Aston Martin Vantage SP10

Aston Martin's Vantage V8 S, which is the more focused and slightly more powerful at 430hp (436PS) sibling of the regular V8 model, is one such example as it is available exclusively with the English brand's Sportshift II 7sp automated manual transmission.

At least it was up until now, as Aston Martin has announced a new special edition version of the Vantage V8S called the SP10, created as part of its centenery celebrations and inspired by its motorsport activities in the GT4 racing series. While keeping the same 430hp V8 engine, it is offered with a standard 6-speed manual gearbox or an optional automatic.

Available in both coupe and roadster body styles, the SP10 will be sold exclusively in Continental Europe – meaning the UK will miss out on this special edition model.

The SP10 is finished in a Ceramic Grey Metallic (the Roadster gets a Titan Grey top), and features unique 19-inch cast alloy rims, black brake calipers, a front splitter, carbon rear diffuser and clear rear lamps.

Black is the dominant color in the cabin, which is dressed in a combination of leather and Alcantara with contrast silver stitching, and also gains a center console in Piano Black.

Standard features include a 750W 'Premium Audio Sound System', electrically operated seats, satellite navigation, cruise control and Bluetooth telephone preparation.

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Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster

After the 420hp (426PS) Vantage V8 Roadster and its slightly more powerful 430hp (436PS) Vantage S Roadster sibling, Aston Martin has whipped up a new open-top edition of the series, this time based on the V12 Vantage that's powered by a 5.9-liter twelve-cylinder engine producing 510hp (517PS) in the coupe.

These first pictures of the new V12 Vantage Roadster were reportedly leaked online ahead of an official announcement later this week.

A picture of a plaque from the new model shows that Aston Martin plans to limit production of the V12 Vantage Roadster to 101 units.

The roadster model sports a subtly revised deck lid and spoiler design along with a new carbon fiber aero kit that includes additional air inlets on the hood, plus new alloy wheel designs and bespoke interior trim, while it is said that the British brand's engineers have also tweaked the suspension settings.

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2012 Aston Martin Vantage V8

Aston Martin is really trying to tell us is that it has upgraded the base Vantage V8 with many of the improvements first seen on the Vantage S.

While the standard six-speed manual transmission remains, the optional six-speed Sportshift automated manual transmission has replaced with the seven-speed Sportshift II.

In addition, the base V8 model gains the Vantage S' quicker steering with a ratio of 15:1 compared to 17:1, bigger brakes with 380mm two-piece ventilated cast-iron front discs and six piston calipers, and 10mm wider tires.

On the outside, the 2012 Vantage V8 inherits a number of styling changes from the Vantage S and N400 limited edition, which include a new lower front bumper piece with a splitter, more sculpted side sills and and a rear diffuser.

The base Vantage's 4.7-liter V8 engine that produces an output of 420bhp (426PS/313kW) remains intact.

The technical and styling changes have been applied to both the V8 Vantage Coupe and Roadster models, with prices starting from £84,995 in the UK and from €108,500 in Germany.

Production of the other Vantage models, which include the Vantage S featuring a 430bhp version of the 4.7-liter V8 along with a bespoke sports exhaust system and a carbon fiber aero package, and the 510bhp Vantage V12 continue unchanged for 2012.

We'll remind you that Aston recently also launched the V12 Zagato , which assumes the role of flagship model of the series and will be produced in a strictly limited run of 150 units.

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