Aston Martin adds a V8 Vantage S

Slotted between Aston Martin's vaunted V8 Vantage and the venerable V12 variant comes a tweener model that promises to be anything but vague: Aston is adding the S variant, with more power and an upgraded transmission.

The Vantage S draws power from the 4.7-liter V8 making 430 hp, 10 hp more than in the base Vantage. The S also adds 15 lb-ft of torque, boosting total twist to 361 lb-ft. The car is fitted with Aston's Sportshift II seven-speed rear mid-mounted gearbox.

The sports car can be ordered now and is offered as a coupe and a soft-top roadster. Aston says the ride is inspired by the GT4 race car, which has successfully competed in endurance racing around the world. The coupe will start at $139,615, and the roadster begins at $152,615, including destination and gass-guzzler taxes.

The Vantage S gets a sharpened steering ratio, six-piston brake calipers, improved dampers and springs and wider rear wheels. Emergency braking is fortified with a hydraulic assist system.

There's also a carbon-fiber-finished front bumper, widened side sills and splitter and an extended deck lid. The car rolls on 19-inch standard wheels with a V pattern, and an optional upgrade offers 10-spokes.

The body is derived from aluminum, magnesium alloy, composite and steel. There's a halogen projector and HID lights in front and LEDs in rear, and 66 pounds have been shaved from the car's weight.

By Greg Migliore