A small front engined sports car with a manual gearbox – that’s what enthusiasts want. Aston Martin is more than happy to oblige.
The Aston Martin Vantage AMR is the more sportier, driver-focused version of the new Vantage. It is powered by a 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 engine that delivers 503 hp @ 6000 rpm and 461 lb-ft of peak torque which comes in between 2000-5000 rpm.
But, more importantly, the Vantage AMR comes equipped with a 7-speed manual transmission with a dogleg-style first gear. It has AMSHIFT – which automatically blips the throttle while downshifting. It also has a limited slip differential. Aston claims that replacing the automatic transmission with a manual and fitting carbon ceramic brakes has reduced the weight by 95 kg.
Performance is pretty brisk. The Vantage AMR accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 195 mph. The car rides on 20-inch forged AMR wheels shod with 255/40 and 295/35 Pirelli P Zero tyres at the front and rear respectively. It has adaptive damping with three modes – Sport, Sport+ and Track.
The Vantage AMR is limited to just 200 units. It is available in 5 designer specifications in Sabiro Blue, Onyx Black, China Grey or White Stone. The final 59 units will be built to ‘Vantage 59’ specification designed to commemorate the DBR1’s 1959 Le Mans victory.
The Vantage AMR is now on sale from £149,995 in the UK, €184,995 in Germany and $179,995 in the USA. The Vantage 59 costs £164,995 in the UK, €209,995 in Germany and $204,995 in the USA.