Aston Martin adds a third pedal

… it’s called a “clutch”, children.

THERE’S A WHOLE GENERATION that doesn’t understand the sensation of enhanced car control and greater driver involvement that comes with a manual gearbox.

Fortunately, most of them probably couldn’t afford the new Aston Martin Vantage that has just been released.

The Aston Martin Vantage AMR, as the company freely admits, “deliver(s) a product with the involvement and driver engagement that only a manual can offer”.

The heart of Vantage AMR remains Aston Martin’s potent new alloy 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine.  Set low and as far back in the chassis as possible for optimal centre-of-gravity and near perfect 50:50 weight distribution, this high performance, high efficiency engine develops 375kW at 6000rpm and 625Nm from 2000-5000rpm, propelling Vantage AMR from 0-100km/h in 4.0 seconds. As with the existing Vantage model, top speed is 314km/h. However, while performance is still at the forefront of all Vantage models, its delivery in the Vantage AMR is very different.

Vantage AMR is equipped with a motorsport-inspired 7-speed transmission developed by Graziano, featuring a ‘dog-leg’ first gear. Inside, the driver is presented with the opportunity to select each gear using a hand-stitched leather-clad gearstick. Second to seventh gears – those that will be used most frequently when on the move – are positioned in a traditional double H-pattern configuration. To ensure a more rewarding and engaging experience expected of a manual, Vantage AMR’s transmission is mated to a limited-slip differential, tuned and calibrated by Aston Martin’s leading dynamics team, headed by Chief Engineer Matt Becker, from the team’s base at Silverstone Race Circuit.

Vantage AMR’s manual transmission also features AMSHIFT. The system, which is driver selectable, uses clutch, gear position and prop shaft sensors, together with finely-tuned engine management program to mimic the technique of heel-and-toe downshifts; the act of blipping the throttle while braking and changing gear to allow smoother deceleration and cornering as a result. AMSHIFT also offers the capability of full-throttle upshifts for maximum smoothness and minimal interruption in acceleration.

Removing the automatic transmission and including carbon ceramic brakes as standard not only creates a purer driver experience, but also assists in removing 95kg of weight. Already known for its handling prowess, the Vantage AMR pushes the boundaries further and continues to exploit Aston Martin’s latest adaptive damping system incorporating Skyhook technology – with Sport, Sport + and Track modes – to ensure the car’s character can be tuned to the driver’s preference or road conditions.

Limited to 200 units, Vantage AMR is available in five designer specifications. One hundred and forty-one of those 200 will be available in either Sabiro Blue, Onyx Black, China Grey or White Stone. In contrast, the final 59 will be crafted in celebration of the 60th anniversary since Aston Martin’s triumphant 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans victory with DBR1. Named “Vantage 59”, this fixed specification features a Stirling Green and Lime exterior paint scheme and Dark Knight leather and Alcantara interior, finished with a signature AMR lime stripe and stitch. Priced at £164,995 in the UK, €209,995 in Germany and $209,995 in the USA, this package is available on a first-come-first-serve basis to customers worldwide. Following an enquiry by seniordriveraus, Aston Martin has confirmed that the  local price will be $AU661,007 ( don’t you just love the subtlety of that “007” following the $661,000?), plus on road costs, which will be substantial.

Just to keep anger levels high, we should point out that the UK price is $AU303,000, less than half what the AMR costs here, and the same price as paid by US buyers. Germans pay $AU340,000.

Speaking of Vantage AMR, Andy Palmer President and Group CEO, Aston Martin Lagonda said, “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. 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. With the Vantage GTE set to race again at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June, I hope that those customers who are lucky enough to take ownership of a Vantage 59, will have even more reason to celebrate with their new car”.

Vantage AMR is on sale now with a recommended retail price from £149,995 in the UK, €184,995 in Germany and $184,995 in the USA. Vantage will continue to feature a manual gearbox as an option from Q1 2020, following the sale of all 200 Vantage AMR models. Deliveries of Vantage AMR are scheduled to begin during the final quarter of 2019.