The "S" isn't just a badge; it's a complete mechanical overhaul. Here is why the upgrade is essential for the discerning driver.
When Aston Martin adds an "S" to one of its models, the change goes far deeper than visual styling or a few extra horses. The new Vantage S represents a fundamental re-engineering of the already formidable Vantage platform, with changes that touch nearly every aspect of how the car drives, responds, and rewards the driver behind the wheel. If you're evaluating whether the Vantage S justifies its position as the most performance-focused Vantage in the current lineup, understanding what actually changed under the skin makes the difference clear.
Power Output: 670 hp and 590 lb-ft
The heart of the Vantage S is an upgraded version of Aston Martin's 4.0-litre Twin-Turbo V8. Power climbs to 670 hp at 6000 rpm, while torque reaches 590 lb-ft delivered between 3000 and 6000 rpm. That torque band matters because it means immediate in-gear response across a broad rev range. Whether you're accelerating out of a corner on Mont-Tremblant's winding roads or merging onto Autoroute 40, the engine delivers without hesitation.
The power increase doesn't come from simply turning up boost pressure and hoping for the best. Aston Martin's engineers achieved this output through careful calibration of the engine management system, ensuring the additional performance integrates seamlessly with the car's existing thermal management and mechanical components. The result is an engine that feels both more potent and more refined than the standard Vantage.
Acceleration: 3.4 Seconds to 100 km/h
Launch Control has been optimized specifically for the Vantage S. The 0-100 km/h time now sits at 3.4 seconds, which represents a 0.1-second improvement over the standard Vantage. The car reaches 200 km/h in just 10.1 seconds. Top speed remains unchanged at 325 km/h.
That tenth of a second improvement might seem small on paper, but it reflects the cumulative effect of multiple changes working together: revised Launch Control programming, optimized gearshift mapping, improved traction management, and chassis tuning that allows the car to put power down more effectively. The difference is tangible in real-world acceleration, particularly from a rolling start where the improved throttle calibration and torque delivery make the car feel more immediate and responsive.
Throttle Calibration: Connection Through the Right Foot
One of the most significant changes in the Vantage S involves something you can't measure with a stopwatch: throttle pedal feel. Aston Martin's engineers developed a new drive-by-wire throttle map specifically for the S variant, with calibration that varies based on which drive mode you've selected.
The throttle pedal now offers resistance that matches the car's increased performance character. This isn't about making the pedal heavier for the sake of it—it's about creating a connection between driver input and vehicle response that feels natural and predictable. When you're placing the car precisely on a challenging road, that improved throttle calibration allows you to modulate power more accurately, particularly when you're using the throttle to adjust the car's balance mid-corner.
Chassis Changes: Hardware and Software Working Together
The Vantage S benefits from extensive suspension tuning that goes well beyond simple spring rate changes. Aston Martin's chassis engineers focused on extracting more agility and front-end grip while maintaining the compliance and refinement that make the Vantage usable every day.
The Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers receive both hardware tuning and software calibration changes. The result is increased front-end feel and response, giving you better feedback about what the front tires are doing. At the same time, rear spring aid stiffness has been reduced to balance compression and rebound characteristics, which improves low-speed ride quality. You get sharper handling without the harshness that often comes with track-focused suspension setups.
Transmission mount stiffness has been reduced by 10 percent. This change controls powertrain movement relative to the body and chassis, allowing the vehicle to breathe in harmony with the road surface. The benefit is additional refinement—fewer vibrations and harshness transmitted into the cabin, particularly over broken pavement or rough Quebec roads in winter.
Perhaps the most significant chassis change involves the rear subframe. Instead of mounting it to the body through rubber bushes, the Vantage S uses direct mounting. This creates a more rigid connection that improves steering feel and precision. The downside of such changes can be increased harshness, but Aston Martin's engineers balanced the direct mounting with the other suspension changes to maintain overall comfort.
