2026 Aston Martin Vantage S First Look: A Performance Ad-Vantage

Motor Trend

09-07-2025

When we first got our hands on the 2025 Aston Martin Vantage, it was a clear improvement over its predecessor that showed the British performance car builder was back in its stride. Of course, there was more performance to be wrung out of the model, as shown by the familiar 'S' variant now joining the fold. What changes were made and what should we expect from this higher-performing Vantage? Let's take a look as it debuts at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The 2026 Aston Martin Vantage S debuts with a more powerful twin-turbo V-8, several chassis tweaks, and enhanced aerodynamics. It also features new design elements, 21-inch wheels, and an upgraded interior. It won't be cheap.
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The Vantage S slightly pumps up the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine's output to 671 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque (up from 656 hp; torque is the same), all still funneled to rear wheels through an eight-speed rear-mounted transaxle. This is controlled by a new throttle response curve unique to the Vantage S, as well, with Aston claiming a 0–60-mph of just 3.3 seconds—a 0.4-second improvement over the standard Vantage. An electronic limited slip differential provides a helping hand with traction and cornering, and it's all backed up by improved control software programming with a launch control function. Top speed is stated as 202 mph.
The additional power and electronically enhanced control is mostly worthless without a chassis that can handle it, and that's where Aston's engineers focused their energies. The Vantage S receives new suspension hardware (including Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers) and powertrain mounts, and the rear subframe is now mounted directly to the chassis with the deletion of its rubber bushings. Aston promises the Vantage S will have improved front grip, better agility, and heightened front-end feel.
Visual changes include a new set of centrally mounted hood 'blades' finished in either gloss black or exposed 2x2 twill carbon fiber. These blades are functional, as they improve heat extraction from the 'hot-V' engine, where the exhaust and turbos are mounted in the valley of the engine block rather than hung off the sides of the heads. You'll also find the usual 'S' badging, including on the fenders, which receive forged brass versions with infilled red glass enamel surrounded by chrome plating. This chrome can be finished bright or dark. Aerodynamic improvements come courtesy of a new rear spoiler that adds 97 pounds of downforce at max velocity; it works in combination with the car's underbody, air dam, and front venturi vanes to deliver a total of 245 pounds of downforce.
A set of 21-inch wheels house a set of bronze-colored brake calipers that clamp down on 16-inch front and 14.2-inch rear steel rotors, or you can upgrade to carbon ceramics and get slightly larger front discs. The summer tires are Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 AMLs—sized 275/35 in front and 325/30 at the rear—while Pilot Alpin 5 AMLs are offered as a winter fitment. The multispoke wheels can be ordered in satin black with red accents.
Inside, the 2026 Vantage S continues its variance from the standard Aston Martin Vantage by using Alcantara and leather interior surfaces mixed with satin 2x2 twill carbon fiber trim. The interior also features 'S' logos on the upper seat backs, embroidered in a color matching thread. The Aston Martin appears on the headrests via what the company says is an industry-first technique. Rather than simply being embroidered, Aston's upholstery team have both embossed and debossed the logo, utilizing heat and 3,300 pounds of pressure to press the logo into the leather.
The knurled drive mode rotary dial can be finished in red or silver, which is matched by other accents throughout. There are of course a plethora of additional options available to Vantage S buyers, such as monotone and two-tone schemes, full semi-aniline leather, or a 'Inspire Sport' theme that combines semi-aniline leather and Alcantara. The latter also adds chevron quilting and perforations to the seat upholstery.
The order books are open now for the 2026 Vantage S, which can be had as a coupe or roadster—pricing isn't yet public, but we're sure you're good for it. Deliveries are scheduled to begin later this year.