Aston Martin launches faster Vantage AMR

Aston Martin's fledgling AMR performance sub-brand has revealed two limited editions based on the firm's outgoing Vantage.

Available as either coupe or roadster, both the Vantage V8 and V12 get the AMR treatment.

The former carries over its 316kW 4.7-litre V8 unchanged. The V12 on the other hand comes with a 438kW 6.0-litre V12 - 22kW more than the standard car.

Both cars come with either the six-speed Speedshift automated manual or a six- (V8) or seven-speed (V12) manual.

Painted in either white with orange graphics, black with blue, blue with red or silver with grey highlights, the AMR editions can also come in the firm's famous green and lime green accents.

Both V8 and V12 AMRs also come with weight-saving measures. The faster Vantage uses carbon-fibre for the seats, front grille, side strakes, mirror caps and instruments surrounds.

Lightweight ten-spoke alloys are also available, along with other performance-boosting options such as an AMR-developed aero pack that incorporates a carbon-fibre front splitter, dive planes, side sills and a huge fixed rear spoiler.

AMR has also created a special titanium exhaust that saves 14kg over the standard system and is said to sharpen engine response. Probably makes more noise too.

Aston Martin says it will limit AMR production to just 300 cars, split to 100 V12s and 200 V8s.

On sale in the fourth quarter of 2017 pricing in the UK for the V8 AMR begins at £97,995 (A$165,000).

Originally launched at this year's Geneva motor show, back in March, AMR was set-up to produce faster, louder, better handling models that are inspired by the British sports car maker's involvement in motor sport.