2027 Aston Martin Vantage RS: Central Quad Exhaust Arrives

Vantage RS emerges with a motorsport attitude

Caught testing in heavy camo, the 2027 Aston Martin Vantage RS has reappeared with a bolder aerodynamic package and a new centrally mounted quad exhaust layout. More focused than the already potent Vantage S, this AMR-badged model is clearly being tuned for track prowess: expect more power, sharper aero, and a stricter weight budget when it reaches customers late in 2026 as a 2027 model.

Design changes that scream performance

The most conspicuous evolution is the huge rear wing, which follows the same downforce-led philosophy as the Vantage AMR Pro. Although disguised, its profile and mounts are unmistakably track-inspired. Up front, the Vantage RS shows a wider grille flanked by aggressive air curtains designed to route additional airflow to the radiator and front brakes. A pronounced splitter juts forward beneath the bumper, while chiseled side skirts tame airflow under the floor—elements that together improve balance and high-speed stability.

Moving the exhaust outlets from the outer corners to a centered quad setup isn’t just for looks. Centralizing the pipes cleans up flow around the outer edges of the rear valance and allows the diffuser to operate more efficiently, extracting more downforce from the rear axle. The test mules also sport forged alloy wheels, cross-drilled rotors and distinctive green brake calipers, wrapped in Pirelli high-performance rubber with a 325/30 ZR21 rear size—a tire choice that underlines Aston Martin’s focus on cornering grip and braking consistency.

Lightweight touches and cockpit changes

Inside, the Vantage RS is expected to shed mass rather than add luxury. Look for carbon-fiber trim, reduced sound deadening and a switch from plush seats to motorsport-style buckets. The infotainment layout should remain familiar to existing Vantage owners, but expect a more Spartan, driver-focused cabin overall—Aston Martin appears to be prioritizing lap times over comfort on this variant.

Powertrain and dynamics: AMG muscle, ZF gearbox

Under the bonnet sits the AMG-sourced twin-turbo V8. Early indications suggest outputs will match or surpass the 671 hp figure of the Vantage S, while peak torque could sit in the region of 800 Nm (around 590 lb-ft) in non-electrified tune—leaving room for further development compared with Aston Martin’s other high-performance models.

Unlike some of Aston’s SUVs that use nine-speed wet-clutch units, the Vantage RS is expected to use a ZF eight-speed automatic sending power exclusively to the rear wheels. That rear-drive bias, combined with race-derived tuning from the engineers behind the Vantage GT3 and GT4, points to sharper downshift mapping, a more aggressive electronic rear differential and a stiffer adaptive suspension setup.

How it compares

The Vantage RS is aimed squarely at drivers who want a road-legal car with minimal compromise for track use. Compared with the Vantage S, anticipate:

• Increased horsepower and a more aggressive powerband
• Greater aerodynamic downforce courtesy of the wing, splitter and diffuser
• Weight savings through reduced insulation and lighter seats
• Track-oriented suspension and drivetrain calibration

Aston Martin’s DBX S and DB12 S demonstrate how the brand extracts additional performance from the same AMG V8 through larger turbochargers and recalibrated electronics, so the Vantage RS could mirror that approach to deliver even stronger top-end power and responsiveness.

What this means for buyers and enthusiasts

For customers, the Vantage RS will represent the most uncompromising V8 Vantage yet: a rear-wheel-drive, lightweight, highly aerodynamic sports car designed to excel on both road and circuit. Enthusiasts will welcome the central quad exhaust not just for its dramatic appearance and sound, but for the performance benefits it brings to the diffuser and rear-end stability.

Highlights:

• Central quad exhaust for improved diffuser efficiency
• Massive rear wing inspired by AMR Pro
• AMG-sourced twin-turbo V8 with expected output at or above 671 hp
• ZF eight-speed gearbox driving the rear wheels
• Pirelli 325/30 ZR21 tires and forged alloy wheels

Expect Aston Martin to unveil full specs and performance figures closer to launch, but these spy shots already make the Vantage RS one of the most eagerly awaited track-focused GTs in the coming model year.