Aston Martin has announced plans of offering the V12 Vantage S with a manual transmission. The seven-speed manual transmission features a classic dog-leg first gear position; an echo from the past that will be welcomed by driving enthusiasts. This dog-leg configuration also ensures the gears used most frequently are located in a double ‘H‘ pattern like that of a conventional 6-speed manual.

Director of Product Development, Ian Minards said: “We’re all enthusiasts here at Aston Martin. Building cars that offer something exceptional is what we do. Technology drives us forward, but we understand the importance of tradition. The true purist will always hanker for the tactility and connection offered by a manual transmission, so it has been a real pleasure to offer just that in our fastest and most focused model. At a time when manual transmissions have almost entirely disappeared in high performance cars, this makes the manual V12 Vantage S a very special car indeed”.

The new manual transmission also features AMSHIFT. The driver selectable system uses clutch position, gear position and propshaft sensors to mimic the technique of heel-and-toe downshifts. AMSHIFT also offers the capability of full-throttle upshifts for maximum smoothness and minimal interruption in acceleration. AMSHIFT can be used in all driving modes.

The manual will be offered as a no-cost option with the V12 Vantage S and its 6.0-liter V12 engine.

First deliveries of the manual V12 Vantage S are scheduled to begin during the third quarter of 2016.