The upcoming Aston Martin Vantage RS has been filmed being pushed hard around the Nürburgring, offering a closer listen to the extreme new coupe as it undergoes development. The footage captures the car compressing its suspension so aggressively that its underbody covers can be heard scraping the track.
Aston Martin Vantage RS Takes a More Aggressive Direction
Last week, Autoblog spies spotted the convertible version of Aston Martin’s upcoming hardcore Vantage, which is expected to adopt the RS suffix. The rumored name and aggressive bodywork point to a far more focused super sports car aimed at challenging the prolific Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
Now, the CarSpyMedia YouTube channel has captured the coupe version pushing hard on the Nürburgring, providing another look at the development of Aston Martin’s more extreme Vantage.
With Aston Martin’s current products using turbocharged engines, whether powered by eight or 12 cylinders, the exhaust note offers limited character. The lighter 4.0-liter V8 is considered the most likely choice for the Vantage RS, with more than 700 horsepower expected.
A redesigned grille is also expected to feed increased airflow into the car, while aerodynamic performance appears to be a major focus of the development program.
Aerodynamic Upgrades Define the Hardcore Vantage
The Vantage RS features numerous aerodynamic modifications, including a deeper front splitter with winglets at each end designed to help clean the airflow passing the turbulent wheel arches.
That airflow is then picked up by the side skirts and recessed lower doors and directed toward the rear of the car. There, the muscular arches lead the eye toward a massive rear wing with an almost Formula 1-like appearance.
The wing features curved endplates separated in shape from the main cross-section, helping capture air flowing over the arches. Its main wing element has a recessed center designed to deal with air coming from the glasshouse.
This Vantage RS development mule also wears a nearly finished diffuser that moves the four exhaust tips closer to the center. The tips lack the detailed finishers expected from an Aston Martin, indicating that development work is still underway on the final design and the panel surrounding them.
Aston Martin Vantage RS Could Carry a Premium Price
For 2026, the Aston Martin Vantage starts at $194,500, while the Vantage S starts at $199,500 before destination charges. Destination can vary by dealer but is usually more than $3,000.
With options, a Vantage S can easily reach $300,000. That could mean the more extreme Vantage RS will cost more than the Porsche 911 GT3 RS it appears to be targeting.
The 911 GT3 RS is no longer available on the Porsche configurator, but pricing was generally above $250,000, with highly specified versions exceeding $300,000. Pricing may not necessarily be a problem for the extreme Vantage, however, because a 992.2 facelift for the GT3 RS is reportedly in the works and is expected to be significantly more expensive.
A Tough Challenge Against Porsche’s GT Cars
The upcoming GT3 RS may also be substantially faster and could potentially adopt forced induction, similar to the Vantage. Rumors suggest around 650 horsepower, leaving room in the lineup for an ultimate 911 in the form of a new GT2 RS.
With more than 700 horsepower expected, extensive aerodynamic upgrades and a potentially premium price, the Aston Martin Vantage RS is shaping up as an ambitious entry into one of the most demanding corners of the high-performance sports car market. But as development continues at the Nürburgring, this hardcore baby Aston Martin appears to have a formidable challenge ahead.
