Yes folks, after fifteen wonderful years this fabulous Aston Martin Vantage is the last of the line. Fitting then that it should come with a mighty V12 engine and all the trimmings. Noted for being the most compact and driver-focused model in the Aston Martin range, this iconic sports car is the fastest, fiercest and most dynamically accomplished ever in this model variant and it comes as a coupé too. Production is, we learn, strictly limited to 333 examples globally and this final edition celebrates the end of an epic era in fitting style.
On The Outside
Spectacular from any angle, when viewed from the front that the V12 Vantage is at its most dramatic. Perfectly complimenting a new front bumper design, a full width front splitter generates additional downforce and aerodynamic balance as well as perfecting the ground-skimming stance. 21” alloy wheels complete the look.
To provide increased air flow through the engine cooling radiators the front grille is 25% larger. In addition, a distinct ‘horse shoe’ design engine vent has been integrated into the bonnet, enhancing cooling. The assertive design continues along the side profile with a new sculpted single-piece sill.
At the rear a new and unique bumper with integrated diffuser maintains aerodynamic balance from front to rear. The centre piece of this new design is the lightweight centre mounted, twin tailpipe, exhaust system. Completing this nose-to-tail transformation is a dramatic rear wing which contributes to a maximum downforce of 204kg at top speed and further enhances the V12 Vantage’s unmistakable visual impact. For a more subtle styling with a sleeker silhouette, the option to delete the rear wing is available, although we are unsure why anyone would do such a thing. In either configuration, extensive work to the underbody ensures aerodynamic balance is maintained, delivering high speed stability and ultimate performance.
On The Inside
Moving to the interior, the V12 Vantage retains the instantly recognisable layout of the current model with a Sports Plus Seat trimmed in full semi-aniline leather featuring ‘Wings’ quilt and perforation pattern as standard. There is also a new weight-saving carbon fibre performance seat with exposed twill carbon fibre shell and manual 6-way adjustment available as an option, offering a supportive seat design for those enhanced driving dynamics and a distinct design character.
Striking exterior graphics and liveries are available to select in a range of colourways, as well as a selection of coloured brake callipers and painted wheel finishes. Options are equally distinctive inside the car. Woven leather or Alcantara seat inserts, trim inlays and the anodised rotary dials found in the centre console can be coloured in a way to match or contrast with the exterior body or graphic colour, providing a more subtle injection of colour inside the cabin. With so many design combinations available, it would not be a surprise to see that no two cars are the same. Needless to say all the very latest in safety and infotainment come as standard.
On The Road
It’s an Aston Martin so buyers kind of know what to expect. As ever, the engine is the heart of final Vantage. Developing an astonishing 692bhp (700PS) at 6500 rpm and 753Nm of torque from just 1800rpm to 6000rpm, the quad-cam 5.2 litre V12 offers an intoxicating combination of magnificent low and mid-range muscularity with searing top-end power. With a top speed of 200mph, V12 Vantage reaches to 0-60 in just 3.4 seconds. Thanks to the propulsive efforts of this magnificent power-plant and extensive use of weight-saving materials throughout the car, the V12 Vantage has a power-to-weight ratio of 390PS-per-ton; an increase of more than 20% compared to the V8 powered Vantage.
These 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 exhaust system. Tuned to ensure the V12 Vantage has a voice to match its looks and performance, this new exhaust system is made from lightweight 1mm stainless-steel, saving some 7.2kg compared with the system fitted to the previous Vantage.
All this lovely power is fed through a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and mechanical Limited-Slip Differential mounted at the rear of the car. The V12 Vantage receives a unique transmission calibration to enhance shift speeds and driver interaction. This specially calibrated software delivers a level of shift refinement and usability which is beyond that previously seen on dual clutch gearboxes. The transmission’s adaptive software is designed to gauge the conditions the car is operating in, along with the demands the driver is making, to ensure the car is in exactly the right gear at the right time providing a truly focussed driving experience.
Like its celebrated forebears the new V12 Vantage majors on delivering a dynamic driving experience that compliments its unmistakable engine performance and character, while ensuring the driver truly remains at the centre of the driving experience. To achieve this, the car is equipped with a new adaptive damping suspension system including new anti-roll bars, bushes, and spring and damper assemblies. Carbon ceramic brakes come as standard you’ll be pleased to note.
Find out more about the last of the legendary Aston Martin series and the previous variant by getting in touch with here at MHH to find out about availability and importing this sports car from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand and other global destinations.
