Base 2dr Roadster
2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

A little more than two years ago, I called the 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage "an intoxicating machine masterfully engineered to gratify every emotion in a car enthusiast's soul." It wasn't difficult to understand why, as the aluminum two-seater was like an old-school muscle car in its mechanical execution. While most of its competitors were boasting small-displacement engines with forced induction, the Aston Martin was fitted with a naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12. While the others used sophisticated electronic dampers to maximize grip, the British automaker stuck with a fixed-rate setup. And, while nearly everyone in the industry was boasting automatic gearboxes, the V12 Vantage was still fitted with a slick-shifting six-speed manual. The coupe was not perfect, but it had tons of personality and it was a real kick to drive. But now we have the V12 coupe's successor, updated with an 'S' for the 2015 model year, and Aston Martin has altered some of the ingredients: the engine is more powerful, the suspension is electronically controlled and the gear changes are now automatic. What effect does that have on a car that I once considered one of my favorites? I recently spent a long day with the sleek coupe to find out. The V12 Vantage S first appeared on the scene in early summer when the British automaker boasted the arrival of "the fastest road-going Aston Martin yet." After reading the press release, it was obvious that the team in Gaydon had taken advantage of an old racer's old trick – they had dropped their most powerful engine into their smallest chassis. Most observers will find it difficult to distinguish the 2015 model from last year's car. Like all Aston Martins today, the V12 Vantage S rides on an all-aluminum monocoque platform that the automaker calls its VH architecture. The lightweight framework is rigid and strong, and it is far from showing its age. While Aston offers the chassis with a variety of skins (the Vanquish features carbon fiber body panels), the Vantage S arrives with a mix of aluminum (doors, hood and roof) and composite (front quarter panels). Most observers will find it difficult to distinguish the 2015 model from last year's car, as the two appear nearly identical from anything more than 50 yards. The easiest way to differentiate it from its predecessor is to peer closely at the Aston's signature front grille. While the outgoing car featured six horizontal aluminum vanes, the new models wear carbon fiber or titanium mesh with or without body color accents. The 10-spoke alloy wheels are also a fresh addition, and discriminating eyes may note a host of subtle changes to some of the trim and color combinations (e.g., a painted black roof is now offered). Aston hasn't left the cabin alone either. Inside the cockpit, the standard chairs have additional Alcantara on the seating surface and revised stitching patterns. There is more upholstery detailing on the doors, and customers are offered more choices in terms of options (a new Carbon …
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