MANUAL Aston Martin Vantage AMR: Road Review | Carfection 4K

Henry Catchpole took the NEW manual version of the Aston Martin Vantage AMR out for a spin on the roads near the Nurburgring to give it a Carfection road review.
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In the same broad price bracket as the Aston Martin Vantage, there are currently rather a lot (relatively speaking) of sports cars vying for customers’ (be they actual or just daydreaming) attention. You could have a well-specced version of the latest Porsche 911, for example. Fancy something with the engine a little further forward? How about an Audi R8 or a McLaren Sports Series car? If front-mid engined is your thing then the AMG GT is an appealing choice and BMW has also just released the M8. I think Maserati will still sell you a GranTurismo if you fancy something Italian.
Since its launch last year, the Vantage has arguably struggled to stand out in this somewhat crowded marketplace. Granted, the looks are wonderful and if you’re a sucker for the badge then nothing else will do. There is also nothing wrong with the dynamics, but they aren’t class-leading. The 4-litre, twin-turbo V8 engine is good too, but it’s not exactly bespoke (even if the AMG badges have been taken off).
Now, however, with the launch of the Vantage AMR, it feels like Aston Martin has carved its own distinct niche in the market. And it’s a rather appealing niche. The thing that principally differentiates the AMR is the fitment of a manual gearbox. It’s the same Graziano, dog-leg, seven- speed that we saw in the last V12 Vantage, so it’s not the easiest or, at times, slickest shift. Neither is the gear knob something to feast your eyes upon. But the pedals are placed absolutely perfectly, so heel and toe down-changes are a joy to perform (although the new AMR Shift programme will do it for you if you want). There is also real satisfaction to getting your head around the slightly peculiar shift pattern and the unusual weightings across the gate.
Like the manual ‘box, the chassis also requires concentration but delivers a real sense of interaction and enjoyment. It has the feeling of a car with a very short wheelbase and the quick steering is matched by the response of the front tyres so you need calm hands to pilot it smoothly. Add in the fact that traction (certainly on the wet roads I drove it on) can feel decidedly limited and initially slides are not the most progressive, and you have a car that definitely makes you think.
Try listening to a podcast as you head quickly down a sodden country road and by the end you will probably find that you have missed the salient points of whatever the chosen pod happens to be. This is a car that demands you pay attention to it. And I like that.
Aston Martin intends to build 141 Vantage AMRs, which might seem like a curious number. However, when you add to those 141 another 59 Vantage 59 Editions (essentially AMRs with some extra carbon and a celebratory, motorsport-aping paint job) you get a nice round 200. What’s more, after those 200 have been sold Aston Martin will be offering the manual gearbox as an option on a standard Vantage.
It is, of course, not as rudimentary as simply bolting a manual ‘box on in place of the eight-speed auto. There are a host of other changes, including a mechanical limited-slip differential (also made by Graziano) in place of the e-diff fitted to the auto-Vantage. This in turn has required a 20 per cent stiffening of the rear anti-roll bar, while the rear suspension and the EPAS have also been retuned to take account of the drop in weight. The AMR weighs in at 100kg less than a standard Vantage, but 70kg of that weight saving is as a direct result of the manual ‘box, so will be passed on.
The only downside is that torque has had to be reduced slightly compared to the auto ‘box Vantage. Power remains at 503bhp, but the torque figure is down by 44lb ft to 461lb ft and it is limited to just 258lb ft in first and second gears. The reason for this is that to make the gearbox cope with the full 505lb ft would have required extra strengthening and that would have added an extra 100kg, meaning an undesirable net gain of 30kg for a manual compared to an auto. I can’t say I ever felt a need for more torque...
So, it’s lighter, more engaging and if you like to be able to brag in your local bar then you’ll be pleased to hear that the Vantage is now also faster, as the claimed top speed of the AMR is 200mph. Of course the price has gone up too, with the AMR starting at $184,995 (£149,995), but the manual ‘box will be a no-cost option when it is offered on the standard Vantage next year. It’s an option I would definitely choose, because while it might not instantly turn the Vantage into a class-leader it does make it feel very distinctive among its rivals and pleasingly interesting.

