Aston Martin Debuts 205-mph Vantage S

Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd. says the updated V-12 engine in its new Vantage S coupe can push the supercar to a top speed of 205 mph.

The naturally aspirated engine now makes 564 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque, up 11% and 9%, respectively, from the V-12 in the current Vantage.

Aston Martin attributes the performance bump to such tweaks as hollow camshafts, CNC-machined combustion chambers and a new exhaust system inspired by the company's One-77 hypercar.

The Vantage S also debuts a new and more compact Sportshift III automated manual transmission that is 55 lbs lighter than the previous unit. The company says the new gearbox borrows technology used in Aston Martin's Vantage GT3, GT4 and GTE race cars.

In keeping with its racier capabilities, the S uses a new ZF-supplied power steering unit with a quicker 15:1 ratio and a three-stage adaptive damping system that modifies throttle response, gearshift characteristics and the exhaust note.