Aston Martin V12 Vantage
When a V12 engine was installed in the Aston Martin Vantage for the first time 15 years ago, the British manufacturer wasn’t sure whether it would be a sales success or not. However, positive customer reactions from all over the world rewarded this courage. The coupé with six-speed manual or automatic transmission was soon followed by a limited edition Roadster of 101 units. Finally, in 2013, the facelifted V12 Vantage S appeared with 56 hp more power and a manual seven-speed gearbox or seven-speed automatic. In addition, from 2015 there was the Vantage GT12, limited to 100 examples, inspired by the brand’s GT3 racing car. Shortly before the end of production of this generation of Vantage models, Aston Martin introduced the V12 Vantage AMR, which together with the V8 Vantage AMR was limited to 300 units. In 2018, the change to the current Vantage took place. Since then, there have been no more V12 variants. Only the V12 Speedster, strictly limited to 88 units, uses the aluminium chassis of the Vantage, but is not officially considered a model variant.
700 hp V12 biturbo engine
The British sports car manufacturer is now changing this fact with the premiere of the new V12 Vantage. Once again, the largest engine currently available moves into the smallest vehicle on offer. Announced as the fastest and most dynamic production car in the brand’s history, this version will roll into the dealerships later this year. Once again, the car is strictly limited, this time to 333 units. While the original version 15 years ago was still an experiment, the newcomer is actually sold out even before its debut. After all, all potential customers know that this will be the final Vantage with a V12 engine. Current political and social developments will probably not allow such developments in the future, unfortunately. In the V12 Vantage, the 5.2-liter V12 biturbo engine produces 515 kW/700 hp. Between 1,800 and 6,000 rpm, the twelve combustion chambers deliver a maximum torque of 753 Nm to the crankshaft. It takes 3.4 seconds to reach 60 mph, and a maximum of 200 mph is possible.
Consistent lightweight construction
In addition to the high performance, the new V12 Vantage also benefits from the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, the mechanical limited-slip differential and the lower weight for outstanding driving dynamics. The exhaust system alone, built from stainless steel tubes just one millimeter thick, is 7.2 kilograms lighter than that of the Vantage with V8 engine. The front bumper, bonnet, side sills and front fenders are made of carbon. Next to them, Aston Martin uses a composite material for the boot lid and rear bumper as well as a lightweight battery. Thanks to these targeted measures, the power-to-weight ratio is 390 hp per ton. This is more than 20 percent better than the normal Vantage. From the Vantage F1 Edition and the V12 Speedster, various experiences were taken over for the tuning of the automatic transmission. For example, it has a better and more comfortable shift feel than a double-clutch gearbox. Deceleration is provided by a carbon-ceramic brake system.
40 millimeters wider
In addition to a new adaptive damper system, the V12 Vantage gets new anti-rollbars (stiffer at the front, softer at the rear) and springs with increased spring rates. In addition, a new strut brace extends over the rear strut domes and a strut brace also extends under the fuel tank. This increases the body stiffness by about eight percent. For more precise feedback and a more direct steering feel, the steering has also been recalibrated. The wheel arches are fitted with 21-inch wheels with 275/35 R 21 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires at the front and 315/30 R 21 tires at the rear. Compared to its predecessor, the new V12 Vantage also features noticeable bodywork changes. The fenders, for example, are 40 millimeters wider. Front splitter, diffuser and rear wing provide up to 204 kilograms of downforce at topspeed. A horseshoe-shaped air outlet in the bonent releases hot engine exhaust air. In addition to the standard sports seats, carbon bucket seats are available as an option.
Images: Aston Martin
