Aston Martin is giving its high-performance Vantage model “an extra dose” of excitement with the addition of a third pedal for the Vantage AMR model introduced May 1 in conjunction with the penultimate round of the FIA World Endurance Championship Super Season at Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium.
“When I joined this company, customers asked and, as a gearbox engineer and racer, I promised that we would always offer a manual transmission in our lineup,” Aston Martin Lagonda president and chief executive Andy Palmer is quoted in the announcement. “The Vantage AMR not only honors that commitment but sets us apart from our competitors in continuing to offer a three-pedal option.
“In a world of autonomous robo-taxis, Aston Martin will continue to advance the art and science of performance driving. With the Vantage AMR, we have created a thoroughly modern sports car that rewards effort and focus from the driver; the antidote to driving a computer game.”
“The heart of Vantage AMR remains Aston Martin’s potent new alloy, 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine,” the company said in its news release. “Set low and as far back in the chassis as possible for optimal centre-of-gravity and near perfect 50:50 weight distribution, this high performance, high efficiency engine develops 510 (horsepower) at 6,000 rpm and 625Nm from 2,000-5,000 rpm, propelling Vantage AMR from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds.”
625 Nm is 460 pound-feet of torque.
The Vantage AMR comes with a 7-speed transmission developed by Graziano and features a “dog-leg” first gear. Second through seventh are positioned in a traditional double-H pattern. The cars also get a limited-slip differential tuned to the powertrain at the Silverstone Race Circuit.
The transmission features AMSHIFT, a driver-selectable system that engages clutch, gear, prop shaft sensors and engine management software to provide heel-and-toe downshifts, blipping the throttle while braking and allowing for smoother deceleration and more efficient cornering with full-throttle upshifts to maximize acceleration, Aston Martin said in its announcement.
“Removing the automatic transmission and including carbon ceramic brakes as standard not only creates a purer driver experience, but also assists in removing 95 kg of weight,” the company added.
The cars come with Sport, Sport + and Track modes that incorporate “Skyhook” technology and adaptive suspension.
Only 200 units will be produced, priced at $179,995.
However, the final 59 off the line will celebrate the anniversary of Aston Martin’s victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1959. Those cars will wear “Vantage 59” livery in Stirling Green and Lime exterior paint with Dark Knight leather and Alcantara interior.
The “Vantage 59” cars will be priced at $204,995.
Wow! The car of my dreams ! I don’t want much …. but I want that car 🙂