Aston Martin’s spiced-up Vantage S returns for 2026, promising more power and more performance despite losing four whole cylinders.
But despite losing four whole cylinders compared to its V12-powered predecessor, the 2026 Vantage S doesn’t skimp on performance. It still uses a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 sourced from Mercedes-AMG, and power still goes to the correct (read: rear) wheels through an eight-speed automatic. But total output now punches in at 671 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, and the Vantage S can do the zero-to-100 km/h run in 3.3 seconds.
Admittedly, that doesn’t sound like much of an improvement strictly on paper. It’s only an extra 14 horsepower, and only faster in the null-to-hundo run by one tenth of a second compared to the standard Vantage. But Aston Martin tweaked a few other characteristics for better feel. For instance, the dampers: Aston made the fronts stiffer for more bite, but softened the rears to make the car more compliant at low speeds.
They’ve also mounted the rear subframe directly to the body, rather than using bushings like the standard Vantage, and the transmission mounts are some 10 per cent softer as well. With further tweaks to the camber, caster, and toe settings, Aston says the new Vantage S is more agile, offers more feel and feedback, and ought to be more stable in a straight line. Count us in — though manual Vantages hold a special place in our hearts.
All that is in addition to the requisite visual dress-up. The carbon fibre blades up front extract heat better while looking appropriately cool, while a full-width trunk lip spoiler on the trunk generates more downforce at speed. There’s also the requisite badging and trim inside and out, and the optional, forged 21-inch wheels are exclusive to the S.
Order books are already open, and deliveries of the 2026 Aston Martin Vantage S begin later this year.
