The Aston Martin Vantage nameplate was typically used on high-performance models of the DB Series cars. The first standalone Vantage model was introduced in 1972. It was very short-lived, with only 71 examples being produced before being discontinued in 1973. A model known as the V8 Vantage was manufactured between 1977 and 1989. The modern Vantage was introduced in 2005 as their "entry-level" sports car model. Originally only offered as a coupe, a roadster model debuted in 2006 for the 2007 model year. The Vantage entered its second generation in 2018 for the 2019 model year. Taking many design cues from the Vulcan track racer and the DB10 from "Spectre" and pulling some of its mechanical components from Mercedes-Benz, the Vantage features near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, and is Aston's first car to feature an electronically-controlled differential with torque vectoring. The Vantage is powered by Mercedes-Benz's twin-turbocharged DOHC 4.0L M177 V8 engine paired the 8-speed ZF 8HP75 automatic transmission and rear wheel drive. For the 2020 model year, the AMR special edition was produced. Limited to 200 units, the AMR features a Graziano 7-speed manual transmission, a limited0slip differential, 20-inch forged alloy wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes, racing-spec seats, and a sportier exhaust system. Once the AMR ceases production the manual transmission will become an option on the more "basic" Vantage. Seen in the showroom of an Aston Martin dealership in Scottsdale, AZ.