Aston Martin has revealed the first pics and details of its 2012 V8 Vantage, which scores many of the tech upgrades first seen in last year's S variant.

Although the 313kW 4.7-litre V8 is carried over, the MY12 Vantage gains quicker steering (sharpened from 17:1 to 15:1), bigger brakes (380mm front discs with six-piston calipers) and wider (by 10mm) tyres. But far more significant is the turfing of the clunky old six-speed Sportshift robotised manual in lieu of the seven-speed Sportshift II transmission.

Although these changes are far from earth-shattering, our time spent in the V8 Vantage S suggests they’ll go a long way towards improving an already capable donor car. That said, having sampled the Graziano-built seven-speed Sportshift II in the Vantage S, we know it’s fine when you’re caning it around a racetrack, but it’s far from quick or smooth when you’re pottering around at low speeds. A six-speed manual remains as the standard gearbox (although few buyers actually opt for it).

The Aston now faces the all-new 991 Series Porsche 911. Where the Aston arguably scores over the Porsche, however, is in terms of its visual impact. Thus the styling department has wisely not tampered too much with the cosmetics, other than to revise the front bumper/splitter, side sills and rear bumper diffuser.

Meanwhile, Aston Martin boss Ulrich Bez has been quoted as saying more than a third of the 150-car build volume of the V12 Zagato has already been sold. Production starts in the third quarter of this year.

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