Aston Martin Vantage S: The Sharpest Expression of Aston Martin’s Front-Engined Sports Car

The Aston Martin Vantage S represents the most focused and dynamically capable version of the Vantage ever produced. Combining 680PS from a hand-built twin-turbocharged V8 engine with extensive chassis enhancements, aerodynamic upgrades and a sharper driver-focused character, the Vantage S elevates Aston Martin’s acclaimed sports car into true supercar territory.

Available in both Coupe and Roadster forms, the Vantage S has been engineered for drivers seeking greater agility, precision and engagement without compromising the luxury craftsmanship and road usability expected from Aston Martin.

As an official Aston Martin retailer in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, HWM Aston Martin is proud to introduce the latest chapter in the iconic Aston Martin ‘S’ lineage.

What Is the Aston Martin Vantage S?

The Aston Martin Vantage S is the new halo performance model within the Vantage range. Building upon the already highly acclaimed Vantage platform, the S introduces increased power, revised chassis tuning, enhanced aerodynamics and a more aggressive sporting character.

Aston Martin’s famous “S” designation has historically been reserved for the marque’s sharpest and most engaging performance cars, including:

  • V8 Vantage S
  • V12 Vantage S
  • Vanquish S
  • Rapide S

The new Vantage S continues that tradition with a combination of:

  • Increased engine output
  • Enhanced throttle calibration
  • Aerodynamic optimisation
  • Revised suspension geometry
  • Greater chassis stiffness
  • Bespoke design details

The result is a sports car engineered to deliver exceptional driver engagement while retaining Aston Martin’s unmistakable sense of luxury and craftsmanship.

Aston Martin Vantage S Engine and Performance

At the heart of the Vantage S sits Aston Martin’s hand-crafted all-aluminium 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine.

The upgraded powertrain now produces:

  • 680PS
  • 671bhp
  • 800Nm of torque

Peak torque is delivered from just 3,000rpm through to 6,000rpm, creating immense mid-range performance and immediate throttle response.

Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels through:

  • An 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Electronic rear limited-slip differential
  • Rear-wheel-drive layout

Aston Martin Vantage S Performance Figures

Specification

Vantage S Coupe

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8

Power

680PS / 671bhp

Torque

800Nm

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain

Rear-Wheel Drive

0-60mph

3.3 Seconds

0-100mph

6.8 Seconds

Top Speed

202mph

Power-to-Weight Ratio

390PS per tonne

The Vantage S also benefits from recalibrated launch control software and revised accelerator mapping, creating sharper throttle modulation and improved driver connection.

Chassis Enhancements and Dynamic Upgrades

The defining characteristic of the Vantage S is not simply outright power, but the way the car responds to driver inputs.

Aston Martin engineers focused extensively on improving:

  • Front axle precision
  • Low-speed agility
  • High-speed composure
  • Steering response
  • Ride balance
  • Driver confidence

Key chassis modifications include:

  • Solid-mounted rear subframe
  • Revised damper hardware
  • Updated damper software calibration
  • Reduced transmission mount stiffness
  • Revised suspension geometry
  • Reworked rear spring aid stiffness

The solid aluminium rear subframe mounts increase torsional stiffness by 5%, improving rear-end stability and chassis response.

Meanwhile, revised camber, caster and toe settings improve front-end grip and steering accuracy, helping the Vantage S feel even more precise and engaging at speed.

Aerodynamics and Exterior Design

Visually, the Vantage S introduces a more assertive and purposeful aerodynamic profile.

New design features include:

  • Full-width rear decklid spoiler
  • Gloss black bonnet blades
  • Bespoke S badging
  • Revised lower body aerodynamics
  • Optional carbon fibre exterior packages

The new rear spoiler increases rear downforce by 44kg at maximum speed, while total aerodynamic downforce rises by 111kg. Aston Martin has deliberately biased this additional downforce toward the front axle to maximise cornering grip and steering confidence.

The bonnet blades are both functional and dramatic, helping extract hot air from the engine bay while visually reinforcing the Vantage S’s increased performance intent.

Optional carbon fibre exterior packages allow owners to specify:

  • Carbon fibre front splitter
  • Carbon fibre side sills
  • Carbon fibre spoiler
  • Carbon fibre rear diffuser
  • Carbon fibre bonnet blades
  • Carbon fibre mirror caps

Aston Martin Vantage S Interior

Inside, the Vantage S blends motorsport-inspired detailing with handcrafted British luxury.