[@Zerofightervi]

I was walking with my 2 year old son & stuck in the traffic was a black Aston Martin Vantage, my little boy without any prompting from me turned & stared at it. A big grin appearing on his face. That's my boy.

[@superchargedpetrolhead]

Petrolhead in the making....

[@Zerofightervi]

@@superchargedpetrolhead Definitely, I'm a very happy Dad.

[@LegendInThaMakin]

I felt a strange sense of pride for a father and son I’ve never met while reading this.

[@brianiswrong]

Was it the shape or the noise do you think that got your son's attention? I am a little older than 2 ,but also smile when I see or hear an Aston.

[@Zerofightervi]

@@brianiswrong I have to admit I couldn't hide my glee at seeing a Veyron SS out on public roads, the woman stood next to me gave me a funny look, I explained 'it's a 2 million pound car'. I think it was the low slung shape of the Vantage that my son noticed first , then the V8 burble as it rolled forward, that's when the grin happened.

[@Glimiril]

There is something about driving a manual gearbox that is so engaging and enjoyable, I am glad to see Aston embracing driving skill as well as driving pleasure.

[@MrGaryGG48]

OK, I was reading along and then Henry said, "...manual gearbox!!!!!!" Then I had to sit down, relax, and listen to the rest of his video. I've been driving BMW's of many different flavors for more than 50 years and now they've dropped their manual six-speed for some dual-disc paddle shifted thing that just threw the whole character of the sports sedan/coupe right out the window. I don't care if it shifts 47 milliseconds faster than I can stir a lever operated manual. The experience of hustling down a crooked coast road twenty minutes from my home in my 2001 BMW with a manual 5 speed is far more satisfying. I know it isn't in anything near the league of this Aston but the dedication Aston Martin is showing by keeping this "ancient technology" in this car is so reassuring. They may be out of my price range by a factor of 27 but their hearts are definitely in the right place!!

[@FAT8893]

And let's not forget that manual gearbox weighs way less than an automatic gearbox, even with the manual override ones.

[@peetsnort]

Automatically changing your car...!! Yuck you might as well be playing a video game

[@swansmeister]

omfg jump of the ''manual'' bandwagon pls it's so passe.

[@FAT8893]

@@swansmeister I wouldn't. Manual gearbox is much lighter than automatic and much easier to maintain.

[@GT-RTData9]

Beautiful cinematography as always. It's extremely refreshing to come to a channel like this for *pure car content, and to get away from all the "dude bro" KZbinr car vids and antics thats all over the place.

[@Peanutdenver]

Henry is like a laid back friend who's really knowledgeable about cars. He never gets too excited, knows how to take it all in with grace and doesn't irritate you like your friend Doug and his little brother Schmee.

[@theanimelibarian7881]

@@Peanutdenver yeah I dont know how many times schmee is gonna make a video about the laferrari it's a majestic car but there's soo many cars he could review that's not in America

[@Peanutdenver]

@@theanimelibarian7881 I can't watch the dude anymore. It's just a super rich cat who likes to show off his cars on the inter webs.

[@Peanutdenver]

@@theanimelibarian7881 I can't watch the dude anymore. It's just a super rich cat who likes to show off his cars on the inter webs.

[@manveerghuman5276]

@@Peanutdenver I don't think he was referring to Doug, as his videos are educational and informative than anything else.

[@Samir_1]

Long Live Manual Transmissions!

[@thomasabbott6332]

Me: "need to go to bed after this touring car doc and get some sleep" Henry: "That's my German cousin Heinrik"

[@bazzyg]

Me too. I was just about to hit the sack when this beauty popped up.

