AUTOMOTIVE2026 Aston Martin Vantage S Debuts With 500kW Twin Turbo V8 Power

Aston Martin has just unveiled what they’re calling “the most performance focused Vantage” ever created. The 2026 Vantage S isn’t just about more power – though with 500kW on tap, there’s plenty of that – it’s about creating the ultimate driving experience for those who want their luxury sports car to deliver serious performance.

If you’ve been waiting for Aston Martin to push the boundaries of what their entry-level sports car can do, this is exactly what you’ve been hoping for. The British marque has taken everything great about the current Vantage and dialed it up to eleven.

Engine and Performance That Delivers

The heart of the Vantage S is its Mercedes-AMG sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, now producing 500kW of power – that’s an extra 11kW over the standard Vantage. While the torque figure remains at 600Nm, Aston Martin has shifted the delivery window to 3000-6000rpm instead of 2000-5000rpm, making this engine feel more alive at higher revs.

What does this mean in real-world terms? The Vantage S will sprint from 0-100km/h in just 3.4 seconds – 0.1 seconds quicker than the regular model. More impressive is the 0-200km/h time of 10.1 seconds, showing this car has serious legs once you’re already moving fast.

The top speed remains unchanged at 326km/h, but that’s not where the real improvements lie. Aston Martin has focused heavily on making the Vantage S better to drive rather than just faster in a straight line.New 2024 Aston Martin Vantage | High Performance Luxury car in details 4k

Chassis Improvements That Matter

The engineers haven’t just added power and called it a day. The front dampers have been completely retuned to deliver better steering feel, while the rear suspension gets new damping designed to improve low-speed ride quality – something that’s crucial for daily driving.

Perhaps most importantly, the rear subframe now mounts directly to the chassis instead of through rubber bushes. This change, combined with a transmission tunnel that’s 10% stiffer, means the car should feel more connected and responsive to your inputs.

Even the throttle pedal has been recalibrated for better feel and more precise modulation. When you’re paying this much for a sports car, these details matter enormously.

Design and Aerodynamics

The Vantage S doesn’t just look different – it’s actually more aerodynamically effective. A new front bumper air-dam and venturi vanes work together with underbody changes and a larger rear deck spoiler to generate 67kg of extra downforce at top speed.

Two ‘bonnet blades’ finished in either gloss black or carbon fiber give the car a more aggressive look, while hand-made forged brass ‘S’ badges with red details mark this as something special. The optional 21-inch Y-spoke wheels in satin black with red details continue the theme.

Interior Refinement

Inside, the Vantage S gets leather-trimmed sports seats with S logos prominently displayed. Aston Martin used 16 metres of thread throughout the cabin, including more than 2500 individual stitches – the kind of craftsmanship detail that justifies the premium price.

You can choose between red or silver anodized knurled metal for the center rotary drive-mode selector, with the color matched to seatbelts, stitching, and cabin embroidery. An optional ‘Inspire Sport’ interior package brings aniline leather and Alcantara materials for those who want the full race-inspired experience.

Pricing and Availability in Australia

Aston Martin has confirmed Australian availability for the first quarter of 2026, with pricing set at $420,000 before on-road costs for the coupe and $445,000 for the roadster version. That’s a $40,000 premium over the standard Vantage, but given the extensive chassis work and power increase, it seems reasonable for what you’re getting.

The car is available for order now, so if you’re interested, don’t wait too long – these limited-production Aston Martins tend to sell out quickly.

Key Specifications

Specification Details
Engine 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8
Power 500kW
Torque 600Nm (3000-6000rpm)
0-100km/h 3.4 seconds
0-200km/h 10.1 seconds
Top Speed 326km/h
Transmission ZF 8-speed automatic
Drive Rear-wheel drive
Body Styles Coupe / Roadster
Australian Price (Coupe) $420,000
Australian Price (Roadster) $445,000
Availability Q1 2026

How It Fits in the Lineup

This Vantage S sits nicely below the flagship Vanquish with its 614kW V12 engine, giving customers a serious performance option that’s still relatively accessible within Aston Martin’s range. While some might miss the V12 option from previous Vantage S models, this twin-turbo V8 delivers the goods with better fuel economy and lower emissions.

The focus on chassis refinement rather than just raw power shows Aston Martin understands what serious driving enthusiasts actually want. This isn’t just a numbers game – it’s about creating a car that rewards skilled drivers and feels special every time you get behind the wheel.

For those considering alternatives like the Lamborghini Huracán or McLaren Artura, the Vantage S offers a different character – more grand touring capability with serious sports car performance, all wrapped in that distinctive Aston Martin elegance.

The 2026 Vantage S represents Aston Martin at its best: combining stunning looks, serious performance, and the kind of engineering refinement that makes every drive memorable. If you’re in the market for a high-end sports car that can handle both track days and cross-country tours, this should definitely be on your shortlist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will the 2026 Aston Martin Vantage S be available in Australia?

A: The Vantage S is confirmed for Australian delivery in the first quarter of 2026, with orders open now.

Q: How much more powerful is the Vantage S compared to the regular Vantage?

 A: The Vantage S produces 500kW, which is 11kW more than the standard Vantage’s 489kW output.

Q: Is the Vantage S available as a convertible?

 A: Yes, the Vantage S comes in both Coupe ($420,000) and Roadster ($445,000) versions.

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