Manual fans rejoice because our favorite type of transmission just got added to the 2017 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S. Yes, you read that correctly: the English automaker will give customers the option to choose either the Sportshift III automatic transmission or an honest seven-speed manual transmission with a dog-leg first gear position.
While it’s sad that the inclusion of a manual transmission is news to us that enjoy shifting on our own accord, it’s still great to see that manufacturers are still looking out for us. With this new transmission Aston Martin is including the AMSHIFT system, which will “blip” the throttle when downshifting. If you’ve mastered the heel-and-toe technique, you can switch this feature off.
Whether you pick the manual transmission or automatic transmission, Aston Martin says that the same performance if guaranteed in both. What kind of performance are we talking about? They state the V12 Vantage S will rocket from 0-62 mph in 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 205 mph.
Marcus Vance
Senior Track & Performance Editor at Auto News Magazine. Veteran automotive journalist specializing in chassis dynamics, apex telemetry, track-day specials, and high-revving mechanical purity.
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