Aston Martin Unveils The Final V12 Vantage
Aston Martin has revealed the new V12 Vantage – the last of the venerable name to be powered by a monster V12. And what a monster it is, with the beating heart of the Vantage a Twin Turbo 5.2-litre V12 developing a whopping 515kW and 753Nm. Top speed is 322km/h, and a 0-100km/h is done in around 3.5 seconds.
Aston Martin says that thanks to the potent engine and extensive use of weight-saving materials throughout the car the V12 Vantage has a power-to-weight ratio of 287kW-per-ton, an increase of more than 20 per cent compared to the V8 powered Vantage.
Those weight-saving measures include carbon fibre front bumper, clamshell bonnet, front fenders and side sills, composite rear bumper and deck lid, lightweight battery and a special centre-mounted twin-exit lightweight exhaust system.
Power is fed through a specially calibrated ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and mechanical Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) mounted at the rear of the car, and the Vantage is equipped with a new adaptive damping suspension system including new anti-roll bars, bushes, and spring and damper assemblies. Body stiffness has also been increased.
For stopping power, the V12 Vantage features a Carbon Ceramic Braking (CCB) system as standard – with 410mm x 38mm discs with 6-piston calipers at the front, and 360mm x 32mm discs paired with 4-piston calipers at the rear.
There’s a choice of two new designs of 21-inch alloy wheels offered in satin black or satin black diamond turned, plus an optional lightweight option available in Satin Black.
Michelin Pilot 4S high performance tyres – 275/35 R21 front and 315/30 R21 at the rear – are standard fitment on all rims.
In the cabin, the V12 Vantage retains the layout of the current Vantage, but with 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.
Every V12 Vantage can be individually tailored through the brand’s bespoke Q by Aston Martin personalisation service.
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (April 2022)
14 April 2022