Aston Martin Vantage AMR breaks cover with seven-speed manual gearbox

-The new seven-speed manual transmission is inspired by iconic motorsport setup.

-0-100kmph in 3.9 seconds, top speed is 195mph.

-95kg lighter than standard Vantage, limited to just 200 units.

Aston Martin has once again proven that manuals aren’t dead yet. The new-gen Vantage with the AMR treatment has brought back the three pedal setup and how. Revealed at the penultimate round World Endurance Championship at Spa , the Vantage AMR comes fitted with a motorsport-inspired seven-speed transmission developed by Graziano, featuring a ‘dog-leg’ first gear. 

The manual transmission is mated to the same AMG sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. And surprisingly, the Vantage AMR is almost 95kilograms lighter than the standard car. Part of this crash diet is owing to the lighter manual transmission in place of ZF automatic, a mechanical slip differential instead of e-diff and lighter carbon-ceramic brakes. The result? The Vantage AMR can do the 0-100kmph dash in just 3.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 195mph (313kmph) – even after the torque figure is  down compared to standard car. 

The AMR's new manual transmission comes fitted with something called 'AMShift', which can auto-blip throttle on downshift while also allowing for full throttle upshifts. In simple terms, with clever engine management, the gearbox can mimic the technique of heel-and-toe downshifts. However, it all can be switched off completely for unadulterated manual engagement.

Limited to just 200-units, Vantage AMR is available in five designer specifications. And 141 of those will be available in either Sabiro Blue, Onyx Black, China Grey or White Stone. Meanwhile, the remaining 59 units will commemorate the 60th anniversary of Aston Martin’s win in 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans with the DBR1. Named “Vantage 59”, this bespoke specification features a Stirling Green and Lime exterior paint scheme and Dark Knight leather and alcantara interior, finished with a signature AMR lime stripe and stitch. 

Subsequent to the launch of the AMR, Aston Martin will commence offering the manual transmission as optional in the standard Vantage as well as from the first quarter of 2020.