The V12 Vantage is back… and it’s not. Aston Martin has drawn back the curtains to display its latest V12-engined sports car, and revealed at the same time that all 333 examples it’s planning to make have already been spoken for. So congratulations if you’re reading this and already have your name down, and commiserations to everyone else.
You might wish to hear about it anyway though, so here are the bare stats: 5.2 litres, twin turbochargers and twelve cylinders in a vee, capable of howling out 690bhp at 6500rpm, and 555lb ft of torque whenever you squeeze the throttle between 1800 and 6000rpm. This results in a small number (0-60mph in 3.4 seconds) and a big one (200mph, the top speed).
The previous V12 Vantage though was more about the emotional appeal of the V12, thrilling handling and the rather fine shape wrapped around it than the raw numbers – as observed by Andrew Frankel, in this Future Classics review – so those 333 reservation holders will be hoping for more of the same this time around.
The V12 shouldn’t disappoint on that front, as while it’s been mildly muffled by its turbocharging in other recent Aston applications, there’s still no doubting how many cylinders are dancing away up front in something like a DB11 or DBS Superleggera. With a centre twin-exit exhaust system built from 1mm stainless steel, fruity noises are guaranteed.
Aston Martin touts a healthy 20 per cent increase in the power-to-weight ratio over a V8 Vantage too, so that effortless feeling should be nailed-down too, particularly paired with an eight-speed auto and a mechanical limited-slip differential.
Don’t think the promise of “extensive use of weight-saving materials” makes for a lightweight though; Aston doesn’t quote a figure, but at 385bhp per tonne a quick tap on a calculator suggests a kerbweight in the 1800kg region – equivalent to the DB11 with which it largely shares its mechanicals.
Mass-wise then it’s more of a grand tourer than stripped-out special, but Aston has still wound up the spring rates by 50 per cent at the front and 40 per cent behind, 13 per cent stiffer top mounts, and adjusted the anti-roll bars for 5 per cent greater stiffness up front and 41 per cent softer at the rear – settings that suggest a compromise between making the car feel sharper, addressing the extra weight of the V12, and maintaining suitable levels of comfort.
The steering too has been tweaked for greater feedback, and the brakes – carbon-ceramics – for greater stopping power. The fronts are a massive 410mm in diameter, gripped by six-piston calipers.
Then there’s the styling, and the brazen aero sprouting from every corner of the car. It doesn’t possess the subtlety of the previous V12 Vantage, but perhaps that’s what todays buyers want. The rear wing promises an additional 204kg of downforce at V-max, but more importantly, extra bragging rights for those 333 owners. It can, however, be deleted for those who prefer a sleeker form.
Wheels are 21 inches in diameter front and rear over a 40mm wider track, with 275-section tyres up front and 315s astern – Michelin Pilot 4S rubber is standard.
Inside, Aston’s ‘Sport Plus Seat’ design is standard, but the car in the images is equipped with the optional carbonfibre performance seats with manual adjustment and carefully-placed padding. The claimed saving is 7.3kg per seat – every little helps in an 1800kg car.
Naturally, almost all of this can be customised through the Q by Aston Martin programme, so we’re sure to see some more expressive colour and trim combinations than those in the official images.
If you’re not already one of the lucky 333, then don’t feel too disheartened. The previous, 2009-on, naturally aspirated V12 Vantage can still be found in decent numbers, from around £70,000. We suspect you wouldn’t feel too short-changed…
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