ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE S

Written By Paul Valkovics

Specifications & Performance

  • Mid-engine, 2 door convertible

  • Engine: 3.8 litre twin turbo V-8

  • Tuned to ~750 hp

  • 7 speed Graziano SSG dual clutch gearbox

  • Red line: 8500 rpm

  • Top speed: 204 mph

  • 0 - 60: 2.8 seconds

  • Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires with asymmetric tread pattern for more turn-in bite

  • Akebono carbon ceramic brakes

  • Breaking distance: 30m @ 100 km/hr

  • Fi valvetronic catless exhaust

  • Curb weight: 3100 lbs

  • Exterior color: Volcano Red

  • Interior color: Black

This is NOT a luxury sports car. The rather austere interior is consistent with the McLaren

rocket ship mentality. Just try the Launch Mode to confirm. You won’t be disappointed.

The 650S, a 2 seat convertible with dihedral butterfly doors, is an updated 12C, but with

revised styling inspired by the P1, featuring gaping side scoops, dynamic rear wing and air

brake, sepentine grille & McLaren logo inspired headlamps. The custom configured carbon-

ceramic brakes along with the specifically formulated P-Zeros yield substantial confidence

pushing into corners.

Competitors consist of the Ferrari 458 Speciale, Porsche 911 GT2RS, and Lamborghini

Huracan. The carbon fibre monocoque is straight out of F1 racing, with heritage back to the

McLaren MP4/1. Hydraulic stabilizers are used instead of roll bars to mitigate both axial and

trans-axle body roll. In Track Mode and over 5000 rpm, inertial push kicks in to slightly overlap

the gears to help fill the gap when shifting under hard acceleration.

Every nuance of the road is delivered with succinct precision through the chassis and

suspension. You feel everything. Driving is intuitive, as if the road leads you along. The

combination of top end speed, precision handling, aggressive styling and robust exhaust notes

from the Fi exhaust make this a super car still relevant at age ten.

Paul Valkovics