But isn't the V12 dead?
Just hours after CarBuzz spy photographers captured two prototypes of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage undergoing testing equipped with manual gearboxes, Aston Martin has officially teased a manual gearbox for the model with a social media post stating, “We aren't just changing gears. We're changing minds.” The post contains two images, one of which clearly shows an adaptation of the V12 Vantage's vents correlating with the prototypes we've spied below.
This is somewhat confusing for two reasons. The Aston Martin V12 Vantage revealed last year was supposed to be the penultimate V12-powered Aston, and the DBS 770 Ultimate revealed this year was supposed to be the last, which is why the new DB12 is only available with a V8. Moreover, the last V12 Vantage was only offered with an eight-speed ZF automatic, making these prototypes all the more intriguing.
And that's before we get to the unusual exhaust setup, which has three exits instead of the two we've become accustomed to. So what could these prototypes foreshadow ahead of a reveal tomorrow?
One theory is that Aston Martin is developing one more run-out special for the V12 Vantage with even more power, but this doesn't add up. We've already seen the new Vantage out and about testing on several occasions, and these prototypes do not feature the updated styling. It would be very unusual for Aston to delay the new Vantage so that it could launch another farewell to the V12 Vantage, and such a move would likely infuriate the buyers that shelled out big bucks to own the previous such car.
A more plausible theory is that Aston Martin is using these cars as development mules for the manual gearbox, but it still raises eyebrows to see prototypes in V12 trim.
The steering wheel also shows paddles behind it, which indicates that Aston is simply using an old body and an old interior to test a new component. As a result, we think that Aston is working on providing the next Vantage with a manual, something that would help the marque stand out from the likes of Bentley, Ferrari, and McLaren.
But what of the triple-exit exhaust? It seems unlikely that Aston would have to alter the exhaust system simply to make a manual transmission work, so perhaps there is something to the theory that the power plant hiding under that long hood is hiding a few extra ponies. Fingers crossed that Aston Martin provides some insight at this week's Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Perhaps the manual will be something only available on the most exclusive models, as will be the case with the mid-engine layout. Whatever the case, seeing that Aston continues to cater to enthusiasts is something to celebrate.
Keyword: Aston Martin Teases Manual Gearbox V12 Vantage