The new Aston Martin V12 Vantage represents the end of a never-to-be-forgotten era for Aston Martin one last hurrah for the V12 engine, showcasing Vantage at its very best.
Since its introduction in 2007, the V12 Vantage has been the epitome of Aston Martin’s passion for performance, thanks to the simple but magical formula of using the brand’s largest, most potent series production engine in its most compact, driver-focused model. And now comes the fastest, fiercest and most dynamically accomplished version ever, to mark the final time the 5.2-litre twin turbo V12 will be fitted to the Vantage.
The key figures alone are breathtaking. Outputs of 700ps and 753Nm make it the most powerful Vantage to date. It’s the fastest, too, with the top speed an intoxicating 200mph and 0-60mph dispatched in a spellbinding 3.4 seconds. And only 333 will be made available globally, although the order book is long closed, due to unprecedented interest.
But the new Aston Martin V12 Vantage constitutes much more than a set of phenomenal statistics. It is the manner in which it blends blistering straight-line speed, scintillating handling, sensational looks and enviable exclusivity that makes it such a fantastic addition to the V12 story.
Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Tobias Moers, summed up the V12 Vantage perfectly when he said: “Every great sportscar brand has a hero car. For Aston Martin in more recent years that car has been the V12 Vantage. Right from the moment the first V12 Vantage RS Concept was shown back in 2007 our customers and fans around the world fell in love with the idea of fitting our biggest engine into our smallest and most sporting model. Now it is time to bring this bloodline to a close, with the most spectacular example yet. A celebration of its forebears and an embodiment of Aston Martin’s intensifying focus on driving dynamics, it ensures the V12 Vantage goes out on the highest of highs.”
As with every Aston Martin, the engine is at the heart of the story, developing its 700ps at 6500rpm and its 753Nm of torque between 1800 and 6000rpm. The result is tremendous low and mid-range muscle, and devastating top-end power. Combined with this, the use of weight-saving materials throughout the car gives a power- to-weight ratio of 390ps per ton, an increase of more than 20 per cent compared to the V8 Vantage. Among the weight-saving materials employed are a carbon-fibre front bumper, clamshell bonnet, front fenders and side sills, composite rear bumper and deck lid, lightweight battery and a special mid-mounted twin-exit exhaust system made from lightweight 1mm stainless steel.
The power is fed through a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and mechanical Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) mounted at the rear of the car, with the transmission uniquely calibrated to enhance shift speeds, with learnings taken from the V12 Speedster and Vantage F1® Edition models. A new adaptive damping suspension system (including new anti-roll bars, bushes, and spring and damper assemblies), stiffer body panels and a new steering calibration further enhance the driving experience.
Obviously, a car as powerful as this needs serious stopping power, and the V12 Vantage is well catered for here, too. A Carbon Ceramic Braking system is fitted as standard, with the front discs paired with six-piston calipers and the rears with four-piston ones. The result is confidence-inspiring braking performance, allowing the driver to really maximise the potential of the V12 Vantage.
As you’d expect of a car so special, there’s also plenty of style to match the undoubted substance. A choice of two new designs of 21-inch alloy wheels are offered (in satin black or satin black diamond turned), plus there’s an optional lightweight option available, also in satin black. The dedication to the pursuit of performance and driving pleasure is reflected in the car’s uncompromising physique, thanks to a bodywork widened by some 40mm to accommodate a wide track chassis optimised for cornering performance and stability.
From the front, the V12 Vantage is particularly dramatic with a new bumper design and a full width splitter, plus a grille that is 25% larger to provide increased air flow. Additionally, a ‘horse shoe’ engine vent has been integrated into the bonnet, enhancing cooling, and echoing the Vantage GT12.
The assertive design continues at the rear, with a new bumper with integrated diffuser, the new twin tailpipe exhaust system and a purposeful rear wing, which contributes to a maximum downforce of 204kg at top speed. Those who prefer a more subtle approach will have the option of deleting the wing.
Inside, the V12 Vantage retains the instantly recognisable layout of the current Vantage, whilst signifying its halo positioning with a Sports Plus Seat trimmed in full semi-aniline leather featuring ‘Wings’ quilt and perforation pattern as standard. Alternatively, a new carbon fibre performance seat with exposed twill carbon fibre shell and manual six-way adjustment is available as an option.
