Aston Martin launches Vantage AMR

ASTON Martin has used the Le Mans 24 Hour race to show off V8 and V12 examples of the Vantage Coupe and Roadster, fettled by fledgling race-inspired division AMR (Aston Martin Racing) ahead of a global release in the fourth quarter this year.

After launching as a brand at the Geneva motor show in March, AMR is releasing its first production car with 100 examples of the V12 Vantage priced at $380,995 plus on-roads and 200 examples of the V8 version from $236,995. 15 total units have been allocated for Australia and New Zealand.

Inspired by the V8 Vantage GTE which won the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship, the AMR version adds a number of visual flairs as well as a performance boost in the V12 to set it apart from the regular model.

The V8 AMR continues to employ the 321kW/490Nm 4.7-litre bent-eight from the standard V8 Vantage, while Asia Pacific-spec flagship AMRs make do with 433kW/620Nm 6.0-litre V12, up from the standard 421kW/620Nm. UK and European market 12-cylinder cars are boosted to 444kW.

The standard transmission choice is a seven-speed sequential automatic with paddle shifters, but purists can opt for a six- or seven-speed manual in the V8 and V12 versions, respectively.

Four AMR colour schemes are available, including Stratus White with orange graphic, Ultramarine Black with blue graphic, Zaffre Blue with red graphic, and Scintilla Silver with grey graphic.

Buyers can opt for the AMR ‘Halo Pack’ which takes inspiration from the championship-winning Vantage GTE with a Stirling Green with Lime Green graphic paint finish, and a Union Jack-enamelled AML wings badge as a no-cost option.

Inside, interior schemes are matched to the exterior body styles, with Coupes upholstered in leather and Alcantara, while Roadsters are an all-leather affair.

Options include a number of lightweight features including carbon-fibre seats, front grille, side strakes, lamp infills, instrument surround, door tops and door handles.

The AMR’s alloy wheels – ten-spoke on the V12 and five-spoke on the V8 – can also be finished in three different colours.

Further carbon-fibre goodies can be optioned with the inclusion of the AMR Aero Kit, which adds a front splitter and dive planes, side sills and fixed rear spoiler for Coupe variants.

Sound from the V12 can also be enhanced with the fitment of the AMR titanium exhaust, which saves 14kg of weight and helps sharpen engine response.

Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer said he was excited to see AMR kick off its production run with Aston Martin’s most popular model.

“The Vantage has been an incredible success for Aston Martin, both in V8 and V12 forms,” he said.

“As our most agile and athletic road car, and our long-time representative in the world of GT racing, it is the perfect model with which to introduce the exciting AMR range.

“Limited production numbers will undoubtedly make them extremely collectible, but they’re so good to drive I’m confident we’ll see many of them being enjoyed both on the road and at track events around the world.” 2017 Aston Martin Vantage AMR pricing*

V8 (a)	$236,995
V12 (a)	$380,995

*Excludes on-road costs