The most well-known Aston Martin Vantage was released back in 2005 and stayed in production until 2018. The Vantage name had previously been used back in the 1970s on the V8 Vantage. The 2005 Vantage was Aston Martin's most popular model ever. Initially, the car came fitted with a V8 engine, before the excellent V12 was introduced into the lineup in 2009. The V12 produced a generous 517 hp allowing for a 4.2 second 0-62 mph time. The car's top speed was a satisfying 190 mph.
At the time of release, many car critics including Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson felt environmental regulations and fuel costs would mean the car would be the last of its kind. It seems his conclusion was slightly premature, however, as Aston are now building a V12 replacement for the 2022 model year. Regardless, Jeremy's prediction has proven to be an accurate one.
9 The Last And Most Powerful V12 Vantage
Aston Martin has had the Vantage in production for almost 20 years. The new model shoehorns a 5.2 liter V12 into the "new" Vantage body style. The current car has been available since 2018 with a Mercedes-AMG-derived 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8 engine producing 503 hp. The car has a top speed of 195 mph and 0-62 mph takes 3.6 seconds. The new V12 will utilize a 5.2 liter, twin-turbocharged, 690 hp unit, the top speed will be 200 mph and 0-62 mph will take 3.4 seconds. Aston has now confirmed the car will be the last V12 Vantage to ever be produced. Prior to this model, Aston had been producing a V12 powered version of the previous generation Vantage, this was discontinued in 2018. While the previous version's V12 was a naturally aspirated unit, the 2022 car will be twin-turbocharged.
The car is described by Aston as a "Final Edition" rather than simply a Limited Edition, denoting the end of the road for the legendary V12 Vantage.
8 Supercar Beating Performance
Being the most powerful Vantage ever, 0-62 mph takes just 3.4 seconds, and the car has a top speed of 200 mph. However, power is not the only thing that contributes to a car's performance. To make sure the Vantage can extract the most from its engine, Aston has made several tweaks and refinements.
To improve handling in the corners, and consequently improve lap times, the car's track has been widened on both axles. Similarly, the car's suspension settings have also been fettled to ensure a flatter ride on a bend.
7 Rear-Wheel Drive
Adding to the fun, all of the car's power will be directed solely through the rear wheels. Not only does this arrangement save weight compared to an all-wheel-drive system, but means drivers need to keep their wits about them when driving hard.
21-inch alloy wheels clad in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires play an additional role in getting the power down. These tires have been specifically designed by Michelin as primarily road tires, but also to perform well for occasional track usage. Michelin states the Pilot Sports provide grip and stability right up to the limit, making them an ideal fitment.
6 Modified Body
The Vantage V12 makes extensive use of weight-saving carbon fiber in its construction. The custom front bumper, hood, front fenders, and side sills are all constructed of carbon fiber.
Aston claim this Vantage has a 20% improvement in power to weight ratio when compared to the V8 version. The V12 equates to 390 PS-per-ton. The car also makes use of composite materials such as in the rear bumper, and a lightweight 1 mm stainless-steel exhaust to achieve further weight reduction.
5 Modified Aerodynamics
Compared to the standard Vantage, the V12 receives a number of styling modifications. While many of these changes add to the aggressively sporty look, a large proportion has a positive effect on aerodynamics.
The car has an enhanced, full-width front splitter and a hood with scoops, helping to improve the car's downforce. To the rear, the car is fitted with a vast and imposing rear-mounted wing. This item alone contributes 204 kg of downforce at the car's top speed.
4 Mercedes Infotainment
The Vantage is fitted with an 8.0-inch infotainment screen located at the top of the car's center console. Frustratingly, there is no touch screen option, instead a touchpad and rotary dial are available.
Those who are familiar with Mercedes infotainment systems will immediately recognize similarities. The system is Mercedes-derived and is actually inferior to that found in their newest models. New Mercedes cars receive a larger 12.3-inch screen. It is slightly disappointing a top-of-the-range car such as the V12 Vantage is not available with this latest technology, but perhaps understandable given Aston's relatively small operation.
3 “Q” Customizable
Adding to the exclusivity, Aston Martin offers a bespoke personalization service named "Q by Aston Martin". Buyers of the V12 Vantage can opt to modify a number of features to their specifications. Customizable features include brake caliper color, wheel color, exterior graphics, and liveries. The exposed carbon can even be enhanced with optional tinted lacquers.
Similarly, the inside is equally customizable. There are a range of seat coverings available and even rotary dials can be color changed. Buyers can create a truly unique version of what is already a very exclusive car. The customization enables owners to feel special and enhances their ownership experience.
2 Limited Production Run
Part of the Final Edition's appeal is its exclusivity and rarity. To this extent, Aston Martin is producing just 333 examples of the V12 Vantage.
Given that this V12 is the ultimate version of the Vantage, it is of little surprise that Aston received unprecedented demand. All examples were sold prior to release, and there are many disappointed potential customers on the order books. At least this should mean residuals will remain strong for those lucky enough to secure one, although, most would look to keep hold of them.
1 Standard Carbon Ceramic Brakes
In order to handle the performance enhancements, beefed-up brakes are required. Aston has met this need with the standard fitment of a Carbon Ceramic Braking (CBB) system. 410 mm x 38 mm discs can be found at the front, complete with 6 piston calipers, smaller 360 mm x 32 mm discs with 4 piston calipers can be found on the rear.
In addition to the much-improved stopping power, the CBB system provides a 23 kg weight saving. Aston claims the brakes are fade-resistant up to 800 degrees, allowing for some hardcore track usage.