2015 Aston Martin Vanquish, Rapide S Gain Eight-Speed Transmission

The 2015 Aston Martin Vanquish, Vanquish Volante and Rapide S are getting upgrades that will improve acceleration, fuel economy and top speed “significantly” according to the company.

The British automaker has announced that all three models will benefit from a Touchtronic III eight-speed automatic transmission, the first time the gearbox has been used in a transaxle layout. As a result, the models’ performance and fuel economy will be improved according to Aston Martin with the Vanquish going 0-60 in 3.6 seconds rather than 4.1. The Rapide S will hit the 60 mph mark from a standstill in 4.2 seconds, a full half-second faster than its previous 4.7 seconds. As a result, the Vanquish is now the brand’s quickest accelerating production model in its 101-year history.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Aston Martin Rapide S Review

There’s also a slight power increase on the Vanquish, gaining three hp to 568 while the Rapide S sees a modest gain of two hp to 552. Peak torque on the Vanquish and Rapide S models has also been bumped to 465 lb-ft. Other benefits for the 2015 model year for all three models include the latest Bosch Engine Management System, a revised torque tube that reduces transmission noise transfer and a revised steering ECU that helps deliver more precise steering response.

The Vanquish also gets new uprated dampers that are 15 percent stiffer in the front and 35 percent stiffer in the rear, improving the dynamic characteristic of the sports car. The three models also benefit from a re-tuned brake booster and amended rear suspension bushings that are now 20 percent stiffer than before.

Pricing on the 2015 Aston Martin Vanquish, Vanquish Volante and Rapide S are expected closer to their release in the third quarter of 2014.