► Smallest, most nimble Aston Martin gets biggest engine
► Twin-turbo V12 bows out with 693bhp
► Bespoke options and tailored weight reduction, 333 examples
It’s fifteen years since the Vantage RS Concept explored the potential for a track-focused, hardcore version of the compact GT, and since the first generation in 2009 the Aston Martin V12 Vantage has adhered to that most appealing of tuning approaches – take your smallest car, and fit your biggest engine. Initially revealed in December, demand for this final-edition V12 Vantage has already ensured the order books are closed for the limited production run of 333 examples.
Though, with a changing world stage, it’ll be interesting to see how many of those wealthy pre-order buyers will be completing their purchases.
This is no vanity project, however. The V12 Vantage’s options list – at least, without a visit to Q Branch – is focused on tailoring the car for performance and driver preferences rather than lavish interior finishes and unique decorations; changing the tint of the carbon fibre is the order of the day.
How big is the Aston Martin V12 Vantage?
There’s an almost inevitable trend towards ever larger cars, even for performance. So the Aston Martin V12 Vantage’s compact, traditional GT shape stands out; at just over 4514mm long it’s barely 5cm longer than the V8, and under 1962mm wide including the mirrors despite a 40mm increase in width for a wider track. Overhangs front and rear are less than a metre; by modern standards this is a small, agile car.
It’s not that light, though; to create a more focused, sharper car overall the V12 Vantage has additional bracing and an 8% improvement in body stiffness, firmer suspension, retuned anti roll bars and refreshed adaptive damping. Alongside the V12 engine, the result is a car that weighs 1795kg to the V8’s 1630kg. Despite that, Aston Martin claim a 20% improvement in power-to-weight.
The twin-turbo V12
Taking the place of the 503bhp V8, Aston Martin’s 693hp quad-cam, 60-degree V12 features twin turbos, and generates 555lb ft of torque from 1800rpm. That’s sufficient to achieve 60mph in 3.4 seconds, and increase the top speed of the Vantage to 200mph.
Aston Martin’s eight-speed ZF automatic has been tuned with feedback from development of the V12 Speedster and Vantage F1, and sends power to the rear through a mechanical limited-slip differential.
To ensure dynamics that match that sort of speed, the V12 Vantage has a larger radiator with subtle changes to the fascia, and an unsubtle air extractor incorporated into the bonnet. At the rear, there’s a new diffuser and a distinctive new wing, which can be deleted as an option if you’d prefer a more understated approach. Up to 204kg of downforce is generated at 200mph as a result of the bodywork revisions.
Naturally the braking system is also upgraded, with a carbon ceramic braking system as standard. It’s also worth noting that the reduction in unsprung weight, and addition of dual springs for the rear suspension, retains refinement that could be lost through the sharpening up of the chassis and suspension.
Where’s the luxury element?
Aston Martin’s competition is often turned towards providing the opulent, but the V12 Vantage changes the dynamic of the Vantage from a GT to something a little harder-edged. Even so, bespoke elements are available, from unique tints for the carbon-fibre lacquer to alternative finishes for the leather and alcantara interior elements.
On paper at least, this is a car more likely to be found hammering through Goodwood than parked around Chelsea.
When can I buy one?
For now, you can’t – there’s a limited run of 333 examples, and the order books are closed. Deliveries are expected to start in Q2 2022.