V12 Vantage
Never leave quietly
The Aston Martin V12 Vantage is a shining celebration of one of the finest engines ever made and though limited in number, there are no boundaries to how much enjoyment this superb model can give.
Need to know
1
The V12 Vantage is the latest model in a long list of Aston Martin’s V12-powered sports cars and has been designed to offer the best possible dynamics in a Vantage model
2
The V12 Vantage is limited to 333 units globally, making this one exceptionally sought-after Aston Martin. It marks the final time that a V12 engine will be fitted into a Vantage model, making this the most powerful incarnation of Aston Martin’s compact sports car ever made
3
The V12 Vantage has had a range of dynamic modifications, including the fitment of a new widebody design that contributes toward a 40mm increase in track width. A full package of aerodynamic measures helps the V12 Vantage to generate an amazing 204kg of downforce when travelling at its 200mph top speed.
“What do you imagine when you think of Aston Martin? Beautifully designed interiors, perhaps, or superbly powerful engines? The V12 Vantage delivers on all of these but also manages to be one of the sharpest and most engaging cars Aston Martin has ever made. It’s the boldest Vantage model we’ve ever seen - so make sure you get in on the action.”
Design
Though the underpinnings of the V12 Vantage are similar to the V8 model, there have been several changes to ensure that it can cope with the added performance that this larger engine brings. For instance, the suspension spring rates have been increased by 50 and 40 per cent at the front and rear respectively, while the whole car has been made stiffer through additional strengthening.
These changes come alongside a new adaptive suspension system to ensure that even though it might be stiffer than the V8 version, the V12 Vantage remains just as comfortable.
The new Aston Martin V12 Vantage showcases this car at its most dramatic. It’s considerably wider than the V8-powered Vantage, with a 40mm wider track helping to accommodate a wider chassis that helps improve cornering. Carbon fibre has been used across the V12 Vantage’s exterior, while the front end incorporates a full-width splitter that helps to generate downforce.
The larger front grille is hard to miss, too. It’s 25 per cent larger than on the V8-powered Vantage and takes inspiration from Aston Martin’s V12 Vantage GT3 race car. Around the back, there’s a huge rear wing - though there’s the option to delete this if a more understated appearance is preferred.
Tech
The V12 Vantage incorporates the same great level of technology as the original Vantage, which means you get plenty of kit included on each Aston Martin V12 Vantage on sale. There’s an eight-inch infotainment screen in the middle of the dash and this provides access to media functions, satellite navigation and phone connectivity options. You control it through an easy-to-use rotary dial, too.
All new Aston Martin V12 Vantage models come with keyless entry as standard, alongside front and rear parking sensors, memory seats - which are heated too - and an auto parking system. This final function will allow the car to ‘park’ itself, either in a parallel or bay park, and will automatically control the steering - all you need to do is operate the throttle and brakes.
Engines & Performance
The beating heart of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage is its 5.2-litre V12 engine. Developing 690bhp and 753Nm of torque, it makes this Vantage the most powerful variant ever made. Every bit of that power and torque is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and a mechanical limited-slip differential mounted at the rear of the car.
The transmission has been uniquely tuned to deliver the sharpest possible gearshift and it incorporates software that can determine the conditions that the car is being driven in to make sure that the correct gear is selected at any given moment. A new central-mounted, twin-tailpipe lightweight exhaust system is incorporated into every V12 Vantage model, too, ensuring that this car sound just as good as it looks.
Statistics
The statistics that accompany the Aston Martin V12 Vantage are impressive, to say the least. Capable of a top speed of 200mph, the V12 Vantage will also manage the 0-60mph dash in just 3.4 seconds. It’s all down to that superb engine, as well as an improved power-to-weight ratio over the V8-powered Vantage. To bring all this performance to an effective and secure halt, the V12 Vantage uses carbon ceramic brakes with six-piston callipers at the front and four-piston callipers at the rear. Not only do they provide excellent stopping performance, but they also save 23kg over conventional steel brakes.
In total, the new Aston Martin V12 Vantage tips the scales at a featherweight 1,795kg, which is remarkable given that 5.2-litre engine sitting underneath the bonnet.
0-60 mph
3.4 seconds
Top speed
200mph
CO2 emissions
315g/km
Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. Figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including factory-fitted options, accessories fitted (post registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. Further information about the test used to establish fuel consumption and CO2 figures can be found at www.astonmartin.com