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Aston Martin should be applauded for its persistency. A naturally-aspirated 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine may seem positively prehistoric by today's technology standards, but when it's shoehorned into the front of a Vanquish it all makes perfect sense. The new Vanquish S sees that creamy V12 engine get a power hike from 573hp to over 600hp, thanks to an old-school approach including a redesigned intake system that allows more air in and more power out at high engine speeds. Transmitting that power is the familiar eight-speed ZF Touchtronic III automatic gearbox, which has been recalibrated to give both quicker gear changes and increased refinement at low speeds, contributing to the brutal 0-100km/h time of 3.5 seconds.
The aluminium and carbon fibre chassis remains, acting as a stiff and stable platform for the revised suspension settings, with thicker shock absorber rods and stiffer anti-roll bar bushes utilised to attain better body control and feedback. New five-spoke diamond-turned rims are an option and the body styling sees a naked carbon front splitter, bonnet vents and rear diffuser added to the shapely standard Vanquish's body. Quad tailpipes also feature, and there's a host of optional graphics packs for those who might enjoy customising their new GT weapon with stickers...
Inside, there's 'Filograph' quilted or Bridge of Weir Caithness leather, more carbon and highly prominent Vanquish S embroidery on the headrests.
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Aston CEO, Dr. Andy Palmer, commented: "From the moment the original Vanquish was launched it became a modern icon. It propelled Aston Martin from an era of hand-built cars to one where craftsmanship and technology combined to create a new kind of great British GT. In its second generation the Vanquish maintained that momentum with huge engineering advances such as its all-carbon fibre bodywork and compelling, contemporary styling. Now, the Vanquish S takes things a step further, confidently asserting itself within the Aston Martin range and distinguishing itself from the new DB11. A spectacular machine in every sense, the Vanquish S is a magnificent addition to our range."