A Spectacular Finale For An Iconic Bloodline, Aston Martin Presents The V12 Vantage

Boldly for 15 years, the V12 Vantage has signified Aston Martin’s passion for performance, where successive iterations of these V12-engined sports cars have formed an iconic bloodline.

One built around the premise of fitting the most compact and driver-focused model with the largest and most potent series production engine.

Rejoicing in the end of an epic lineage, Aston Martin is proud to introduce the fastest, fiercest and most dynamically accomplished of them all, the new V12 Vantage. 

This final edition of the V12 Vantage has a production that’s limited to only 333 examples globally, and it has received unprecedented demands since its confirmation last year December. 

So much so, all examples of this future icon have been sold ahead of official release and an oversubscribed register of interest is eagerly waiting in the wings.

Aston Martin’s chief executive officer, Tobias Moers, said, “Every great sports car brand has a hero car. For Aston Martin in more recent years that car has been the V12 Vantage. Right from the moment the first V12 Vantage RS Concept was shown back in 2007 our customers and fans around the world fell in love with the idea of fitting our biggest engine into our smallest and most sporting model. The recipe has been refined over the years with great success, but the essence has remained the same. Now it is time to bring this bloodline to a close, fittingly with the most spectacular example yet, the fastest, most powerful and most dynamically capable V12 Vantage ever. A celebration of its forebears and an embodiment of Aston Martin’s intensifying focus on driving dynamics, it ensures the V12 Vantage goes out on the highest of highs”.

Being the ultimate expression of extreme performance, the V12 Vantage mixes blistering straight-line speed and brilliant handling with spectacular looks and enviable exclusivity.

Lurking in its chassis is a quad-cam 60-degree, 5.2-litre V12 gas-guzzler that offers an intoxicating combination of magnificent low and mid-range muscularity with searing top-end power. 

The heart of this remarkable machine develops 700 PS (690 hp) at 6,500 rpm and 753 Nm of torque from just 1,800 rpm to 6,000 rpm.

With a neck-splitting top speed of 200 mph (322 km/h), it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in just 3.4 seconds.

Credited to this superb powerplant and extensive use of weight-saving materials throughout the car, the V12 Vantage has a power-to-weight ratio of 390 PS (385 hp) per ton.

These weight saving fittings include carbon fibre front bumper, clamshell bonnet, front fenders, side sills, composite rear bumper, deck lid and lightweight battery.

In addition to that, it also has a special centre-mounted twin-exit exhaust system, which is tuned to ensure the V12 Vantage has a voice to match its looks and performance.

Said new exhaust system is made from lightweight 1 mm stainless-steel, saving some 7.2 kg of weight compared with the system fitted to the Vantage.

Next, the engine gets paired to a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and mechanical Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) mounted at the rear of the car. 

It gets a unique transmission calibration to improve shift speeds and driver interaction, with data taken from the V12 Speedster and Vantage F1 Edition models. 

Significantly, this specially calibrated software delivers a level of shift refinement and usability which is beyond that seen on dual clutch gearboxes. 

Meaning, the transmission’s adaptive software is designed to gauge the conditions the car is operating in, along with the demands the driver is making.

All to ensure the V12 Vantage is in exactly the right gear at the right time providing a truly connected driving experience.

Akin to its prior iterations, the new V12 Vantage is focused on a dynamic driving experience that praises its performance and character, with the driver being at the epicentre of it.

To achieve this, the car is equipped with a new adaptive damping suspension system including new anti-roll bars, bushes, spring and damper assemblies.

Specifically, the suspension spring rates have been increased by 50 percent at the front and 40 percent at the rear, combined with top mount stiffness, it increases by 13 percent. 

Meanwhile, the newly equipped anti-roll bars are 5 percent stiffer at the front and 41 percent softer at the rear. There’s also a secondary tender spring at the rear.

The tender spring provides a lower spring rate than the main spring, providing enhanced ride comfort without affecting dynamic performance.

Besides that, body stiffness is increased with additional front and rear shear panels, a rear suspension tower strut brace and fuel tank bracing.

By doing so, it increases the body stiffness (kNm/Deg) by 8 percent and lateral stiffness (kNm/mm) by 6.7 percent, giving the optimum platform stiffness for driving dynamics.

Enhancing the driving experience further, these changes are also supported by a new steering calibration, in turn, improving steering feel and delivering a sharper response.

For stopping power that’s more than a match for its performance, the V12 Vantage features a Carbon Ceramic Braking (CCB) system as standard. 

Fitted at the front are 410 mm x 38 mm discs with 6-piston callipers, while at the rear 360 mm x 32 mm discs with 4-piston callipers.

