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 diffuser—the gloss black finish that automakers increasingly use as visual shorthand for posh. Lux cars also get the Bang & Olufsen audio system upgrade as standard.
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All versions of the Vantage—as well as the Rapide and the Vanquish—will also get Aston’s freshly upgraded AMi III infotainment and navigation system, which, we’re promised, marks a significant step forward from its mostly terrible predecessor.
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Given what we know about its successor’s powerplant, the 2017 GTS Vantage looks to be one of the last chances to buy an Aston Martin with a naturally aspirated V-8 engine. Official pricing details are being finalized, but we’re told to expect the GTS to start at around the $135,000 mark.
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from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com/aston-launches-vantage-gts-thats-unique-to-the-u-s/
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