The Aston Martin Vanquish S is shaping up to be a significantly more aggressive version of the V12 grand tourer, with spy photos revealing a distinctive four-exhaust layout and reports pointing to more power, sharper handling and a much higher price.

Aston Martin Gives the Vanquish S a New Look

Aston Martin has faced an ongoing challenge in differentiating models such as the Vantage, DB12 and Vanquish, which share a clear family resemblance. The company appears to be addressing that issue with the upcoming Vanquish S, whose prototype has been photographed during emissions testing.

The prototype features an unusually aggressive rear design with eight visible exhaust tips. However, only four are expected to be functional. The other four are part of the regular Vanquish bodywork underneath and appear to be there for visual purposes.

The four new exhaust outlets positioned in the middle and underneath the rear end are reportedly the design elements expected to reach production.

Vanquish S Exhaust Design Echoes Aston Martin Specials

The unusual exhaust arrangement may look familiar because it resembles the layout used on the recently unveiled Aston Martin Valen, which claims the title of the most powerful front-engine V12 production car on the planet.

Aston Martin previously used three central exhaust tips on the Valour and four central tips on the similar Valiant. The company now appears to have settled on four outlets arranged in a rough trapezoidal shape for the Vanquish S.

A similar approach can also be traced to the mid-engine Valhalla supercar, although its layout is less obvious because the upper exhaust tips sit on top of the engine cover while the lower pair are positioned in the diffuser.

Vanquish S Could Cost Nearly $580,000

The design changes suggest that the V12 Vanquish is about to undergo a significant styling transformation aimed at making the model look and feel more exclusive.

According to spies cited in the report, the Vanquish S will also carry a substantially higher price than the roughly $440,000 Vanquish. The model is expected to start at approximately €500,000, or nearly $580,000.

The more aggressive styling could help the Vanquish S compete for buyers of the Ferrari 12Cilindri, but the higher price would require more than visual changes to justify the increase.

More Power and Hardware Upgrades Expected

The Vanquish S reportedly will not use hybridization to boost performance. Instead, its 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 is expected to remain combustion-only.

While the standard Vanquish produces 824 horsepower, the Vanquish S could deliver as much as, or even more than, the 838-hp Valen.

The additional performance is expected to come with a beefier suspension setup, a larger front splitter and changes to the rear aerodynamic profile. The new exhaust arrangement will also require changes to the rear aero, while the brakes are presumably set for retuning or upgrades.

A reveal is expected late this year or early in 2027.

Aston Martin’s Exclusivity Challenge

The Vanquish S is not the only hardcore Aston Martin reportedly receiving unusual exhaust outlets. The hardcore version of the entry-level Vantage is also getting multiple exhaust openings, raising concerns that the styling treatment could become common across the company’s higher-performance models.

Aston Martin has only recently revealed the 150-unit Valen, whose design is described as genuinely unique within the lineup. The Vanquish S could now bring elements of that low-volume model’s rear styling to a significantly more attainable car that remains part of Aston Martin’s core range and uses a V12.

The Valen may be lighter, and its overall design is distinct from the current Vanquish, although its front could be confused with an S650 Mustang. The concern is that repeating special-edition styling on core models could reduce the sense of exclusivity attached to limited-production cars.

The same issue arose with the one-off Victor. After the Victor was globally adored, Aston Martin created the similar but more commonplace Valour, limited to 110 units, less than three years later, followed by a modified one-off called the Valiant.

For buyers paying top dollar for Aston Martin’s most exclusive models, the expectation is that those cars will retain their distinctiveness. If their styling begins appearing on less expensive core models, it can diminish the perceived value and uniqueness of the special editions.