The New Aston Martin V12 Vantage Is An Apt Swansong For The Bloodline

Signalling the end of an era, the new Aston Martin V12 Vantage farewells the bloodline by outfitting the luxury British marque’s most compact, driver-focused car with the largest and most potent series production engine possible. Epitomising Aston Martin’s performance heritage, the fast and furious V12 Vantage line celebrates its 15th and final year this year. 

The New Aston Martin V12 Vantage Is An Apt Swansong For The Bloodline

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“Every great sportscar brand has a hero car. For Aston Martin in more recent years that car has been the V12 Vantage,” said Tobias Moers, CEO at Aston Martin. “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 New Aston Martin V12 Vantage Is An Apt Swansong For The Bloodline

Representing the fastest, most powerful, and most dynamic expression of the V12 Vantage yet, the latest iteration ensures the line goes out on a high. While the engine is the heart of every car, this notion is particularly evident with the Aston Martin V12 Vantage. With an output of 700PS (690 bhp) at 6500 rpm and 555 ft-lbs torque from 1800rpm to 6000rpm, the quad-cam 60-deg 5.2-litre V12 combines low and mid-range muscularity with top of the line power. Power is fed through a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and mechanical Limited-Slip Differential mounted at the rear of the car. 

With a top speed of 321km/h, the new V12 Vantage races from 0-100 in 3.4 seconds. A power-to-weight ratio of 390PS-per-ton represents an increase of over 20% compared to the V8 Vantage. Weight-saving measures come courtesy of carbon fibre front bumper, clamshell bonnet, front fenders and side sills, composite rear bumper and deck lid, lightweight battery, and a centre-mounted twin-exit exhaust system. Ensuring its sound aligns with its appearance and performance, the new exhaust system is crafted from lightweight 1mm stainless steel, saving approximately 7.2kg.

Drawing from the makeup of the V12 Speedster and Vantage F1 models, the V12 Vantage is fitted with a unique transmission calibration designed to enhance shift speeds and driver interaction, delivering a level of shift refinement and useability beyond that of a dual clutch gearbox. The addition of a new adaptive damping suspension system complete with anti-roll bars, bushes, and spring and damper assemblies works to create a driver-centric experience.

Naturally, the entirety of the Aston Marin V12 Vantage is an enriching aesthetic experience, but where it truly shines is on the front end. A new bumper design with a full-width front splitter makes for a visually dramatic effect, combining with the wing at the rear to crease additional downforce and improve aerodynamic balance. On the rear, a new bumper features an integrated diffuser and a centrally mounted twin tailpipe exhaust system. For those after more subtle styling, there’s the option to delete the rear wing.

Jump behind the wheel and you’ll find the V12 Vantage retains the layout of the current Vantage, while asserting signifying its halo positioning with a Sports Plus Seat trimmed in full semi-aniline leather featuring ‘Wings’ quilt and perforation pattern as standard. A sportscare through and through, performance seats take shape in exposed twill carbon fibre shell with manual 6-way adjustment only available as an option. The styling cues are inspired by motorsport, with the marque claiming these are “optimised to save 7.3kg without compromising comfort.”

With just 333 examples produced worldwide, orders have already closed for the V12 Vantage, with first deliveries scheduled to begin in Q2 2022.


Words by AR Staff