Revised Aston Vantage showcased

Aston Martin has announced a series of engineering updates and styling revamps for the 2012 Vantage range, which have received their public debut at the Geneva motor show.

Described as the biggest range overhaul since 2008, the base 420bhp V8 Vantage gets a number of upgrades first seen on the Vantage S model, including quicker steering, bigger brakes and wider tyres. A new steering column installation, revalved power steering and a quicker (15:1 from 17:1) ratio is claimed to give more feedback and provide more agility.

The braking system has been enhanced at the front, with new 380mm, two-piece ventilated cast iron front discs and six-piston calipers. Aston is claiming “significantly increased stopping power and pedal feel”. A brake-holding Hill Start Assist set-up is also included as standard, and the tyres are now 10mm wider. The new seven-speed Sportshift II automated manual transmission is now an option.

The 2012 V8 Vantage is distinguished by styling changes inspired by the Vantage S and limited-edition Vantage N420. It gets a new lower front bumper and air splitter, restyled sills and a new rear bumper equipped with a diffuser.

The 430bhp Vantage S gets the new Sportshift II ’box as standard, as well as a sports exhaust, a “motorsport-derived, carbonfibre detailed” aerodynamic styling package and a more sumptuously trimmed, hand-stitched leather interior. The company’s new integrated Garmin sat-nav is also standard, as is cruise control and Bluetooth. The V12 Vantage continues unchanged.

Deliveries of the V12 Zagato will start in the final quarter of 2012, and Aston Martin says production will be strictly limited to 150 units. More than a third have already been sold, Aston boss Ulrich Bez revealed to Autocar.