A New British Car Is For American Drivers Only

Aston Martin has revealed plans to introduce a single GTS trim level for 2017, all 100 editions of which will be exclusive to the U.S. market — and available with a six-speed manual transmission. Hallelujah.

Developed specifically for the American market, the Vantage GTS essentially is the British automaker’s way of truncating its existing V8 Vantage GT and V8 Vantage S models into one offering. Melding the low-price GT and more expensive S, the GTS is offered with either the aforementioned manual (now also available on the V12 Vantage S) or a seven-speed automatic unit.

Power for both the GTS coupe and the GTS convertible comes from a naturally aspirated 4.7-liter V8 engine that makes 430 horsepower at 7,300 rpm and 391 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. The GTS will sprint from zero to 60 mph in about four seconds in its fastest configuration, and GTS buyers can choose from Lux Edition and Sport Edition models.

The Sport version comes with lots of carbon-fiber inserts, as well as a black finish for the front grille and headlight bezels and gray five-spoke wheels. Inside are leather seats available in either black or gray, an Alcantara-upholstered steering wheel and black knobs on the center console. A standard firmer suspension (optional on the older Vantage) rounds out the performance drivetrain.

More comfort-focused, the Lux model receives gloss black trim on both ends, silver five-spoke alloy wheels, as well as bright trim on the grille,  headlight bezels, window surrounds and side strakes. Inside, the seats are leather, while the controls wear a satin chrome finish with piano-black accents. And you won’t be able to ignore the 1,000-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system.

The Vantage GTS is scheduled to go on sale shortly. No pricing yet, but look for it to start around $135,000.