Aston Martin has refreshed its V8 Vantage range for 2012 with items borrowed from the Current Vantage S.

These changes, Aston says, will further enhance dynamics, style and value of this beautiful British sports car. The V8 engine in the new Vantage makes 420bhp now, the same as the Vantage S, which is enough to give it a top speed of 180mph.

The six-speed manual transmission is standard across the range, but you can opt for a seven-speed Sportshift ‘box which Aston says is much sportier and more refined than the outgoing six-speed Sportshift automated manual transmission.

Changes have also been made to the car’s chassis, with quicker steering, bigger brakes and wider tyres. It comes with a new steering column installation, re-valved power-steering pump and a quicker ratio of 15:1, and 380mm two-piece ventilated cast-iron front discs and six piston callipers.

Visually the 2012 Vantage benefits from a lower bumper in front with air splitter and bigger intakes, revised rear diffuser as well as a sculpted race-derived side sills.

Prices for the new, upgraded Aston Martin Vantage starts at £84,995 / €108,500.

The new Vantage S, with 430bhp and 490Nm (361lb ft) of torque is still available for those who want more drama. It starts at £99,995 / €128,500.

But even if that’s not enough for you, there’s the V12 Vantage with the DBS’ engine developing 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS), and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque. Still not satisfied? Well then go for the Aston Martin V12 Zagato, a limited edition of just 150, with a price tag of £300,000.