Aston Martin has previewed a new manual gearbox ‘AMR’ variant of the latest Vantage sports car, set to be revealed within the next week. 

AMR, which, unsurprisingly, stands for Aston Martin Racing, is a badge that has been used on a number of special edition Astons in the last few years, and is currently used on a more driver-focused version of the DB11 and a run-out special of the Rapide.

In keeping with the theme of driving engagement, the Vantage AMR will see the return of a manual gearbox to the brand for the first time since the previous-generation model in 2017.  

In recent years Aston has used a six-speed manual ‘box in certain models, but the V12 Vantage S was fitted with a seven-speed manual towards the end of its life, making use of a motorsport-inspired dog-leg first gear layout. That allowed the top six gears to remain in the traditional ‘H’ pattern that most drivers are familiar with.