Finally, suspension geometry has been refined with updated camber, toe, and caster settings. These adjustments sharpen response, improve front-end grip under high lateral loads, and precisely dial in the overall dynamic balance. The goal was a car that has a thrilling appetite for corners backed up by steadfast stability.
Aerodynamic Enhancements: 111 kg of Downforce at Maximum Speed
The Vantage S generates 111 kg of total downforce at maximum speed, with specific attention paid to how that downforce is distributed between front and rear axles. The full-width decklid spoiler alone adds 44 kg of rear downforce at top speed. This isn't just for visual impact—the spoiler has been tuned to add stability while ensuring the overall balance of downforce is biased toward the front end. That front bias generates better turn-in response and sustains a high level of cornering grip.
Additional underbody changes account for the remaining 67 kg of downforce. These include a new front airdam and front venturi vanes that manage airflow underneath the car more effectively. The bonnet blades—available in gloss black or 2x2 Twill Carbon Fibre—optimize the extraction of hot air from the hot-V configured V8 engine while contributing to the car's more assertive design character.
Visual Distinction: Subtle but Unmistakable
The Vantage S features discrete 'S' badging on the front fenders. Each badge is hand-made with a brass forged 'S' infilled with red glass enamel, with the badge surround chrome-plated in either bright or dark chrome to match your specification. It's a small detail, but it reflects the level of craftsmanship that runs through the entire car.
Optional 21-inch Y-spoke wheels in satin black with a red wheel graphic continue the red detailing synonymous with the 'S' designation. These pair with contrasting bronze-painted brake calipers for a distinctive look that ties the visual package together.
Interior Appointments: Alcantara and Embroidered Craftsmanship
The Vantage S comes standard with a unique Alcantara and leather Accelerate interior featuring satin 2x2 twill carbon fibre trim inlays. This interior captures the essence of the S variant while offering a modest weight saving over the standard Vantage.
Colour-matched embroidered 'S' logos appear on the upper shoulder panels of the seats. Each logo requires almost 2,500 individual stitches and over 16 metres of thread. The iconic Aston Martin wings are embroidered onto the headrests, with an optional industry-first technique using both embossing and debossing. This process applies 1.5 tonnes of pressure and heat to sculpt the wings into the leather with precision, creating a subtle but beautiful detail.
The 'S' moniker also appears on the treadplates and the engine bay final inspection plaque, ensuring the car's special status is evident throughout.
A unique interior option package allows you to choose either a red or silver anodized finish for the knurled metal drive mode rotary controller. This creates a bold centrepiece for the cabin, with the rotary colour-matched to the seatbelt, contrast welt, contrast stitch, and headrest embroidery for a cohesive flow of highlights throughout the interior.
For those seeking even more luxury, the Inspire Sport interior is available with either full semi-aniline leather or semi-aniline leather and Alcantara in both monotone and duotone options. These interiors feature diminishing chevron quilting surrounded by placed perforations, giving an impression of speed even when the car is standing still.
Why These Changes Matter for Montreal Drivers
Quebec roads present unique challenges. Winter brings freeze-thaw cycles that create broken pavement and potholes. Summer humidity and heat demand effective thermal management. The Vantage S addresses these conditions through its combination of performance and refinement.
The improved low-speed ride quality from the retuned suspension means the car remains comfortable on rougher urban streets without sacrificing the composure needed for spirited driving on smoother roads. The 10 percent reduction in transmission mount stiffness specifically targets the kind of vibrations and harshness that can make a track-focused car tiring to drive daily.
The optimized thermal management system ensures the engine maintains proper operating temperatures whether you're sitting in summer traffic on Pont Jacques-Cartier or attacking corners on Route 117 through the Laurentians. The enhanced cooling capacity supports the increased power output without compromising reliability.
Availability
The Vantage S is available in both Coupe and Roadster body styles, with deliveries underway now. If you want to understand how the mechanical changes translate to real-world driving dynamics, speak with the team at Aston Martin Montreal about experiencing the Vantage S firsthand.