Interior environments include:

  • Accelerate Alcantara and leather
  • Inspire S leather and Alcantara
  • Full semi-aniline leather interiors

Unique Vantage S interior details include:

  • Embroidered ‘S’ logos
  • Chevron quilting
  • Satin carbon fibre trim
  • Red anodised drive mode rotary
  • Sculpted leather headrest logos
  • Alcantara steering wheel options

A standout innovation is the optional sculpted leather Aston Martin wings headrest design. Using over 1,500kg of pressure and heat, Aston Martin creates a deeply sculpted and highly detailed wings emblem directly into the leather surface.

The effect delivers remarkable visual depth and craftsmanship unlike anything else currently available in the automotive industry.

Carbon Ceramic Brakes and Lightweight Components

For drivers seeking maximum performance capability, the Vantage S offers optional carbon ceramic brakes.

The system features:

  • 410mm front carbon ceramic discs
  • 360mm rear carbon ceramic discs
  • 6-piston front calipers
  • 4-piston rear calipers

Benefits include:

  • Improved braking consistency
  • Enhanced thermal resistance
  • Reduced brake fade
  • Sharper pedal feel
  • 27kg reduction in unsprung mass

This reduction in unsprung weight significantly improves both ride control and handling precision.

Aston Martin Vantage S Reviews and Media Reaction

The Aston Martin Vantage platform has already received widespread praise from leading UK automotive publications, and early reactions to the Vantage S suggest Aston Martin has pushed the car even further toward the top of the high-performance sports car sector.

Evo Magazine described the Vantage S as:

“One of our favourite Astons”
while praising its enhanced chassis, increased power and greater attitude.

Autocar praised the latest Vantage for its:

  • “Bombastic power output”
  • “Old-school front-engined rear-drive balance”
  • “Spectacular, riveting effect”

Top Gear described the Vantage as:

“Engineered for real drivers”
highlighting the car’s authentic rear-wheel-drive sports car character.

Motor1 noted that the Vantage S delivers:

“More of what makes the Vantage great”
with particular praise for the suspension and chassis revisions.

The overwhelming consensus from the UK automotive press is clear: Aston Martin has transformed the modern Vantage into one of the most exciting front-engined performance cars currently on sale.

Aston Martin Vantage S Technical Specifications

Category

Specification

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbocharged V8

Power

680PS

Torque

800Nm

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

Differential

Electronic Rear Limited Slip Differential

Drivetrain

Rear-Wheel Drive

0-60mph

3.3 seconds

Top Speed

202mph

Weight Distribution

50:50

Brakes

Carbon Ceramic Optional

Tyres

Michelin Pilot Sport S 5

Body Styles

Coupe & Roadster

Aston Martin Vantage S at HWM Aston Martin

The Vantage S perfectly captures Aston Martin’s modern identity:

  • Beautiful design
  • Front-engined balance
  • High-performance engineering
  • Luxury craftsmanship
  • Genuine driver engagement

As one of the UK’s leading Aston Martin retailers, HWM Aston Martin in Walton-on-Thames is proud to offer clients access to the latest Aston Martin Vantage S Coupe and Roadster models.

Whether configured as an elegant grand tourer or a highly focused performance machine, the Vantage S represents one of the most exciting and complete sports cars Aston Martin has ever produced.

To learn more about the Aston Martin Vantage S, current availability or bespoke Aston Martin configuration options, contact the HWM Aston Martin team today.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Aston Martin Vantage S

How powerful is the Aston Martin Vantage S?

The Aston Martin Vantage S produces 680PS and 800Nm from its 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine.

What is the 0-60mph time of the Aston Martin Vantage S?

The Vantage S Coupe accelerates from 0-60mph in just 3.3 seconds.

What is different about the Aston Martin Vantage S?

The Vantage S features increased engine power, revised suspension tuning, enhanced aerodynamics, solid-mounted rear subframe, bespoke design features and sharper chassis calibration.

Does the Aston Martin Vantage S have carbon ceramic brakes?

Yes. Carbon ceramic brakes are available as an option and reduce unsprung weight by 27kg compared with the standard steel brake system.

Is the Aston Martin Vantage S available as a Roadster?

Yes. The Vantage S is available in both Coupe and Roadster body style