Aston Martin V12 Vantage to get a manual gearbox?

Last year, Aston Martin debuted the V12 Vantage based on the latest generation of the sports car. At launch, the car was offered with an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard. Now though, it seems Aston may have given in to customer demand for a manual gearbox.

The latest spy image that has surfaced recently shows what appears to be a manual gearshift lever inside a V12 Vantage. The shifter isn’t directly visible, but the way in which the grey fabric covers the centre console suggests that Aston Martin could be trying to hide something.

The new Aston Martin V12 Vantage packs a 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 engine that makes 690 hp and 555 lb-ft of torque. If the latest rumours are true, then the manual version will use the same engine. It will drive the rear axle via a mechanical limited-slip differential.

Thanks to its massive engine, the V12 Vantage weighs 3975 lbs. The manual gearbox might also be slightly lighter than the 8-speed auto, thus improving the car’s power-to-weight ratio.

Production of the V12 Vantage is limited to 333 coupes and 249 roadsters. Perhaps the manual version would be an ultra-exclusive offering.

Source: SH Proshots via Motor1