[@dreamworks69]

X2

[@kurtrorke2189]

That shot at 11:00 with the sun coming out is surreal😍

[@OGZxK1LL3R]

I noticed that too...amazing shot

[@user-yj2su3gv1m]

You might be the best reviewer in motor industry, and solely stand for this channel perfectly, packed with acknowledge and character. Thank you for all your films!

[@louisebrillo06]

Long live the manual gearbox!

[@basithph8958]

Now that’s a future classic A true Aston Martin!

[@user-jf8gd3lv7q]

Come on, stupid fanboy... "Now that's a future classic"...Really?? LOL Just a simple manual gearbox with a really fugly gear knob in this car doesn't make it a "future classic". If you want to see a perfect manual gear box in a perfect sports car, just wait for the manual Porsche 911 in the coming next months, because this car will show you how a perfect three pedal car feels like.

[@atomickoala62]

@@user-jf8gd3lv7q yes but Porsche has always had a reputation for having customers who are proper cunts. Kind of like you're being right now. Literally no one has ever disliked another person for the soul reason of them driving an Aston. A twin turbo V8, front engine, rear wheel drive, a 7 SPEED manual and an Aston badge? Yeah. It will be a future classic. So shut the fuck up x

[@bazvonmoger7037]

AtomicKoala future classic for definite

[@basithph8958]

SJW Maniac okay I’ll admit the Porsche with the manual transmission is better but c’mon it’s an Aston Martin with a manual transmission That’s what you call a true Aston Martin

[@candle9191]

@@atomickoala62 wish I could call this guy every damn time I saw a twat of a porsche fanboy jizzing at the sight of a porsche and mad at everyone else cause they're probably never gonna drive one.

[@basithph8958]

I really love that the Vantage AMR has the Bond looks and of course that awesome 7-speed dogleg manual gearbox! One of my dream cars!

[@TechReviewInsider]

New Aston Martin are so gorgeous even my mom loves it Adding a manual transmission is an icing of the cake

[@hamzah510]

Combination of having Henry presenting and the quality of the video make these recent Carfection reviews some of the best around.

[@tjpj1919]

Should be called asmr with the sound that thing generates.

[@ivanostojic6089]

As a photographer I appreciate that DSLR vs Iphone comparison, really spot on! :D

[@kensai69]

Now sell this gearbox to Mercedes so they can have a AMG GT Manual

[@gorviv529]

Preach!!!!

[@bicyclist2]

Amen to that!

[@theanimelibarian7881]

I dont think that's not a car for something like that it's a gt car the gtr pro I 'd say yes if they can but mercs in my opinion is not a car for a manual these days wouldn't make sense for a luxury brand

[@louisebrillo06]

Yes!

[@almac9203]

Mercedes would not be interested because so few of its customers would buy a manual car. Mercedes is about to halt all R&D on its Ice cars and move 100% to electric so they would not be interested in manual gearboxes.

[@callumbennett2013]

Never been so excited to see a video before, I've been so hyped for the 2nd Gen. Manual Vantage to finally happen. Edit: Just finished watching, this video is ace, I expect nothing less from Carfection.

[@jamiljafri4841]

I absolutely love this video especially the part where Henry's manual car/camera analogy

[@ResIpsa-pk4ih]

Is it just me or was the sound design extra on-point for this review?

[@sahilagrawal4255]

Thank you Aston for making this car with a manual... there is still hope for humanity

[@Ben-Rogue]

Absolutely LOVE the front of the Vantage, so unique! While the overall design reminds me of the F-Type, which is also gorgeous, I think this looks slightly better

[@yungdadi]

I believe the gearbox makes the new Vantage unique and finally more than a rebodied AMG GT

[@MrGaryGG48]

Henry's comment regarding the "notchiness" of this 7 speed box and how he just had to take a little time to get accustomed to it reminded me of experiences from 2 or 3 decades ago when I worked for a Ferrari dealer in the Bay Area and we had a couple of 60's and 70's vintage Ferraris in the store. These cars of that vintage were notorious for being a bit "balky" when they were cold and many writers of that period, in their sanctimonious mode, stated that those Ferrari gearboxes were just ancient anachronisms of an old technology and the "new" technology was soooo much better. Well, I found that with a bit of caution and a gently placed double clutch of both the up and the down shift until the gearbox warmed up, these "ancient anachronisms" worked just fine. A little extra care resulted in a solid dose of satisfaction when the drive progressed smoothly in spite of the naysayers. They were and still are fabulous old machines that are just amazing examples of kinetic art!!

