Aston Martin Vantage gets 2012 refresh

'S'-derived changes for 'entry-level' Aston

Aston Martin has been playing around with its Vantage range again, this time making the most extensive changes to the car since 2008.

The most significant changes are to the 'basic' Vantage, which gets a raft of tweaks inspired by its more focused 'S' cousin.

The 4.7-litre 426hp V8 and six-speed manual stay, but the six-speed Sportshift automated manual is now replaced by the seven-speed Sportshift II from the Vantage S. The Vantage's chassis also gets quicker steering (15:1 compared to 17:1), bigger brakes (380mm two-piece ventilated cast-iron front discs and six piston calipers as well as hill-start assist) and wider tyres.

There are visual tweaks too, including a lower bumper - complete with an aerodynamic splitter - that houses a larger air intake. At the rear there's a new (working) diffuser and what Aston calls 'race-derived' side sills.

Both the Vantage coupe and roadster get these tweaks, and the car now starts from £84,995. The Vantage S continues largely unchanged, meanwhile, at £99,995.