Another shout-y Brit: 205mph Aston Martin V12 Vantage S packs more power, less weight

By Nick Jaynes Published May 29, 2013

Just yesterday we brought you a new teaser video from Aston Martin, which we assumed was leading the way for a new V12 Vantage variant. We promised new information to shortly follow, not knowing exactly how long we’d have to wait. Delightfully, the high-end British automaker hasn’t made us wait long, as just a few hours after the tease dropped, so, too, did the new car: the 2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S.

Under the hood, the V12 Vantage S has a new 6.0-liter V12 codenamed AM28. This new, lightweight V12 features a new Bosch engine management system, CNC machined combustion chambers, and hollow camshafts. Altogether, these improvements make for 565 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque.

Mated to the AM28 V12 is an all-new transaxle called the Sportshift III AMT (automated manual transmission). Replacing the outgoing six-speed manual in the V12 Vantage, the Sportshift III AMT is a “hydraulically actuated automated manual transmission provides motorsport-style paddle shift changes for optimum performance delivery and efficiency.”

While Aston hasn’t told us a 0-60 time yet, it has said the V12 Vantage S will hit a top speed of 205mph. This makes the V12 Vantage S the fastest road-going Aston in the world, aside from the One-77 supercar.

As you can hear in the embedded video, the new Vantage has a new exhaust system. Based upon the exhaust from the One-77, the new system is lighter, smaller, and Aston says more “sonorous.”

We’re not so sure how deep and full of “sonorous” song it is. To us, it sounds quite the opposite. Take a look and listen:

The 2014 V12 Vantage S also features new electronic power steering with a 15:1 ratio and a three-stage adaptive damping suspension with three modes: Normal, Sport, and Track. Excitingly, when Sport is engaged, the vehicle also ratchets up throttle response, gear shifting speeds, and stiffens the steering.

Aston Martin has not yet made pricing available but we presume it’ll be a tick or three higher than the $180,000 V12 Vantage it replaces.

Should we know more, we’ll be sure to bring it to you. Heck, given Aston’s history, it could be in a few hours so be sure to check back.

Topics

Photo Galleries

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

Cars

Faraday Future could unveil lowest-priced EV yet at CES 2025

Faraday Future FF 91

Given existing tariffs and what’s in store from the Trump administration, you’d be forgiven for thinking the global race toward lower electric vehicle (EV) prices will not reach U.S. shores in 2025.

After all, Chinese manufacturers, who sell the least expensive EVs globally, have shelved plans to enter the U.S. market after 100% tariffs were imposed on China-made EVs in September.

Cars

Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs. Tesla Model Y: Does electric SUV beat the bestselling EV?

Hyundai Ioniq 9 driving

The long-awaited Hyundai Ioniq 9 is finally on the way, after months of waiting for what many hope will be a true competitor to the Kia EV9. The electric SUV is likely to be one of the go-to options for those who want a larger EV at a lower price than the likes of the Rivian R1S. But, while it's larger than the Tesla Model Y, it's also likely to be a little more expensive.

The two vehicles are a bit different when it comes to things like performance, range, and charging. Is the Hyundai Ioniq 9 worth the extra cash, or should you go for the cheaper, yet smaller car? We put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The overall designs of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Tesla Model Y are pretty different, and that may be enough to sway your buying decision. The Ioniq 9 is a true SUV; it's big and boxy, and while it looks a little sleeker than some SUVs thanks to its curved roofline, it's clearly larger than the Tesla Model Y. At the front of the Ioniq 9 is a long light bar separated into pixel-like blocks that helps give the vehicle a unique design motif. At the rear of the Ioniq 9, you'll also find pixel lights curving around the sides and top of the trunk. The Ioniq 9 measures 199.2 inches long, 78 inches wide, and 70.5 inches high.

Cars

Volvo EX90 vs Tesla Model Y: Is Tesla’s cheaper EV also better?

2025 Volvo EX90 front quarter view.

The Volvo EX90 is finally here. The all-electric Volvo SUV was first unveiled a few years ago, but after some delays, the sleek Scandinavian vehicle is now available for order. As an electric SUV, it will go up against the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9. However, it will also have to compete with the most popular electric vehicle out there: the Tesla Model Y.

There are some clear differences between the two vehicles. While the Volvo EX90 is noticeably larger, the Tesla Model Y is significantly cheaper. Should you spend the extra cash for Volvo’s electric SUV, or should you opt for the Tesla?
Design
Perhaps the most obvious difference between the two vehicles lies in their design. The EX90 is more of a traditional SUV, featuring a big, boxy build that’s larger than the arguably crossover-sized Tesla Model Y. Beyond basic dimensions, however, there are plenty of other design differences. For instance, the Volvo EX90 has a more traditional appearance compared to the Model Y, which, despite being on the market for some time, remains relatively unique when compared to vehicles from other manufacturers. That’s not to say the EX90 looks dated — on the contrary, it’s sleek and stylish, showcasing Volvo’s signature design.