One last time: Aston Martin debuts the final V12 Vantage

Schenelle Dsouza

Aston Martin marks the end of an era with the final descendant of the Vantage line –the V12 Vantage sports car. For fifteen years, the V12 Vantage has boldly represented Aston Martin’s passion for performance. With this unique lineage nearing its end, Aston Martin is proud to introduce the fastest and most dynamically accomplished Vantage of them all.  

 

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Strictly limited to 333 models globally, the V12 Vantage proposes an extremely enticing proposition that blends straight-line speed with spectacular looks and driver-focussed thrills.  

 “Every great sports car brand has a hero car. In more recent years, for Aston Martin that car has been the V12 Vantage,” says Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Tobias Moers, said of the V12 Vantage. “Now it is time to bring this bloodline to a close, fittingly with the most spectacular example yet – the most dynamically capable V12 Vantage ever.” 

Power undefined  

The engine is the heart of every Aston Martin. But the V12 engine takes power to a new level. The V12 is powered by a 5.2-litre 12-cylinder engine, 690hp at 6,500 rpm with a max torque of 752.5 Nm. With a top speed of 200mph, the V12 goes from 0-60 in just 3.4 seconds. 

The motor uses a quad-cam setup, paired to a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission which sends power to the rear wheels, employed through a lightweight carbon fibre prop shaft. Thanks to the extensive use of weight-saving materials like the carbon fibre throughout the car – the V12 Vantage has a power-to-weight ratio of 390PS-per-ton; an increase of more than 20% compared to the V8 powered Vantage.  

Aston Martin has also reinforced the chassis to withstand the increased power and torque figures benefitting from a new adaptive damping suspension system. This includes new anti-roll bars, bushes, and spring and damper assemblies. The suspension spring rates have been also been significantly increased by 50 per cent at the front and 40 per cent at the rear. These changes are also supported by a new steering calibration, to deliver a sharper response for an enhanced driver experience. A Carbon Ceramic Braking (CCB) system as standard with 410mm front and 360mm rear discs. These brakes not only maintain consistent braking performance at high temperatures and resist brake fade, but they also save 23 kg of weight.  

Sleek as it comes

The V12 comes with a whole new look that is as dramatic as can be. A carbon fibre bumper with a clamshell bonnet and a larger grille is the most noticeable feature. In addition, a distinct ‘horse shoe’ design engine vent has been integrated into the bonne. At the rear a new and unique bumper with an integrated diffuser maintains aerodynamic balance from front-to-rear. The centrepiece of this new design is the lightweight centre mounted, twin tailpipe, exhaust system. Completing this nose-to-tail transformation is a dramatic rear wing which can be opted out. 

As part of the V12 dynamic package, one can choose from three wheel options – 21-inch alloy wheels in Satin Black or Satin Black Diamond, plus an optional lightweight option available in Satin Black. The overall bodywork of the V12 has been widened by 40mm to accommodate the new wide track chassis. 

Unchanged interiors  

The V12 Vantage retains the instantly recognisable layout of the current Vantage with a 2-seater cockpit with Alcantara upholstery, Sports Plus Seat trimmed in full semi-aniline leather featuring ‘Wings’ quilt and perforation pattern as standard. There is also a new carbon fibre performance seat with exposed twill carbon fibre shell and manual 6-way adjustment available as an option, offering a supportive seat design for those enhanced driving dynamics and a distinct design character.

An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system takes the centrestage, which can be linked to Aston Martin’s Premium Audio system and Apple CarPlay. 

The cost of a V12 Vantage starts at USD 300,000, was open for pre-booking and has already been sold out. 

Marco Mattiacci, Aston Martin Global Chief Brand and Commercial Officer, adds, “At Aston Martin we build cars, but we also sell dreams. That is the magic of this brand. Only a select number of customers around the world can buy the V12 Vantage, yet like all our iconic models, its significance extends far beyond its exclusivity. What’s more, such is the level of bespoke personalisation available via Q by Aston Martin even a car as rare as the V12 Vantage can be made to a specification completely unique to its owner”.  

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