[@Allcarnews]

yungdadi you do realize the only AMG part of the Vantage is the AMG derived engine ....

[@jase6370]

Never was a rebodied amg, have you never seen just how different the chassis is ?

[@Allcarnews]

jase6370 not even that it is a totally different chassis, it literally has nothing to do with mercedes at all 😂 Only the engine and infotainment screen that’s it

[@vincejordan2715]

Gary Goodlund has opqqas

[@rinusbrand9993]

Outstanding review. Carfection did it again.

[@mubblemann]

The combination of Henry, that videographer/editor team, and those cars, make this the best car channel on KZbin.

[@jeremyhansen8186]

Henry, great to see you again. I love when you do reviews. Not a huge Aston fan, but no matter. It has not dulled my excitement for watching this review.

[@AdamSmith-vj5uk]

The quality of these videos are amazing

[@jonathanrath3036]

Your reviews are simply sublime Henry, thank you mate!

[@vacuumunit]

Henry commentary is absolutely wonderful.. clear concise and knowledgeable

[@jonasarche]

Amazing words by the end!! Loved the review and love this car!!

[@juliantaffa4089]

Stunning video Carfection, your team puts pretty much all of KZbin to shame. And Aston Martin are absolutely killing it lately with their road cars. The DBS Superleggera, while a little pricy, is one of the best looking cars I've ever had the pleasure of seeing. This new Vantage is stunning in a completely different kind of way, and now with a manual transmission is brilliant. Then at the ultra top-tier, the Valkyrie and Valhalla are setting up to be some of the most groundbreaking vehicles of our time. The future is now, and the future looks bright.

[@user-jf8gd3lv7q]

Oh my god..., buddy, please stop it! ".... the most groundbraking vehicles of our time"... Hahaha! British car fanboys are almost as annoying as fucking annoying American Tesla fanboys. There's certainly NOTHING "groundbraking" in Aston Martin attempts of just making "different" sports cars. Every sports car company makes its own thing. But Aston Martin even didn't have the money or technical background to develop an own modern V8 engine family for Vantage and DB11, which fits to all the worldwide emissions regulations... LOL! Therefore AM have to take this engine and other major parts for their sports cars from AMG to be future-proof... Why is this, hmmm??? Just think about it..., little dummy! There are some other sports car companies out there, which are doing way more original and important stuff, which I would call "groundbraking". Like Henry mentioned in this video, one of them is from Stuttgart and begins with a "P"...

[@the_one1001]

Your channel is INCREDIBLE truly....keep it up. Huge fan

[@diavolorosso69]

Hit "like" before I watched this because I knew how good it would be- and it's even better. Excellent job, Henry & crew, as usual!!

[@adr0110]

Bloody fantastic video as always!

[@dreamworks69]

Henry. Sir. You and your team were Spot on. With the edition of this Video. Thank you so much for this content. And for keeping the Manuals alive.

[@bpowick]

Carfection and Henry upping the game once again. Another great video team!

[@LasseSkjttHansen]

Beautifully shot and great audio! These videos keep getting better!

[@JiewenTan]

I love the DSLR example! It is one of the best explaination of manual car I ever heard.

[@augustortiz]

This is the first time an AMG engine has been mated to a manual apparently. I cant recall a single AMG with a manual gearbox.

[@ALMX5DP]

Augusto O.R I think you’re right. Outside of really bespoke/coach built stuff like Pagani (which is really just on another level altogether) I can’t think of any either.

