Life’s too short for mundane motoring, or for the hum of hybrids in traffic jams – or worse, the droning noise of a CVT. This is precisely why sportscars (or, in fact, automotive thoroughbreds) like the Aston Martin Vantage AMR exist – to add a side of adrenaline to your daily black coffee commute. With a roaring hand-built 4-liter twin-turbo V8 borrowed from the AMG headquarters, the AMR channels all 505 horses via a Graziano 7-speed stick shift, lighting up the rear tires in a manner of controlled chaos. However, the hand-built symphony and mechanical ‘clunks’ extend further, adorning the interior that mimics a grand tourer fine luxury and craftsmanship. Meanwhile, the outside is a treat to the eyes, too, gracing a symphony of sharp lines that follow a typical form-follows-function principle and, not to forget, a sense of British flair. But prices are as head-tuning as the car itself, fetching a cool $183,081 before options, like the must-have carbon ceramics and forged wheels, are ticked in.
Aston Martin’s enduring legacy of sculpting hand-crafted, lightweight ‘Vantage’ machines stretches back to the 1950s when it introduced the DB2 Vantage – a sleek, lightweight sportscar featuring a hand-built engine and an interior drenched in fine, hand-stitched leather. Eventually, the DB2 Vantage laid the foundation for the legendary DB4 Vantage, the very car that became James Bond's iconic getaway vehicle in the film Goldfinger. By the late 1970s, though, Aston spawned the Vantage V8, becoming not just the first Vantage to couple a V8 but the fastest production road car in the world. Soon, several Vantage generations followed, including a 600-horsepower V8 Vantage V600, a lightweight DB7 Vantage, and a power-hungry V12 (or otherwise, V8) Vantage, setting the stage for several iconic Astons, including the DBS, DB9, DB10, Vanquish, and – of course – Zagato. By 2018, the new generation Vantage emerged, featuring Mercedes-supplied twin-turbo V8s and a sleek, redesigned exterior (and interior), before – finally – paving the path for the performance-oriented Vantage AMR. However, with production units kept to a low 200, the Vantage AMR becomes a highly sought-after Aston Martin among enthusiasts.
So, let’s talk numbers (or, perhaps, rev counters). Pop its sculpted, bellowing hood, and you’ll find Mercedes-Benz’s hand-built 4-liter twin-turbo V8 pumping out a beastly 503 horsepower and 416 lb-ft of toques for a gravity-defying, thrilling ride. However, isn’t that AMG engine rated at 505 torques? So, why the detune? Well, the Vantage AMR comes with a catch – or, in this case, a Graziano-supplied 7-speed manual. The detune allows for greater gearbox longevity and – more importantly – a more engaging, lively driving experience that’ll make you forget the Porsche’s snappy PDK ever existed. Eventually, the AMR clocks a 0 – 60 mph feat in 3.8 seconds of pure manual mayhem. Top-speed, though, is slightly raised, coming in at a breezy 200 mph. Luckily, the AMR gets treated with automatic rev-matching (called AMShift) for an effortless heel-and-toe blast, channeling your inner Lewis Hamilton as you sprint down the winding British backroads. Of course, being a Vantage, the AMR tips the scales at a featherweight-ish 3,600 pounds, shedding a colossal 154 pounds over the non-AMR counterparts. The result? A crude and nimble ride that inspires confidence at every corner.
Meanwhile, the inside is just another extension of the Vantage AMR's artisanal hand-craft legacy. Climb inside, and a perfectly executed cabin layout, adorned with exquisite, most supple fabrics, embraces you in a tailor-made cocoon. Traces of high-quality leather can be found on the steering, seats, dash, and door trims, offering a luxurious delight that begs to be touched. Complementing such sumptuousness are the knurled knobs and dials cascading across the cabin in a tactile symphony. On the topic of performance, glossy carbon fiber accents stud the center console and dash, reminding – now and then – the fury that lies within. Technology-wise, an infotainment system takes center stage, allowing access to sat-nav, multimedia, and Bluetooth connectivity, closely followed by a fully digital driver cockpit, incorporating a digital rev-counter that sings the high notes as you channel through the majestic seven-speed stick shift.
For years, Aston Martins have stood the part with their assertive stance, following a well-defined form-follows-function principle. The Aston Martin Vantage AMR is no exception. From the sculpted lines and muscular, quite pronounced haunches to its contoured, sleek coupe-ish profile, the AMR resembles a predator ready to pounce – and, indeed, it does. With a bold front end that incorporates a mean-looking carbon-fiber splitter, gaping vents, and a signature grille, the AMR exudes aerodynamic prowess. Meanwhile, 20-inch forged (optional, of course) wheels dominate the side profile, housing the massive carbon-ceramics. The sloping roofline combs back to the ducktail spoiler, revealing an aggressive rear diffuser finished in carbon fiber for weight-saving measures.
In an era of digital dominance and self-driving cars, the Aston Martin Vantage AMR proudly flaunts a mechanical, highly ‘analog’ soul. So, for the sake of an unfiltered, engaged driving experience, the AMR incorporates a motorsport-inspired seven-speed gearbox equipped with an AMShift system, ensuring the exhilaration never skips a beat. Also, it now boasts a chassis 95 kilos lighter than the standard Vantage for agile, more precise handling. That said, the AMR comes loaded with driver convenient (and safety) features, including 16-way power-adjusting seats, a premium sound system, dual-zone climate control, cutting-edge infotainment screen, emergency brake assist, front and rear parking sensors, active blind-spot monitoring, cruise control, 360-degree parking camera, and more, creating it a – surprisingly – civilized car to live with.
When new, the Aston Martin Vantage AMR could be specced in either the ‘Hero’ or ’59 Edition’ trim. So, prices for the ‘Hero’ trim began at a cool $180,000 and a head-spinning $205,000 for the ’59 Edition’ AMR trims. Still, you can expect an even greater hole in your pockets if options or packages – like the Tech Collection ($3,000) or Comfort Collection ($2,500) – are included. Dream of having a Vantage AMR parked in your driveway? Discover the Aston Martin listings at Exotic Car Trader to make your exotic car dream a reality.
The Aston Martin Vantage AMR is the automotive equivalent of a single-malt scotch on the rocks, quite evident through its sophisticated soul that delivers a powerful punch. However, that punch is not for everyone but for those who appreciate it. Exotic Car Trader highlights an online marketplace for your exotic car dreams. It also highlights an easy-going and straightforward car-buying process to guarantee a smooth car-buying journey. Alternatively, Exotic Car Trader also offers car-selling services, offering peace of mind with its market-leading fraud detection tools and an expert team to help you land a safe and secure deal. When it comes to delivering a raw, highly unfiltered performance, the Vantage AMR is the connoisseur’s choice.
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