Since the introduction of the latest Aston Martin Vantage in 2017, a manual gearbox option was always part of the plan, and now that option is here. The row-it-yourself transmission is being offered on this limited-edition Vantage AMR before it is rolled out as an option for all models in the first quarter of 2020.
Just like the previous-generation V12 Vantage S, the AMR gets a seven-speed manual, with a dogleg first gear and gears two to seven in a regular “H” pattern. The Graziano transaxle is linked to a mechanical limited-slip differential rather than the standard Vantage’s torque vectoring electronic locking diff. Also fitted is AMRShift that enables automatic rev matching and clutchless upshifts, although this can be turned off.
To fit the manual ‘box, Aston has had to detune the Mercedes-derived 4.0 litre twin-turbocharged V8, which now produces 625 Nm of torque instead of 685 Nm, from 2,000 to 5,000 rpm; however, it makes the same 510 PS at 6,000 rpm. The company estimates a zero-to-100 km/h sprint time of 4.0 seconds – down 0.4 seconds from the automatic version – and a top speed of 314 km/h.
Slower it may be, but the removal of the eight-speed ZF auto and the addition of standard-fit carbon ceramic brakes have resulted in a 95 kg weight saving, bringing the total down to 1,499 kg dry. The AMR continues the use of adaptive dampers with Skyhook technology and Sport, Sport+ and Track modes.
“In a world of autonomous robo-taxis, Aston Martin will continue to advance the art and science of performance driving,” said president and CEO Andy Palmer. “We have created a thoroughly modern sports car that rewards effort and focus from the driver; the antidote to driving a computer game.”
Just 200 AMRs will be built, with 141 of those being available in Sabiro Blue, Onyx Black, China Grey or White Stone. The final 59 units will be available in just a single Vantage 59 specification, built to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Aston’s overall Le Mans victory in 1959. It gets Stirling Green paint with Lime accents, a Dark Night leather and Alcantara interior and a signature AMR stripe in Lime. Deliveries kick off in Q4 2019.
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So going manual meant losing out on top end performance.
The manual box can’t handle the engine’s torque and a human will never shift as fast as a good autobox. But I don’t think buyers will care about the poorer performance. Manual exotics also retain value better than auto ones.