[@floherp]

Well amgs of today, but true yes

[@AndorRadnai]

Which is really sad! Because that would be a truly interesting new experience..!

[@lewdyson4744]

Imagine the 6.2 c63 with a manual good googlie mooglie

[@AndorRadnai]

Jonathan Bowen There are Hammers with manuals!? I want one!!!!

[@Orcawhale1]

You read my mind, Henry. That truly is a awfull gearknob. I swear Renualt's from the 90s got better gearknobs than this!

[@chadwick-ma]

Orcawhale i was thought they get the gearnob sourced from BMW. The Old Aluminum and Crystal gearnob is the pinnacle.

[@Orcawhale1]

@@chadwick-ma They are getting parts from Mercedes, not BMW. And do you mean the one that looked like a power ranger's leg?

[@F1ll1nTh3Blanks]

@@Orcawhale1 Tbh the power rangers leg looked alot better than this. Aston needs a new interior designer. 🤷 I am sorry but these last gen Mercedes based interiors are just ugly.

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

looks like an old ford transit van gearknob lol

[@michaelgakanga]

They should have made a metal knob

[@wizeline]

Mine arrives Friday! Will be able to move from my 2013 V8VS... my current 2019 Vantage... now to the manual... being excited is an understatement! Can’t wait to drive and thank you for the fair video!

[@fmartmart8099]

Man your production values just get better and better. Such a high-quality Channel.

[@goodebening6564]

once again a world class car road review from carfection really living up to their name

[@rcp2bTube]

Best car show on youtube by far: intelligence, humour, knowledge, artistic vision and execution. Well done chaps.

[@cutsomeone]

Still one of my favorite videos on KZbin. I enjoy foggy drives even more now than before since this seeing this video a year ago

[@leslienordman8718]

Very good! It sounds like a wonderful car. And your presentation was gorgeous. Thank you so much.

[@chrisbagginsmay2474]

Well this came out the blue! .... nice one 👏🏻

[@doublep1980]

Your cinematography is just outstanding,better than many movies or tv-shows.

[@jamespink4202]

Brilliant video Henry. Thank you! Stuck on manual especially in the Eifel district!

[@ricomichel]

Congratulations on the cinematography, it's just stunning throughout! :-)

[@eeezzy]

Henry, you are the man! Another great video. 👍 Great way to start my day here in sunny Canada 🇨🇦.

[@hdmk213]

Stunning car, and stunning production values (including some excellent shots). Well done Carfection

[@mariuscociuba]

best sound i have heard all year. great car, great review !!

[@tejas9304]

Beautiful video . Great content.

[@mrpmj00]

Yep, a manual transmission is 10 times more fun than an automatic/dct.

[@DonaldSeymourjr]

Henry you have truly grown on me.

[@CTP1111]

Another fantastic video henry, as an owner of a prior generation manual transmission vantage I especially love the subject!

[@1997TL1000]

Thank you so very much for creating beautiful content. It is simply refreshing.

[@hdemi1590]

Great video as always!!

[@robp.8807]

awesome video, thank you for Aston making this car. seems like a dream of a setup.

[@stephenlane9127]

Nice review Henry as always!

[@AdyWalter]

Having driven a flappy paddle M2 for the last 9 month's, I have to admit that I wish I'd bought a manual one. So hard to find but would have been so much more fun. Bravo Aston Martin 🙌🏻

[@joe5boost]

well done Aston keep up the good work , top vid too carfection thank you for showing us

[@gregbrooke687]

Great review Henry. Read drive nations review and they also mentioned the gearbox. Your development on that was very informative. Thank you.

[@FAT8893]

Finally, the gearbox the new Vantage should deserve from the start! Bless AM. 😍❤

[@user-jf8gd3lv7q]

But certainly not its fugly gear knob...

[@shaheenevans]

Love the iPhone and DSLR comparison - great photography and typical quality review!

