The extra gear of the Sportshift II was introduced in the Vantage S a year ago. Other improvements were quicker steering, bigger brakes and wider tyres, and Hill Start Assist; all of which are now to be found as standard across the Vantage range.
Visually, non-S, 2012-spec cars will be recognised by Vantage S/N400-inspired front and rear aerodynamic treatments, and the 10mm-wider tyres.
The regular car carries the current 420bhp V8, while the £99,995 'S' version maintains its 10bhp advantage. For 2012, it will have Garmin satellite navigation as standard – an option on the regular V8 – and a host of motorsport-derived, carbonfibre features.
The V12 Vantage remains unchanged, and of course the range tops out with the limited-edition (to no more than 150 pieces) V12 Zagato revealed to the public for the first time at last weekend's Kuwait Concours d’Elegance.
Photos: Aston Martin