Aston Martin has unveiled its second V12 Vantage, which marks “the final time a 5.2-litre, Twin Turbo, V12” will be fitted to this model range.
Only 333 examples of the sports car will be made and each one is already sold thanks to “unprecedented demand for this future icon,” said Aston Martin.
The V12 Vantage is built around the premise of fitting the most compact, driver-focused Aston Martin with the most powerful engine at the automaker’s disposal to offer the “fastest, fiercest, and most dynamically accomplished” Vantage ever.
Performance
The heart of this Vantage is a 60-degree, quad-cam, V12 powerplant that produces an astonishing 515kW and 753Nm.
Power is laid down through a uniquely-tuned eight-speed ZF automatic transmission that enhances shift speeds and driver interaction; a new adaptive damping system with revised anti-rolls bars, bushes, springs, and dampers; as well as a rear-mounted limited-slip differential.
With a power-to-weight ratio of 287kW-per-tonne – over 20% better than the V8 Vantage – the V12 sprints to 60mph (97km/h) in 3.4 seconds and reaches a 322km/h top speed.
A new exhaust system made from 1mm-thick stainless steel provides a characteristically thrilling sound experience, while also saving 7.2kg, with additional weight savings measures coming in the form of carbon fibre front fenders, side sills, front bumper, and bonnet.
Along with this, body stiffness and lateral stiffness have been increased by 8% and 6.7%, respectively, large carbon-ceramic brakes that save an extra 32kg are fitted as standard, and new steering calibration delivers a sharper response.
Noteworthy elements that set the V12 apart from the rest of the Vantage family is a 25% larger front grille, a “horseshoe” engine vent in the bonnet, a motorsport-inspired single-piece side sill, a unique rear bumper with an integrated diffuser, a twin-tailpipe exhaust, and a dramatic rear wing that contributes 240kg of downforce at top speed.
Completing the radical exterior design is then the buyer’s choice between two new 21-inch alloy wheels, offered in satin black or satin black diamond-turned, or optionally, lightweight satin black wheels that save a further 8kg – which are all wrapped in Michelin Pilot 4S high-performance tyres.
Cabin
Unlike the rest of the V12 Vantage, the interior did not undergo many design changes and sees the Sports Plus seats in semi-aniline leather featuring “Wings” quilt and a perforation pattern fitted as standard.
Optionally available are new carbon fibre performance seats with an exposed shell and manual adjustment, bringing a more dynamic design and weights savings of 7.3kg.
Every V12 Vantage can also be individually tailored to the buyer’s tastes through Aston Martin’s Q department to create a “true one-of-a-kind specification.”
Q by Aston Martin offers its patrons unique exterior graphics and liveries, a selection of coloured brake callipers and painted wheel finishes, a range of tinted lacquers that change appearance in different lighting, woven leather and Alcantara upholsteries, and coloured interior switches.
Production
Production of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage will commence in the first quarter of 2022 with the first deliveries scheduled for the second quarter of the year.
It remains to be seen whether one of the 333 units will reach South Africa.
Aston Martin V12 Vantage
Keyword: Aston Martin V12 Vantage revealed – The last of its kind