 in the UK and moving forward, the standard Vantage V8 will be available with a manual gearbox option from Q1 2020 onwards. Deliveries of the first Vantage AMR are scheduled to begin during the final quarter of 2019.
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Aston Martin Vantage 59 AMR
