28 Sep 06 13:44
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Aston Martin is offering a new automated manual transmission option in its 380bhp V8 Vantage. The Sportshift 'box is effectively a clutch pedal-less version of the six-speed standard set-up, with electro-hydraulic controls and push-buttons in place of the usual lever. Paddle-shifts mounted behind the steering wheel give ultra-quick gear changes, and the driver selects 'auto drive', 'reverse' or 'neutral' from buttons in the centre console.
Gear changes - taking 20 milliseconds - are up to three times faster than those in the manual version, though a 'comfort' mode with less aggressive shifts can be switched on, and the car can be driven in the fully automatic Auto Drive mode. There's also an automatic crawl mode for parking. And as this gearbox is no heavier than the conventional manual, and so quick to react, performance is unaffected - top speed remains at 175mph, and acceleration 0-60mph is actually a fraction quicker than the manual's five seconds.
"Driving enjoyment is paramount to the qualities of the Vantage and crucial to this is a superb gear change action. Sportshift offers accessible performance and even greater driver engagement, increasing driver focus and allowing achievement of a faster gear change without having to remove a hand from the wheel," said Chief Programme Engineer, Dave King. Or you could just cruise...
The Sportshift transmission will be available to order shortly, with the first deliveries in spring 2007. Prices for this option will be announced at a later date.
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