There’s something rather satisfying about a car that’s been around for seven years and still manages to surprise you. That’s what the new 2026 Aston Martin Vantage S sets out to do. On paper, it’s the same coupe you know, just with more of everything. More power. More grip. More drama. And, oddly, more red paint on its splitter, which now looks like someone at Aston accidentally left the shipping guards on, then decided it was a good look.
Let’s start with the headline number. The Vantage S produces 670bhp and 800Nm from the familiar 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 sourced from Mercedes-AMG. That’s 15bhp more than the regular Vantage and just 20bhp shy of the short-lived V12 version. Torque remains prodigious, as you'd expect, and the top speed is likely well into the 320kmph territory, though Aston hasn't officially said. As for the gearbox, it’s still the eight-speed automatic mounted at the rear. No manual option, unfortunately. And if you’re wondering what “the car breathes in harmony with the road” means, it seems Aston’s softened the mount stiffness by 10 per cent. Allegedly, that helps.
But it’s the chassis where the most changes lurk. Bilstein dampers have been recalibrated, and there's a tweak to the front suspension geometry—camber, toe, caster, all revised for better grip. The front end is said to be noticeably more responsive. Meanwhile, the rear subframe has been bolted directly to the chassis, removing the rubber bushings in favour of precision and body control. Yet, to avoid shaking your fillings loose, the rear springs are actually softer. The idea is to make it more usable at city speeds while still sharp at the limit.
It’s a slightly odd mix. A more focused setup, but with concessions to ride comfort. A louder design, but without the option of a manual gearbox. A serious driver’s car, but one wearing yellow makeup across its chin. Still, that’s Aston Martin for you—equal parts theatre and engineering.
The Vantage S will arrive in both coupe and roadster form, with global deliveries expected to begin by the end of 2025. India launch? If we’re lucky, early 2026. Expect pricing north of ₹4.7 crore before options, of which there will be many.
And yes, if you want to see it in action, your best bet is the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend. Stream it online. Or better yet, go there. It smells like petrol and old leather, which is sort of the whole point.
