Next Aston Martin V8 Vantage takes Paris in video

Aston Martin added a short promo video to its YouTube channel on Thursday showing the facelifted 2012 Vantage V8 coupe.

The least expensive Aston now bears a stronger resemblance to the recently upgraded Vantage S thanks to a new front fascia, new rear styling and redesigned side sills.

Wider wheels and tires will be installed along with six-piston competition-derived brakes. Aston Martin also reworked the steering ratio to provide a better response to driver inputs.

Under the hood, the Vantage has a 4.7-liter V8 making 420 hp and 346 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is standard, while the six-speed Sportshift automatic was exchanged for the seven-speed Sportshift II.

In the video, the Vantage cruises around Paris in a strangely familiar way. The video has light music and engine sounds mixed with shots of the tach moving and a woman walking through the city. It's only at the end that we realize it's a subtle homage to Claude Lelouch's. Rendezvouz .

The 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage coupe should cost about $134,500, converted from British pounds.

By Jake Lingeman