Aston Martin Vantage AMR 2019: Analogue Thrills
Aston Martin has officially revealed its new-generation Vantage AMR, adding a first-of-its-kind manual gearbox option to the V8-powered supercar.
Just 200 units will be produced worldwide, with first deliveries earmarked for the fourth quarter of this year, and with pricing starting at £149,995 in its home market, the UK.
What is it?
Matched with the Mercedes-AMG 4.0-litre bent eight, the new seven-speed shifter follows Aston Martin Lagonda president Andy Palmer’s vow to include manual options in the brand’s range.
“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 line-up,” he said.
“The Vantage AMR not only honours 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.
Drivetrain
With 375kW (510PS) and 625Nm on tap, the V8-powered Brit will sprint from zero to 100km/h in a hair under four seconds, for an estimated top speed of 313km/h.
Developed by Italy’s Dana Graziano, the new seven-speed box features ‘AMSHIFT’ – a selectable mode which uses clutch, gear position and prop shaft sensors to mimic the technique of heel-and-toe downshifts and allow for full-throttle upshifts.
Don’t fret, purists, you can switch it off for that heroic feeling.
Now standard is carbon ceramic brakes which have helped to remove 95kg of weight compared to the car’s predecessor, and a new adaptive damping system can be tuned via three driving modes – Sport, Sport + and Track.
The Vantage AMR will come in four colours including Sabiro Blue, Onyx Black, China Grey and White Stone, however, the final 59 units will be clad in a special paint scheme to celebrate the 60thanniversary of Aston Martin’s victory at the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Pricing
As well as all the aforementioned goodness, Aston has dreamt up five specifications including a limit of 59 of the “Vantage 59” livery.
Aston Martin Australia is yet to announce pricing and availability.
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