Britains are enjoying effervescent activity these days, with Aston now introducing the US-only Vantage GTS. The announcement comes shortly after the automaker introduced the 100-unit manual gearbox V12 Vantage S.

As we know the manual transmission sales in the U.S. are lower than ever, but some automakers tout their performance heritage and commitment to the driving experience, their actions speak to sales goals, not driver engagement. Aston Martin is not one of those brands, and is putting its stated commitment to the manual transmission into action.
The 2017 model year V12 Vantage S will receive a seven-speed manual transmission. It will run the sprint from 0 to 62 mph (100 kph) in 3.9 seconds and max out at 205 mph (330 kph). The 5.9-liter V12 engine is carried over and continues to develop 563 horsepower (421 kilowatts) at 6,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 457 pound-feet (620 newton meters) at 5,750 rpm.

The seven-speed manual features a traditional dog-leg first gear position and benefits from the AMSHIFT system which can be selected by the driver. According to Aston Martin, the system will mimic the technique of heel-and-toe downshifts by using the clutch, gear position, propshaft sensors, and the engine management. Full-throttle upshifts are also possible with AMSHIFT to ensure the best possible acceleration with minimal interruption. AMSHIFT can be used in all driving modes, but it will be most effective in Sport mode.

The automaker also announced it will consolidate the V8 Vantage lineup into a single offering: the Vantage GTS. For 2017, the V8 Vantage GTS will be available in either coupe or roadster form. Also, all Aston Martins will receive an updated infotainment system with better graphics and quicker address input functions for the new model year.