Aston Martin has revived its V12 Vantage nameplate for one last twin-turbocharged dance, with the 2022 Aston Martin V12 Vantage – and a select few examples are bound for Australia this year.
Wearing a name last seen on the previous-generation Vantage in 2017, Aston Martin will build just 333 examples of the new V12 Vantage – all of which sold out prior to the global reveal. Some of them are expected to make their way Down Under.
Once they’re gone, they’re gone; Aston Martin has confirmed the 2022 car will be the last Vantage fitted with the brand’s 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 – itself likely to be the company’s last V12, as emissions regulations get ever-stringent towards the end of the decade.
The halo Vantage’s engine has been lifted largely from 2020’s limited-run V12 Speedster, though with a Vantage-specific tune that sees the bent-12 churn out 515kW and 753Nm (up 3Nm).
Torque is sent to the rear wheels only through a revised eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission – with a retune claimed to deliver “shift refinement and usability … beyond that seen on dual-clutch gearboxes” – and a mechanical limited-slip rear differential.
Aston Martin claims a 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.5 seconds (one tenth quicker), towards a top speed of 322km/h (200mph, up 8km/h).
The V12 Vantage quotes a power to weight ratio of 287kW per tonne – on par with a Lamborghini Huracan Evo or Porsche 911 Turbo S convertible, and up more than 20 per cent over the standard Vantage V8.
The 12-cylinder power boost has been met with a weight saving regime, the V12 Vantage using carbon fibre for the bonnet, front bumper, front wheel arch panels, and side sills, plus a composite rear bumper and deck lid, lightweight battery, and a new dual-exit stainless steel exhaust system that cuts 7.2kg alone.
Under the skin, suspension upgrades include new adaptive dampers and reworked anti-roll bars, bushes, and spring and damper assemblies.
Front and rear spring rates have increased by 50 and 40 per cent respectively, with top mount stiffness up 13 per cent, and 5 per cent stiffer front (but 41 per cent softer rear) anti-roll bars. Preserving comfort is said to be a new, secondary rear ‘tender spring’.
Other highlights include 6.7 to 8.0 per cent higher body rigidity though front and rear shear panels, and rear suspension and fuel tank braces – plus a retuned steering system.
Filling the arches are 21-inch alloy wheels – available in two styles (and at least three finishes), the optional one saving 8kg – wrapped in 275/35 front and 315/30 rear Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.
Hiding behind the alloys are carbon-ceramic brake discs as standard, which measure 410mm up front (with six-piston calipers), and 360mm at the rear (with four-piston calipers). These are said to save 23kg over equivalent steel brakes.
You’ll be able to tell the V12 Vantage apart by its overhauled appearance, led by a ‘widebody’ design that’s 40mm broader than a standard Vantage.
The restyled front end is home to a new front bumper, a 25 per cent larger central grille, lower splitter, and a ‘horseshoe’ bonnet vent inspired by the Vantage GT12 track special of 2016 – joining sculpted carbon-fibre side sills and a new rear diffuser with dual central exhaust tips.
A prominent rear wing sits atop the rear deck, which combines with the splitter, sills, diffuser and various underbody upgrades for 204kg of total downforce. Buyers can delete the rear wing as an option, for a more subtle look.
While the V12 Vantage has undergone significant exterior and mechanical overhauls, interior changes aren’t as significant – with upgrades to the 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen (running older Mercedes software) needing to wait until the Vantage’s mid-life facelift in 2023.
Occupants do sit in new Sports Plus seats as standard – with full semi-aniline leather upholstery, ‘wings’ quilting, and perforation – with carbon-fibre buckets available as an option, with exposed twill carbon-fibre shells, manual six-way adjustment, and a 7.3kg weight saving compared to the standard seats.
Buyers can choose from a dizzying array of options, including carbon-fibre accents, woven leather or Alcantara seat inserts, coloured trim inlays and rotary dials, and on the outside, tints for the exposed carbon-fibre surfaced (including the side sills).
Opening up the rear decklid reveals an “open rear load space”, showcasing the car’s new rear strut brace.
Production of the 2022 Aston Martin V12 Vantage will commence this month, ahead of first global deliveries by the end of June. Order books have already closed due to “unprecedented demand”, with all 333 cars already spoken for.
It’s likely Australian launch timing is similar, with Aston Martin’s local division previously confirming the car will be sold locally. It’s unclear how many Australians have been allocated a V12 Vantage – Drive has contacted the company for more information on the model.
Keyword: 2022 Aston Martin V12 Vantage revealed, coming to Australia