Aston Martin introduced the redesigned Vantage last fall and the company has been slowly expanding the lineup with recent entries such as the Vantage GT3 and Vantage GT4. While those models are designed for the track, it appears the next variant will be a road-going model aimed at customers seeking more power.

Snapped undisguised, this particular prototype is believed to be the Vantage S. There doesn’t appear to be a lot styling changes between the two models, but a closer inspection reveals the car has been equipped with a four-tailpipe exhaust system.

Besides having two additional exhaust tips, the car appears to have an upgraded braking system with cross drilled rotors. The front discs also appear to be larger, but it’s hard to be certain at this point.

 

 

While the styling changes are minor, it’s important to remember this is an early prototype. If the previous Vantage S is any indication, the production model could have modified bumpers, new side skirts and unique wheels with specially developed tires. The previous model also had a quicker steering ratio, a returned dynamic stability control system, larger front brakes as well as a retuned suspension with new springs and dampers.

There’s no word on performance specifications, but the standard Vantage has a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 503 hp (375 kW / 510 PS) and 505 lb-ft (685 Nm) of torque. It enables the model to run from of 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.6 seconds before topping out at 195 mph (313 km/h).

The Vantage S will undoubtedly be more powerful and the previous model had an additional 10 hp (7 kW / 10 PS) and 15 lb-ft (20 Nm) of torque. That’s not a lot, but the car was also 66 lbs (30 kg) lighter than the mainstream model.

The Vantage S could debut next year, so expect to learn more in the coming months.

 

Picture credits: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien for Carscoops