The line of V12-powered Aston Martin Vantages ends with a nice final bouquet. With a 700 hp 5.2 biturbo borrowed from the DBS and DB11, the new V12 Vantage is the most accomplished of all. Only 333 copies are planned, and they are already sold.
You know the saying: all good things must come to an end. Since 2007 with the presentation of the V12 Vantage RS concept, then in series from 2009, the association of a “big” V12 engine in the “small” Aston Martin has never ceased to unleash passions. The ultimate expression of performance at the manufacturer from Gaydon, the V12 Vantage almost knew how to become a collector’s item during his lifetime.“ ” All major sports brands have an icon car. For Aston Martin, in recent years that car has been the V12 Vantage “describes Tobias Moers, CEO of the English manufacturer. “But now, the anti-pollution standards come to hinder our pleasure, forcing car manufacturers to review their priorities. If the V12 Vantage is now returning to the catalog, taking for the first time the basis of the current V8 Vantage, which appeared in 2018, Aston Martin has already warned that this will be the last time we can buy it. .
700 hp for the ultimate Vantage
This Vantage is powered by the in-house 5.2 biturbo V12. It develops here 700 hp and 753 Nm of torque.
The most enjoyable Aston to drive must have the most advanced mechanics. Under the (long) hood of the Vantage, the V12 5.2 biturbo develops the same power as the very exclusive V12 Speedster: 700 hp for 753 Nm of torque. This abundance of power is sent to the rear wheels only via an eight-speed ZF converter automatic transmission – recalibrated especially for the V12 Vantage – and a self-locking differential. The 0 to 100 km/h would be expedited in 3.5 s and the top speed reaches more than 320 km/h.
Braking is provided by a carbon-ceramic system made up of 410 mm discs at the front and 360 mm at the rear. In total, these are 23 kg saved, a data which is not negligible when it comes to unsprung masses. In addition, the hunt for weight continues with the intensive use of carbon fiber at the level of the front bumper, the hood as well as on the front fenders and the side skirts. The rear bumper and the trunk are made of composite. The sumptuous soundtrack is emitted by a stainless steel exhaust one millimeter thick, a gain of 7.2 kg. However, all these measures do not prevent the dry weight from reaching 1,795 kg!
So that the performances are also part of the turn, the sporty Gaydon has a new adaptive suspension. Spring rates have been increased by 50% front and 40% rear, while the anti-roll bars are 5% firmer up front and 41% softer in the rear. In order to maintain a certain level of comfort, Aston Martin has also taken care to add a more flexible secondary spring to the rear axle. Finally, the V12 Vantage benefits from recalibrated electric power steering for better road feel.
A bodybuilder look
To accompany a muscular mechanics, it often takes an equally bestial body. The V12 Vantage is thus 40 mm wider than the V8 version, reaching almost two meters (1.96m). In order to cool the monumental calorie-hungry twelve-cylinder, the grille is enlarged by 25% and a horseshoe-shaped air intake, inspired by that of the competition Vantage GT3, appears on the hood. The front blade helps ground the beast. At the rear, there is a new similarity with the V12 Speedster at the level of the shield, which integrates the two exhaust outlets. To complete the aerodynamic range, the Vantage receives a spoiler. In total, 204 kg of downforce can be generated at maximum speed. But Aston Martin leaves the possibility of removing this appendage if you are looking for more elegance. The underbody would then be reworked to offer the same behavior as in the presence of this fin.
333 units already all sold
No significant changes inside, the cockpit is the same as on the V8-powered model. A “V12” badge is simply a reminder that you are not on board a Vantage like the others. New carbon fiber bucket seats are appearing in the options catalog, saving 7.3 kg on the scale. As mentioned at the beginning of the article, this Aston Martin will be the last Vantage to receive a V12. It therefore more than ever looks like a potential future collector. Moreover, in its press release, the English manufacturer is proud to announce that the order book of the 333 copies planned is already closed because of a ” unprecedented demand “. Handpicked, customers have been relieved of an amount for the moment unknown. The first deliveries are expected for the summer of 2022.
