New Aston Martin V12 Vantage is the last of an iconic bloodline

The newly-revealed Aston Martin Vantage V12 is the brand’s latest addition to its product offerings following the most powerful SUV ever, the DBX707. 

With the wraps now off, this is the last V12 Vantage as well as the most potent Vantage to ever feature a combustion engine, thanks to a twin-turbo 5.2-litre V12 that churns out a whopping 515 kW of venom and 753 Nm of torque. 

All that is sent exclusively to the rear axle via a refurbished ZF 8-speed torque-converter transmission wielded to a mechanical limited-slip differential. A 0-100 km/h sprint is dispatched in 3.5 seconds before hitting the top speed at 322 km/h. The new Aston Martin V12 Vantage has a power-to-weight ratio of 287 kW-per-ton which is an increase of more than 20% compared to the V8 powered Vantage.

Tipping the weight scales at 1,795 kg, the Vantage V12 features weight-saving equipment that includes a 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 exhaust system.

According to the Gaydon-based, the new exhaust system is made from lightweight 1 mm stainless steel that sheds about 7.2 kg. The front suspension spring rates have been increased by 50% and 40% at the rear while the top mount stiffness has been increased by 13% accompanied by new anti-roll bars that are 5% stiffer at the front and 41% softer at the rear. 

The new Vantage V12 can be fitted with a choice of two new 21” wheel designs shod with Michelin Pilot 4S 275/35/ R21 front and 315/30 R21 at the back. These are offered in satin black or satin black diamond turned while an optional lightweight option in satin black that further reduces the vehicle weight by 8 kg can be fitted. 

The wheels are home to a standard Carbon Ceramic Braking system that saves 23 kg when compared to steel brakes. These consist of 410 mm x 38 mm discs with six-piston callipers at the front and 360 mm x 32 mm discs with four-piston callipers at the back. 

For optimised cornering performance and stability, the bodywork has been widened by 40 mm to accommodate the wide-track chassis. The exterior makes use of extensive carbon fibre for enhanced aerodynamics, a new front bumper design and a full-width splitter. The front grille has been made 25% larger to increase airflow to the V12 powerplant while a distinct ‘horse shoe’ design engine vent has been integrated into the bonnet for better cooling. 

The rear is fitted with a new and unique bumper with integrated diffuser, lightweight centre-mounted twin tailpipe exhaust system plus a rear wing which contributes to a maximum downforce of 204 kg at top speed. If the massive wing isn’t your favourite, buyers are given the option to remove it. 

Inside, there is a Sports Plus Seat trimmed in full semi-aniline leather featuring ‘Wings’ quilt and perforation pattern as standard while a new carbon fibre performance seat with exposed twill carbon fibre shell and manual six-way adjustment is available as an option.

Production of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage is limited to 333 units globally and deliveries are slated to begin in the second quarter of 2022. 

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