Bravo Aston!

Source: www.dubicars.com

Seems like our friend from Gaydon has whipped up something special. Nope, it is not another James Bond special, but it is a rather special offering that will whet the enthusiast's appetite. Meet the new 2017 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S. 

Okay, what is so special about Aston's new V12 Vantage S compared to the previous iteration? Well, it is not really Aston going bonkers with liberating extra juice from the same 6 litre V12 (it still makes the same 563 hp at 6750 rpm and 620 Nm of torque at 5750 rpm). What makes it special is the bit that passes the V12 power to the rear wheels, the transmission.

What is so special about the transmission I heard you ask? Well, the new V12 Vantage S is a departure from the previous model where manual was not even an option (only a 7 speed Sportshift III automated manual was offerred mind you). This time round our Gaydon friend has shoehorned...hold your breath...3 pedals and a human-operated H-gate shifter!

Source: paultan.org

It is not a 6 speed, but it is a 7 speed. It is not just a 7 speed, but it is a 'dogleg' transmission. Dogleg? What is that? It is basically 1st gear sits where 2nd gear should be like on traditional shift pattern, meaning 1st gear on dogleg transmission is to the left of neutral and down. This layout is popular on high performance sports cars and racing cars as 1st gear is seldom used. This allows a faster shift to the gears most often used, such as 2nd and 3rd gear as they are inline with each other requiring just a straightforward shove back and forth.

To top it off, the transmission is equipped with the AMSHIFT, which automatically blips the throttle on downshift to simulate a clean heel toe downshift, made possible by clutch, gear position and propshaft sensor. If you wish to do your own heel toe, the system can be turned off.

The return of manual in the V12 Vantage S after a brief hibernation should be a welcome relief to the enthusiasts camp. The 7 speed Sportshift III automated manual remains an option in the new Vantage S if clutching in and out is not your idea of driving.