Offering increased braking performance and significant reduction in un-sprung mass, these CCB discs maintain consistent braking performance at high temperatures.

They have been engineered to resist brake fade at temperatures of up to 800 degrees, and they also save 23 kg of weight when compared to steel brakes. 

Moreover, as this mass is un-sprung, the weight savings further contribute to the V12 Vantage’s ride quality and dynamic handling character.

Completing the V12 Vantage dynamic package are a choice of two new designs of 21-inch alloy wheels offered in satin black or satin black diamond turned. 

Sweetening the deal, an optional lightweight selection is also available in Satin Black finish, which saves another 8 kg of weight.

Enveloping them are Michelin Pilot 4S high performance tyres, with 275/35 R21 at the front and 315/30 R21 at the rear. These rubbers are standard fitment on all rim selections.

Equally important, with such an adamant pursuit of performance and driving pleasure, it demands an equally uncompromising aesthetic. 

Stunningly, the V12 Vantage boasts a jaw-dropping physique thanks to a bodywork widened by some 40 mm to house a wide track chassis optimised for cornering performance and stability. 

Employing extensive use of carbon fibre, this new widebody design also features a dramatic aerodynamic package.

Albeit spectacular from any angle, it is when viewed from the front that the V12 Vantage is at its most dramatic. 

Perfectly complimenting a new front bumper design, a full width front splitter generates additional downforce and aerodynamic balance as well as perfecting the ground-skimming stance.

Then, to provide increased air flow through the engine cooling radiators, the front grille is shaped 25 percent larger. 

Additionally, a distinct ‘horse shoe’ design engine vent has been integrated into the bonnet, further enhancing the cooling factor.

Interestingly, this feature echoes the design character of the magnificent Vantage GT12, Aston Martin’s road-going tribute to the legendary V12 Vantage GT3 racer. 

The assertive design continues along the side profile with a new sculpted single-piece sill that is also inspired by motorsport and reminiscent of previous V12 Vantage models.

At the rear, a new bumper with integrated diffuser maintains aerodynamic balance from front to rear, with the lightweight centre mounted, twin tailpipe, exhaust system being the centrepiece.

Finishing the rear outlook is a dramatic rear wing, which contributes to a maximum downforce of 204 kg at top speed and further enhances the V12 Vantage’s unmistakable visual impact. 

However, for a more subtle styling with a sleeker silhouette, the option to delete the rear wing is available.  

Fret not, in either configuration, extensive work to the underbody ensures aerodynamic balance is maintained, delivering high speed stability and ultimate performance.

Maximising the driving experience with the iconic V12 soundtrack, the V12 Vantage comes with an open rear load space, which also showcases the new rear suspension strut brace.

Transitioning into the interior, the V12 Vantage retains the instantly recognisable layout of the current Vantage.

Indulging the occupant with sporty luxury, it features a Sports Plus Seat trimmed in full semi-aniline leather featuring ‘Wings’ quilt and perforation pattern as standard.

There is also a new carbon fibre performance seat with exposed twill carbon fibre shell and manual 6-way adjustment available as an option.

As an Aston Martin patented design inspired by motorsport, it is optimised to save 7.3 kg without compromising comfort.

Further enhancing the dramatic styling both outside and inside, every V12 Vantage can be individually tailored through the marque’s bespoke personalisation service. 

The Q by Aston Martin provides a variety of unique selections, where customers can create a true one-of-a-kind specification.

Striking exterior graphics and liveries are available to select in a range of colourways, as well as a selection of coloured brake callipers and painted wheel finishes. 

Making the exposed carbon fibre elements even more unique, the division also offers a range of tinted lacquers, helping accentuate the craftsmanship behind the hand-laid carbon fibre panels. 

Uniquely, the tints change appearance under different lightings. Under faded light, they appear subtle and understated, under a brighter light, the tint transforms the car with a jewel-like glisten.

Apart from that, the options are equally distinctive inside the car. Providing a more personalised injection of finesse inside the cabin.

I.e., Woven leather or Alcantara seat inserts, trim inlays and anodised rotary dials in the centre console can be coloured in a way to match or contrast with the exterior body or graphic colour. 

Aston Martin’s global chief brand and commercial officer, Marco Mattiacci, concluded, “At Aston Martin we build cars, but we sell dreams. That is the magic of this brand. Only a select number of customers around the world can buy the V12 Vantage, yet like all our iconic models, its significance extends far beyond its exclusivity. What’s more, such is the level of bespoke personalisation available via Q by Aston Martin even a car as rare as the V12 Vantage can be made to a specification completely unique to its owner”.

That said, production of the V12 Vantage is due to commence in Q1 of 2022, with first deliveries scheduled to begin during Q2 2022.