AMR spawns most powerful Aston Martin Vantage

WE’VE lost count of how many times Aston Martin has applied a bit of slap and lippie to its Vantage sports coupe and convertible as part of yet another special edition.

But the latest, and possibly final, version seems worthy of more attention.

That’s because the latest iteration of the Vantage is the first road car to emerge from a new, high-performance AMR (Aston Martin Racing) division that will bring a touch of its motorsport endeavours to the range.

Following the bonkers Vantage AMR Pro that made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, the Vantage AMR V12 and V8 confirm that the special branch will focus its resources on producing two distinct lines of vehicles – one for the road and the other a strictly track-only proposition.

What’s next in line for the AMR treatment is not yet confirmed, but a flashier version of the DB11 would be an obvious choice. Until then, the AMR flag will be flown by the Vantage, which is available in both coupe and cabriolet, and with the AMR upgrades.

For the V8 version, its 4.7-litre naturally aspirated engine gets a tune-up to 321kW, while the 6.0-litre V12 under the heavily vented bonnet of its big sister is pumped up to a meaty 444kW – the most power possessed by any Vantage to date.

Unlike almost all high-powered sportscar makers who are going auto-only to handle ever-increasing outputs, Aston is sticking to its traditional roots and offering all Vantage AMRs with a choice of auto or manual transmissions – six-speed for the V8 or a seven-cog for the V12.

Identifying an AMR-fettled Vantage from one of the countless specials won’t be difficult with a range of four unique exterior themes and two styling packages. The Halo Pack substitutes one of the four two-tone colour schemes for a Stirling Green paint job, complemented by Lime Green accents.

With a little more cash to splash, you can add an aero kit that brings a little of the AMR Pro madness with carbonfibre components including a massive fixed rear wing, while the titanium exhaust sounds like a must-have item for its 14kg weight advantage and “sensational” sound.

The AMR fettling continues on the inside with interiors to match the exterior theme. Lightweight carbonfibre seats are upholstered in a mix of leather and Alcantara in the coupes, while the convertible is an all-leather affair.

Production is limited to 300 worldwide, but Aston Martin has not yet revealed how many will be offered to Australian customers, or at what cost. The current Vantage flagship costs $354,300 for the V12 Vantage S Coupe or $254,200 for the equivalent V8.