Aston Martin has just taken the wraps off the latest evolution of its iconic front-engined sports car: this is the 2026 Vantage S. Following up on the DBX ‘S’ SUV announced in late April, the Vantage S will make its debut at this week’s 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, and builds upon the muscular DNA of the standard Vantage. Now, for those unaware, the “S” designation in Aston Martin’s lineup has historically signified a sportier, sharper, and more performance-focused variant. Its roots can be traced back to the 1953 DB3S race car and have subsequently appeared on everything from the Rapide to the Vanquish.
When it comes to the Vantage specifically, since its rebirth in the mid-2000s, it has served as Aston’s most driver-focused offering. But it was the V8 Vantage S, launched in 2011, that really turned up the heat. Then came the V12 Vantage S in 2013 with the massive 5.9-liter mill. The 2017 V12 Vantage S would be the last to carry the torch with a raw, dog-leg manual-only setup that enthusiasts still lament. While the V12 Vantage has since made a comeback, the S badge is now back, and here’s how it stacks up against the standard Vantage.
2026 Aston Martin Vantage S Performance
Let’s kick things off with performance. Under the hood, the new Vantage S features an uprated version of the AMG-sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, now delivering 671 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. A modest gain over the standard Vantage’s already formidable 656 horsepower, yes, but the powerband has been broadened for a flatter torque curve, which should offer sharper in-gear acceleration. A bespoke drive-by-wire throttle map has been calibrated for each of the Drive Modes, offering a throttle pedal resistance and responsiveness that aligns with the ‘S’ characteristics. Zero to 60 mph now comes up in 3.3 seconds ( which is 0.1 quicker than the standard model), while the top speed remains unchanged at a supercar-grade 202 mph.
But the S is so much more than just straight-line metrics. Aston’s Engineers have worked extensively on improving the dynamics. The re-tuned Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers have been calibrated for improved response, while the transmission mount stiffness has been lowered by 10%. The Rear subframe mounts have been switched from rubber to solid, which Aston says should deliver an improved steering feel. Meanwhile, suspension geometry has been recalibrated with camber, toe, and caster tweaked to increase grip during high lateral loads. Carbon ceramic brakes are standard. The result is a car more confident on the limit, has improved front-end grip, a softer ride, and a package that doesn’t compromise on daily usability.
| Specification | Aston Martin Vantage S | Aston Martin Vantage |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0L twin-turbo V8 (AMG-sourced) | 4.0L twin-turbo V8 (AMG-sourced) |
| Power | 671 hp | 656 hp |
| Torque | 590 lb-ft | 590 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed ZF automatic | 8-speed ZF automatic |
| 0–60 mph | 3.3 seconds | 3.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 202 mph | 202 mph |
| Dry Weight | 3,538 lbs | 3,538 lbs |
Exterior Design
Now, visually, the changes may not be very obvious, but some ‘S’ specific touches set it apart from the standard Vantage. Upfront, the gloss black or carbon fiber hood blades not only add more drama, but also act as functional heat extractors for the hot-V configured V8 powerplant. Red highlights on the front lip, sills, the rear diffuser, and ‘S’ specific 21-inch Y-spoke satin black wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires separate the S from its sibling.
A full-width sculpted rear spoiler generates 97 pounds of downforce at top speed, contributing to the overall 245-pound package, which works with redesigned underbody aero and new front venturi vanes. Additional highlights also include things like the “S” badges, which are forged in brass, filled with red enamel, and plated in chrome. Where the standard model Vantage is mostly about elegance, the S, with its combination of blacked-out elements, exudes aggression. You can further make it your own by choosing from a plethora of optional exterior shades, colors for the brake calipers, wheel graphics, liveries, and exterior packages.
Interior Design
The “S” theme continues on board, right from the embroidered Aston Wing, which features 2,500 individual stitches, to a red or silver anodized knurled rotary drive selector that matches the seatbelts and stitching. Where the standard Vantage S cabin features a unique Alcantara and leather blend with carbon fiber inlays, you can also opt for the Inspire Sport package that adds semi-aniline leather, duotone finishes, and perforated chevron quilting.
But despite all this flair, one thing is notably absent: a manual transmission. Aston has committed to the tried-and-tested 8-speed ZF automatic, which sends power exclusively to the rear wheels, much like the base Vantage. 12-way heated sports seats are standard, but you can also opt for sportier carbon fiber performance seats, choose from a mono-tone or dual-tone trim split, and choose to add more carbon and a premium audio system from Bowers & Wilkins.
2026 Aston Martin Vantage S Price & Availability
Often considered the ‘baby’ of the Aston range, the current generation of the Vantage no longer plays second fiddle, and this is especially true after its comprehensive 2024 makeover that brought the much bigger grille and side blade and also a mainstay in motorsports in the GT3 category. The return of the “S” badge marks a pivotal moment for Aston Martin’s long-established front-engined sports car, and while it won’t bring back the stick, it does enhance the Vantage in several ways.
The 2025 Vantage S will take on the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GT and even the Ferrari Amalfi, unveiled last week. While pricing hasn’t been announced, expect a premium of roughly over the standard Vantage’s near 200k starting MSRP, and this is without options. For some context, the 2017 V12 Vantage S Coupe cost $16,000 more than its base counterpart. Available in both coupe and roadster bodystyles, deliveries begin in Q4 of 2025.
Source: Aston Martin