2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage facelift revealed

Serving as Aston Martin's entry-level sports car, aside from the Cygnet, the V8 Vantage features a 4.7-litre V8 engine producing 313kW and 470Nm, which carries over unchanged.

Like the current model, a six-speed manual will come standard, while a new seven-speed Sportshift automatic replaces the six-speed unit. Aston Martin says the new transmission has tighter ratios, a lower final drive and a quicker and more refined shift quality. Both will be available in coupe and convertible body styles.

On the outside is where you'll find the main update differences. There's a new front bumper with a sharper, lower front chin spoiler and restyled intake, while at the rear there's a new diffuser to pull airflow under the car, sucking it to the ground.

The aerodynamic revisions improve downforce and handling, while 10mm-wider tyres bolster cornering performance. The 2012 Vantage V8 also benefits from a quicker steering rack and beefier brakes, including 380mm front discs.

Aston Martin Asia Pacific representative Marcel Fabris told CarAdvice that the facelift is available to order now, however, deliveries aren't set to take place until June.

Both the Coupe and Convertible are available, with prices starting at the following, excluding on-road costs:

Coupe manual - $231,500 (down $18,772 from previous model)
Coupe Sportshift II seven-speed auto - $247,400 (down $11,269 from Sportshift I six-speed auto)
Convertible manual - $260,500 (down $14,198)
Convertible Sportshift II - $274,300 (down $7795 from Sportshift I six-speed auto)