[@anyportinastormqwert]

"Money doesn't buy happiness, it buys crazy-ass happiness."

[@Dragoneer]

- Eminem 2K14 Damn straight

[@Dragoneer]

And if that’s not the case, you tell me when being broke does...

[@luke_3_113]

Another great review.

[@CarlosOliveira-cj3iz]

Fantastic video, again!

[@nishanthdela3227]

Such good shots in this video :)

[@rhamsrenivass7719]

Was waiting for this review like forever.... knowing that not everyone will be doing it but i was very sure carfection will

[@healychen]

What a stunning piece of road!

[@rabeahkarram9689]

Man this is on my future shopping list when they said manual : ) well done Aston Martin : )

[@AlmightyFSM]

I don't know if anyone rates car journalists on youtube, but if they do, they've almost certainly underrated Henry. He's a joy to watch

[@sarcodiauk2921]

Excellent review ...thank you

[@sutats]

Gorgeous! Understated elegance.

[@philspaghet]

This is now officially on my attainable dream car list!

[@PurgatoryVLM]

I finally want an Aston again. And you driving game got a lot stronger 👍🏾

[@toburn1]

beautiful video, pleasure to watch

[@filovirus1]

absolutely love the colour scheme

[@jazzbassjames6403]

Great vid. Thanks!

[@mikefitzgerald4278]

You are undoubtedly the best at what you do! I'm so glad I found you!! I'm hooked! By far the best car video ever! Mike Fitzgerald Calgary Alberta Canada 🇨🇦

[@formula1facebookfan]

The camera analogy is fantastic

[@guilhemjager4324]

Once again, terrific review, great analogy, and oh, seems like a nice bloke that Heinrich, doesn't he?

[@bsmukler]

I think it is more like a Leica M than a DSLR. The perfection of that car IS the inclusion of the imperfections you mentioned and, as with the Leica M (or, similarly, a motorcycle rather than a car), it is the fact that the car demands more coordination and more conscious involvement on the part of the driver that makes the experience more rewarding. I find the styling quite beautiful. It reminds me (in feeling, not specifically in looks) of my first view of an E-Type behind the front window of a dealership in frigid downtown Minneapolis, a million years ago. Both cars have the sleek, understated British design; the sense that the sculpture creatively removed all the unnecessary material, leaving only the beautiful bits (apart from the rear splitter, which looks like an afterthought). Another wonderful video, especially with the drone footage of the winding road through the mist covered forest.

[@LouisHsu17]

Like the comedy effects, more Henry twins!

[@linasmarcinkevicius]

Thank you for the video! 😊 👍

[@markdance574]

Beautiful looking car - Aston are right up with the best car designs currently Great video as always

[@mikiplavin1424]

Well Done! Well done Aston Martin! Save the manuals!

[@ryansmithza]

Oh wow, I certainly didn't see this one coming! Now theres a modern car I can add to my wish list...

[@scottsanders2641]

What a great car and video! All about the love for the manual gearbox….

[@S0UNDWAVE]

Fantastic review.

[@JordanPayneLV]

Love the editing bit at the end with your cousin

[@alastairs3727]

Nailed it again Mr Catchpole - still not entirely sure about the front end but love that the driving characteristics take some thought and give more reward

[@goldfever4570]

That colour contrasted diffuser is going to take a long time to grow on me. Yuck, what a busy rear end! Stunning video, thank you.

[@future_phonk]

One of my favorite looking cars.

[@thesprawl2361]

Christ the videos here really are beautiful.

[@TheGentlemanPhotographer]

Can’t wait to buy this car!! ❤

[@SairamPS]

Your T-shirt is on the point 💯

[@anujadassanayake5732]

Sebastian moving to Aston Martin and now they're making a manual. I think I'm falling back in love with Aston Martin!

[@jep1912]

Best job on the planet, done with a work ethic that is sublime, thanks Henry, I'll rate that a 4 Catchpoles out of 5.

[@Bittertokken]

Wow! That road!