Following on from the confirmation that Aston Martin is going to offer a limited run of the V12 Vantage S with a seven-speed manual gearbox, the British sportscar maker has also confirmed plans to rationalize the V-8-powered Vantage line-up in the U.S. to a single model for 2017: The new GTS.
This is because?after a long life?the current Vantage is approaching a well-deserved retirement. We?ve been told to expect to see its replacement next year, complete with the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter AMG V-8 that Aston Martin has purchased from Mercedes to replace its current long-in-the-tooth 4.7-liter V-8 design. So while we await the new car, there are some spec and trim-level adjustments to help Aston?s U.S. dealers keep the old aluminum moving. Both Coupe and Roadster models of the GTS will be available, with the choice of either six-speed manual or seven-speed automated shift transmission, and then what Aston is calling ?Sport Edition? and ?Lux Edition? trim levels. Both are basically styling packs. The Sport features lots of carbon-fiber for what the official release describes as a ?powerful motorsport vibe,? as well as a black finish for the front grille and headlight bezels. It also rides on the formerly optional sports suspension. The Lux is a softer take, thanks to what?s described as “comfort suspension,” though we suspect this just a new label on the former standard configuration. Visual cues include a bright metal grille and?on the front splitter and rear...