Aston revises Vantage range 07 | 03 | 2012

ASTON MARTIN HAS confirmed a raft of improvements for the 'entry-level' V8 Vantage. Priced from £84,995, the new 2012 range benefits from what the company calls its biggest range overhaul since 2008.

Shown at Geneva, the V8 Vantage benefits from quicker steering, bigger brakes and wider tyres which have all now been introduced to the base 420bhp V8 Vantage, most carried over from the Vantage S.

In addition to the news tearing column installation and revolved power-steering, the braking system has also been enhanced at the front: there's now new 380mm, two-piece ventilated cast iron front discs and six-piston calipers.

Aston claims the improvement delivers “significantly increased stopping power and pedal feel”. A brake-holding Hill Start Assist set-up is also included as standard, and the tyres are now 10mm wider.

See more official photos of the 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Under the skin, the seven-speed Sportshift II transmission has been introduced as an option over the standard six-speed manual. Replacing the older six-speed Sportshift unit the new gearbox is said to provide faster and more precise shifts, optimising acceleration and delivering a sporting driving experience.

Subtle styling cues differentiate the 2012 V8 Vantage from its predecessors. In addition to restyled sills, and a new lower front bumper and air splitter, the new car gets a new rear bumper equipped with a diffuser.

The 430bhp Vantage S, which starts at £99,995, now gets the new Sportshift II ’box as standard, as well as a sports exhaust, a “motorsport-derived, carbonfibre detailed” aerodynamic styling package and a new hand-stitched leather interior.

Cruise control, Bluetooth and Aston's new integrated Garmin sat-nav are all now standard.

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Jim McGill