V12 Vantage last of a dying species

0 0 March 17, 2022 Edit this post

Say hello and goodbye to the last ever Aston Martin V12 Vantage.

With production of the V12 Vantage limited to just 333 examples worldwide, the final edition celebrates the end of an era in fitting style.

The ultimate expression of extreme performance and driver-focussed thrills, this remarkable machine mixes blistering straight-line performance and scintillating handling with spectacular looks and enviable exclusivity.

Demand for this future icon has been so great that all examples have been sold ahead of release and an oversubscribed register of interest waits eagerly in the wings.

The fastest and most powerful Vantage ever built, the engine develops 522kW of power at 6500 rpm and 753Nm of torque from 1800 to 6000 rpm.

It blasts from 0-100km/h in just 3.4 seconds and has a top speed of 322km/h.

Tuned to ensure the V12 Vantage has a voice to match its looks and performance, a new exhaust system is made from 1mm lightweight stainless steel, saving some 7.2kg in weight.

Power is fed through a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and mechanical limited-slip diff (LSD) mounted at the rear of the car.

A unique transmission calibration enhances shift speeds and driver interaction, drawing on data from the V12 Speedster and Vantage F1 Edition models.

The adaptive software is designed to gauge conditions along with the demands the driver is making, to ensure the car is in exactly the right gear providing a truly connected driving experience.

A new adaptive damping suspension system includes new anti-roll bars, bushes, spring and damper assemblies.

Spring rates have been increased by 50 per cent at the front and 40 per cent at the rear, combined with 13 per cent stiffer top mounts and new anti-roll bars that are 5 per cent stiffer 41 per cent softer front and back.

To maintain comfort, a secondary tender spring has been introduced to the rear.

This provides a lower spring rate than the main spring providing enhanced ride comfort without affecting dynamic performance.

Body stiffness is boosted with additional front and rear sheer panels, a rear suspension tower strut brace and fuel tank bracing, increasing body stiffness 8 per cent and lateral stiffness 6.7 per cent. A new steering calibration improves steering feel and delivers a sharper response.

Carbon ceramic brakes are standard, with 410mm x 38mm discs and 6-piston calipers front 360mm x 32mm discs with 4-piston calipers rear.

Offering increased braking performance and significant reduction in un-sprung mass, the discs maintain consistent braking performance at high temperatures.

Completing the package are a choice of two new 21-inch alloy designs, in satin black or satin black diamond turned, plus an optional lightweight option available in Satin Black which saves a further 8kg.

High performance Michelin Pilot 4S rubber are fitted – 275/35 R21 front and 315/30 R21 at the rear.

To accommodate a wider track, larger wheels and tyres, the bodywork widened 40mm, with extensive use of carbon fibre.

Completing this nose-to-tail transformation is a dramatic rear wing which contributes to a maximum downforce of 204kg at top speed.

The centre piece of this new design is the lightweight centre mounted, twin tailpipe, exhaust system.

Maximising the driving experience and V12 soundtrack, the car comes with an open rear load space with the new rear suspension strut brace on display.

Further enhancing the dramatic styling both inside and out, every V12 Vantage can be individually tailored through the marque’s bespoke personalisation service -- Q by Aston Martin.

No mention of price, but it's irrelevant really.