V8 Vantage S Coupe
A reworked engine supplies greater power and torque; meanwhile, a new seven-speed transmission, altered suspension and numerous other engineering tweaks render the car even quicker and more responsive than the earlier model.
The V8 Vantage S Coupé was introduced in 2011 as the edgier counterpart to the more “everyday” original. The manufacturer’s successful GT4 racing car has inspired certain aspects of the S edition, such as its ultra-strong bonded aluminium frame and larger (yet lighter) brakes.
Overview
A number of subtle alterations to the exterior of the vehicle hint at its more assertive character, as well as helping it to wring every last ounce of performance from the 4.7-litre V8. A more prominent spoiler, larger side sills and a new carbon fibre diffuser reduce the drag coefficient as well as subtly emphasising the car’s sporting credentials.
Grip on the road is improved by the specially designed 19” V-spoke wheels, which also give the S edition a lower, wider profile. The air intakes on the front bumper not only look powerful; along with new mufflers and some engineering tweaks, they help the engine to achieve a maximum 430bhp, instead of the 420bhp possible in the first Vantage Coupé.
Grip on the road is improved by the specially designed 19” V-spoke wheels, which also give the S edition a lower, wider profile. The air intakes on the front bumper not only look powerful; along with new mufflers and some engineering tweaks, they help the engine to achieve a maximum 430bhp, instead of the 420bhp possible in the first Vantage Coupé.
Technology
In addition to providing 10bhp of extra power, the V8 Vantage S Coupé weighs 1610kg – 20kg lighter than the already slender original. This enables better acceleration and a higher maximum speed of 190mph for extra enjoyment on track days.
Acceleration at low or high speeds is quicker and smoother, due to the efficiency of the all-new single-clutch Sportshift™ II transmission. The short gear ratios of this seven-speed automated manual gearbox allow gear changes 20% quicker than the Sportshift™ on the original Coupé. The single-clutch arrangement reduces complexity and weight compared to dual clutch gearboxes, whilst the limited-slip differential distributes torque in a way that always keeps the vehicle stable.
The springs and damping system of the suspension have also been stiffened to reduce body roll, whilst a quicker steering rack ratio (15:1, instead of 17:1) make the S edition still more agile when taking bends at speed. Revised active safety features, such as a new Dynamic Stability Control mechanism and Hydraulic Brake Assist, stabilise the vehicle further on rough or slippery road surfaces.
Acceleration at low or high speeds is quicker and smoother, due to the efficiency of the all-new single-clutch Sportshift™ II transmission. The short gear ratios of this seven-speed automated manual gearbox allow gear changes 20% quicker than the Sportshift™ on the original Coupé. The single-clutch arrangement reduces complexity and weight compared to dual clutch gearboxes, whilst the limited-slip differential distributes torque in a way that always keeps the vehicle stable.
The springs and damping system of the suspension have also been stiffened to reduce body roll, whilst a quicker steering rack ratio (15:1, instead of 17:1) make the S edition still more agile when taking bends at speed. Revised active safety features, such as a new Dynamic Stability Control mechanism and Hydraulic Brake Assist, stabilise the vehicle further on rough or slippery road surfaces.
Specification
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