2012 Aston Martin Vantage range

Aston Martin has facelifted the Vantage range for 2012 with the new line-up of sportscars debuting at the Geneva Motor Show 2012 next month.

Changes are focused on the V8 Vantage, which now gets a seven-speed Sportshift II transmission, plus revisions to the chassis that, says Aston, enhance the car's feel, response and control. There is also a subtle new look inspired by the firms' motorsport activities.

Aston has fitted what it calls 'race-derived' side sills, while at the rear, there is a new diffuser. The tyres are also 10mm wider and they house revised brakes. Overall, the changes clean up the lines of the V8 Vantage, without radically reinventing the appearance of the baby Aston.

Further up the range, the Vantage S produces 316kW from its tuned 4.7-litre V8, and will again be more responsive on the move thanks to the new seven-speed gearbox. Vantage S models also get a bespoke exhaust system, plus a more sporting aerodynamic package detailed in carbon fibre.