Manual fans rejoice because our favorite type of transmission just got added to the 2017 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S. Yes, you read that correctly: the English automaker will give customers the option to choose either the Sportshift III automatic transmission or an honest seven-speed manual transmission with a dog-leg first gear position.
While it’s sad that the inclusion of a manual transmission is news to us that enjoy shifting on our own accord, it’s still great to see that manufacturers are still looking out for us. With this new transmission Aston Martin is including the AMSHIFT system, which will “blip” the throttle when downshifting. If you’ve mastered the heel-and-toe technique, you can switch this feature off.
Whether you pick the manual transmission or automatic transmission, Aston Martin says that the same performance if guaranteed in both. What kind of performance are we talking about? They state the V12 Vantage S will rocket from 0-62 mph in 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 205 mph.
“Broadening the scope of the V12 Vantage S with a manual transmission option is an indication of our desire to offer the keenest drivers a more analogue and immersive machine to enjoy. I’d like to take this opportunity to reiterate that the manual gearbox remains an integral part of our product plans and will do for many years to come.” – Aston Martin CEO, Dr Andy Palmer
What’s more, this option comes as at no cost and will be available to US customers. If you’re interested in getting one, I suggest ordering one ASAP, because these are going to go fast and will most certainly be collector’s items down the road.
Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Listings
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