Aston Martin Gives The V12 Vantage A 690 HP, 200 MPH Send Off

Aston Martin is retiring the V12 Vantage, but it’s going out with a bang as the company has unveiled an all-new, limited production model that is the fastest and most powerful Vantage ever created.

Starting under the hood, the coupe features a twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12 engine that produces a thunderous 690 hp (515 kW / 700 PS) and 555 lb-ft (753 Nm) of torque. That’s 187 hp (140 kW / 190 PS) and 50 lb-ft (68 Nm) more than the V8 Vantage, and the extra power enables the model to rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.4 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 200 mph (322 km/h).

Those numbers are just part of the story as the V12 Vantage incorporates a number of weight saving measures to give the model a power-to-weight ratio of 385 hp (287 kW / 390 PS) per ton, which is more than a 20% increase compared to the standard model.

In order to achieve that number, the car has been equipped with a number of carbon fiber components including the hood, front bumper, front fenders, and side sills. They’re joined by a composite rear bumper and deck lid, a lightweight battery, and a center-mounted dual exhaust system. The latter is made from lightweight stainless steel, which enables it to weigh approximately 15.9 lbs (7.2 kg) less than the system typically found on the Vantage.

While previous versions of the V12 Vantage were offered with a manual, the final member of the family has an eight-speed automatic transmission that incorporates learnings from the V12 Speedster and Vantage F1 Edition. The automatic is sure to disappoint some fans, but Aston Martin noted the gearbox features a unique calibration that improves responsiveness as well as driver interaction. It also promises to be in the right gear at the right time, while also being more refined than a dual-clutch gearbox.

Performance That Extends Beyond The Engine Compartment

Since the V12 Vantage is billed as the “ultimate expression of extreme performance,” the car has been equipped with a new adaptive damping suspension that helps to deliver “scintillating handling.”

The changes are numerous and include new bushings as well as stiffer springs that see their rates increase 50% front and 40% rear. They’re joined by new anti-roll bars that are 5% stiffer at the front and 41% softer out back. The model also gains a rear secondary tender spring, which “provides a lower spring rate than the main spring providing enhanced ride comfort without affecting dynamic performance.”

Since sports cars need a good foundation, body stiffness has increased by 8% while lateral stiffness climbs by 6.7%. This was achieved thanks to the addition of extra sheer panels, a rear suspension strut tower brace, and fuel tank bracing.

Other highlights include a limited-slip differential and a recalibrated steering system, which offers improved feel and responsiveness. Engineers also equipped the car with a carbon ceramic braking system, which saves 50.7 lbs (23 kg) of weight and resists fading at temperatures up to 800 degrees. The system features six-piston calipers that grab onto 16.1 inch (410 mm) front discs, while four-piston calipers bite down onto smaller 14.2 inch (360 mm) discs out back.

An Unmistakable Design

One look at the V12 Vantage ensures this isn’t your typical model as the car features a 25% larger grille for improved cooling. It’s joined by a prominent front splitter and a ventilated hood with a “horse shoe” design.

Moving further back, there’s a wide body kit and a sizable rear wing that contributes to a maximum downforce of 450 lbs (204 kg) at top speed. While the wing is functional, it won’t be to everyone’s liking so Aston Martin will allow customers to forgo it for a more subdued appearance.

Elsewhere, there are 21-inch wheels with a satin black or satin black diamond turned finish. Customers can also order optional lightweight wheels that save 17.6 lbs (8 kg) of weight.

Speaking of options, there are painted calipers, smoked taillights, and dark exhaust tips. Customers looking for a more unique appearance can turn to Q by Aston Martin. The personalization service will offer “striking exterior graphics and liveries” as well as green, blue or red tinted lacquers for the exposed carbon fiber components.

A Familiar, But Sportier Interior

The cabin largely carries over, but buyers will find V12 badging on the center console as well as semi-aniline leather Sports Plus seats with heating and 16-way power adjustment. They’re joined by a sport steering wheel, gloss black trim, lightweight carpeting, an Alcantara headliner, and an 8-inch infotainment system.

An assortment of options will be available including a premium audio system, carbon fiber trim, and carbon fiber performance seats with an exposed carbon fiber shell and six-way manual adjustment. The latter save 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg) of weight and promise not to compromise comfort.

Customers can also order Q options such as a carbon fiber steering wheel, painted trim, and color anodized accents. While those are just a few examples, Aston Martin said “With so many design combinations available, it would not be a surprise to see no two cars the same.”

Deliveries Begin Later This Year

Production will be limited to 333 units globally, but the company has seen “unprecedented demand” since the car was officially announced last December. As a result, all of the V12 Vantages have been spoken for and there’s already an “oversubscribed register of interest eagerly waiting in the wings.” Those lucky enough to secure one can expect deliveries to begin in the second quarter.

Aston Martin CEO Tobias Moers remarked “every great sports car brand has a hero car” and for Aston Martin it’s the V12 Vantage. He went onto say “customers and fans around the world fell in love with the idea of fitting our biggest engine into our smallest and most sporting model,” and that “recipe has been refined over the years with great success, but the essence has remained the same.” Moers added, “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.”