The Aston Martin Vantage V8 S is currently offered with a seven-speed Sportshift II gearbox - not the best thing if you are a true pilot and want to feel like you are in the control of the car.

Things are going to change however, as now Aston Martin announced the V8 Vantage SP10 - a model inspired by the GT4 race car that races the VLN endurance championship at the Nürburgring. The car got its name from the SP10 class in the VLN series.

The best part of this new version is that it offers a standard manual transmission - as a first for the S model - while the Sportshift transmission is only available as an option. We are pretty sure this news will make lots of people very happy.

The new Aston Martin V8 Vantage SP10 will be offered in all European countries, except the U.K. The model is priced at €96,635 (around $130,000 at the current exchange rates).

Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage SP10.

2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage SP10

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage SP10
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 436
  • Torque: 361
  • Transmission: Six-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The new SP10 version will be offered in coupe and roadster versions, both of which wear a stunning Ceramic Grey Metallic exterior paint, combined with Titan Grey for the roadster's soft top.

The car's exterior has been inspired by the world of motorsport and includes front splitter, a carbon rear diffuser and clear rear lamps.

The car sits on a special set of 19-inch cast-alloy rims with V-shaped spokes in a diamond-turn finish and painted in high-gloss black. The calipers are also painted black to better match the new wheels.

Interior

Just like the exterior, the interior is also dominated by black. The coupe version features a roof liner in Black Alcantara and gets all of its equipment from the Vantage S, which includes: seat and backrest covers and a sports steering wheel in Black Alcantara.

The roadster features black leather seat and backrest covers, and a black leather steering wheel with silver stitching. For both models, the center console is offered in Piano Black, while the instrument panel is trimmed entirely with leather.

Standard features

-Electrically operated seats

-Satellite navigation

-Cruise control and Bluetooth telephone preparation

-750-watt Premium Audio Sound System

Additional equipment

-1000-watt Bang & Olufsen BeoSound Audio System

-Reversing camera

-Sports suspension (on the Coupé only)

-Lightweight carbon seats

Drivetrain

Under the hood, the 4.7-liter V-8 engine delivers a total of 436 horsepower and 361 pound-feet of torque. It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and can hit a top speed of 189 mph.

The engine delivers an incredible sound, thanks to a specially developed sports exhaust with active bypass valves.

The engine is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission - a first for the Vantage V8 S. As an option, customers can still get a Sportshift II automated-manual seven-speed transmission.

Drivetrain Specifications

Engine

4.7-liter V-8

Engine Output

436 horsepower, 361 pound-feet of torque

Transmission

Six-speed manual

Acceleration (0-60)

4.5 seconds

Top Speed

189 mph


Prices

The new Aston Martin V8 Vantage SP10 is priced at €96,635 (around $130,000 at the current exchange rates). It will be offered in all European countries, except U.K.

Competition

Thanks to the new manual gearbox, the new Vantage SP10 version will have no reason to fear when it comes to a little competition.

Audi R8 Coupe and Roadster

The Audi R8 is a very impressive car, which is farther proved by its laundry list of awards. To make it even better, Audi decided to offer it with both manual and seven-speed S tronic transmission.

It is powered by a 4.2-liter FSI V-8 engine that delivers a total of 430 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Its power is a little less than the SP10, but the performance numbers are pretty much the same: it rockets from 0-60 in 4.4 seconds on its way up to a top track speed of 187 mph.

Maserati GranTurismo S

A model that only offers an electro-actuated gearbox is the GranTurismo S, so we guess the new SP10 has a big advantage. The Maserati model is powered by a 4.7-liter V-8 engine that delivers 440 horsepower, and despite being a little more powerful, the GranTurismo S is a little bit slower: 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 177 mph.

Conclusion

The new Aston Martin V8 Vantage SP10 wants to bring the track experience to the road, and we think that with the new manual gearbox it pretty much succeeds in doing so. Additionally, there are plenty of drivers that like to row their own gears, so chances are that the SP10 will be a massive hit in a small niche of traditionalists.

Too bad we won't get it in the U.S. too!